Somerville High School held its 129th commencement on June 22, 2017.
SOMERVILLE - Somerville High School held its 129th commencement on Thursday afternoon.
Class of 2017 Salutatorian Courtney Johnson reflected on how becoming a waitress in her freshman year to earn money for college provided her with an experience that cannot be reduced to a line on an application.
The job challenged her to overcome her shyness, throwing away "scripted" responses, and allowing her to become more confident.
"We should seek opportunities to meet your goals and to challenge us," Johnson said, telling her 290 fellow classmates to not "begrudge opportunities that challenge you."
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Johnson said over senior year she and fellow students have made lists that reflect their high school experiences, reminding her classmates these lists do not define them.
Superintendent Dr. Timothy Purnell, who leaves the district to become executive director of the American Montessori Society, challenged students to defeat the criticism and negativity prevalent in society, and to celebrate diversity.
"We don't need more of the devil's advocate," Purnell said. "We have enough of that."
Rebecca Dry, salutatorian for Somerville Liberal Arts Academy, talked about her grandfather, John, who passed away earlier in June and was a graduate of Somerville High School, like her mother and sister.
She spoke about how he met his wife, Beverly, while setting up the Somerset County 4-H Fair, where she was handing out glasses of lemonade to workers. He kept coming back for more just to keep speaking to her, Dry said.
"Never be afraid to take chances or that fifth glass of lemonade," she said.
Joshua Clarkson, valedictorian for the Somerville Liberal Arts Academy, explained the purpose of education is to help broaden horizons. "After 20 years, it will be the personal discoveries and connections that will matter most," Clarkson said, rather than grade point averages.
Valedictorian Megan Flynn said high school taught her change can have a positive impact on a person's life, no matter what that change is.
"Your high school graduation is your greatest education attainment to date," Principal Gerard T. Foley reminded the graduates.