Class of 2012 graduates on ‘perfect spring evening’
Fresh graduate Scot Broadbent bursts off the stage. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)
At precisely 5:30 p.m. on June 1, the 106 members of the Class of 2012 processed from Hildreth Elementary School across Massachusetts Avenue, between the stone pillars decked with bouquets, and over the field to take their seats as the 133rd class to graduate from the Bromfield School. They walked in slow-step to the somber but inspiring “One Day” by reggae artist Matisyahu: “One day we’ll all be free/ and proud to be/ under the same sun.”
Despite cool temperatures and a chilly breeze, flowers proclaimed the springtime. Graduating boys wore white carnations on their blue robes. The girls, in white robes, carried yellow roses. Lush bouquets of peonies, iris, and dogwood—a gift to the graduates from the Garden Club—decorated the seating area and the podium.
—Erin Molinaro, valedictorian
While parents, grandparents, siblings, and neighbors sat in the audience, other students and friends stood watching on the periphery. In the background, community life went on: A foursome of girls with lacrosse sticks dashed by at top speed. A tiny, fluffy white dog gingerly approached a pair of lolling brown labs. Barelegged children ran races and did handstands. None of this disturbed the ceremony, but only added to the festive air.
With the sun still visible through thin clouds, the threat of rain receded. Bromfield Principal Jim O’Shea declared it a “nearly perfect spring evening” as he welcomed the graduates and guests.
O’Shea praised the graduates’ many accomplishments during their years at Bromfield. But the class was most remarkable, he said, for their unity and support of one another. He called their legacy an impressive one and said that the community is the better for their presence.
Keynote speaker Steve Besold.
The evening’s keynote speaker, veteran social studies teacher Stephen Besold, poked gentle fun at these “106 members of the Occupy Bromfield movement” with some pointed references to their punctuality. Then, shifting to a more serious note, he called them responsible, humble, and modest, with a commitment to helping those less fortunate than themselves.
It was clear that class member Jessie Peterson, who died in an accident in 2009, was in the thoughts of many throughout the graduation. A yellow balloon marked an empty chair in her memory. A yellow rose—like the ones carried by each graduating girl—lay on the seat. Her father, Eric Peterson, presented a scholarship in Jessie’s name. And speaker Besold said that he was most impressed by the Class of 2012’s determination to “keep Jessie’s spirit alive.”
O’Shea honored three retiring teachers: math teacher Dennis DeGara, social studies teacher Karen Deneen, and fifth-grade teacher Terry Monette. He noted that the three educators’ careers totaled more than 80 years of experience.
Members of the graduating class sing “Teach Your Children” by Graham Nash. From left: Katie House, Anna Hadorn, and Stephanie Shea.
Salutatorian Bernadette Stadler reminded the audience of the class’s shared memories, saying it was “a hard time not to be nostalgic.”
Erin Molinaro, valedictorian, celebrated the class’s many achievements. It was no accident, she noted, that the class gift to the school had been a trophy case. Among the most important of the achievements, she said, was that at Bromfield they had “learned how to learn.”
“I hope the world is ready for the Class of 2012,” she concluded, “because here we come!”
Many of the class members earned awards or scholarships, which were presented by representatives of the sponsoring families or organizations.
Principal O’Shea then read out the name of each graduating senior. School Committee chairman SusanMary Redinger and interim Superintendent Joseph Connelly handed out the diplomas one by one.
After brief closing remarks from the principal, a cheer went up, and many blue and white mortarboards flew into the air.The Class of 2012 marched out while “You Make My Dreams Come True” boomed from the loudspeakers. Graduates scattered to find families and friends, and, from several huddled groups, the smoke of traditional cigars rose in the chilly air.
Graduation Photos
Members of the Class of 2012 Graduation Awards and Scholarships
Bromfield Awards Night
