NSHS Sends Off “Kind, Caring” Class of 2012

By Danny Teich

Newton South said goodbye to a group of graduating seniors that principal Joel Stembridge said would be remembered as a “kind and caring group” at the field house Thursday evening.

Stembridge addressed this year’s graduating seniors with a message about how they would spend their years to come, and his best wishes to all for their futures. “I encourage you to consciously and purposely find joy in everything,” Stembridge said. “We are saying good luck, but not goodbye, and we will always be here for you.”

Senior Skylar Krug gave the valedictory address, in which she compared high school to “one big strep test.”

Krug said high school often seemed like something to be endured, like a strep test, but that it ultimately helped her to grow up.

“I understand now that it’s about the minutes you don’t count, the minutes in which you’re learning more from the people around you than the information in front of you,” she said.

Claire Sokoloff, the chairman of the school committee, also gave her input on stage.

“From kindergarten forward, parents have commented on how kind, caring, and generally delightful you are,” Sokoloff said. Sokoloff concluded her speech with a quote from Friday Night Lights: “Clear eyes, full hearts. Congratulations to you all.”

Mayor Setti Warren took his opportunity on stage to briefly discuss the story of how his parents struggled to move to Newton to ensure that they could pass along to him the best possible opportunities. Warren then proceeded to address the seniors and the difficulties and tests they would be put through in life. He urged the graduating class to be active
parts of society.

“Remember this day and the values that made this community what it is,” Warren said. “Make the choice to engage and be part of the solution.”

Superintendent David Fleishman told class of 2012 that they were soon going to have more freedom with their time. Fleishman told the college-bound seniors that they may no longer have to take classes five days a week, or wake up at 6:30 AM every day. He talked about the importance of using part of that time to give back to their community.

“Many of you will take this opportunity to make a difference for others,” Fleishman said,
stressing the importance of donating time to give back to the community.

Brian Yates, a Newton alderman and Newton South class of 1967 alumni, also contributed his hopes and wishes for the class of 2012 to prosper.

“Learn how to make a living, and learn how to make living worthwhile,” Yates said. “Live long  and prosper.”

The ceremony, which lasted just under two hours, also featured a rare tie for the female Senior Cup between Lauren Ashbrook and Ridita Arefin. Adam Goldstein took home the male Cup, while Jaclyn Freshman won the Phi Beta Kappa honor for having the highest grade point average.

World language teacher Viviana Planine and history teacher Rachael McNally won excellence in teaching awards.