Dedham High School Graduates the Class of 2014 …

 On what turned out to be the most beautiful day of the year thus far, over 200 young men and women lined up in the gym at Dedham High School for what would be their “last time together.”

 Outside, as the band began to play, the maroon and white clad seniors marched slowly on to the sun-drenched field, led by Assistant Principals James Forrest and John Murray. The applause from family, friends and well-wishers in the stands turned thunderous.

 For what seemed like an eternity to them we`re sure, the group stood in single formation on the far side of the Veterans Memorial Field at Stone Park (DHS) and paused to take this all in. In front of them were their parents and family, their teachers and friends, administrators and elected officials, a section of empty seats, a table laden with diplomas, and most importantly, their future.

 Alphabetically, the 2014 graduating senior class of Dedham High School took their seats.

 Hours earlier, cars began arriving at the school, with parents dropping off their sons and daughters to prepare for this crowning moment. As the students gathered in the gym, there was a wide range of emotions on display. There were hugs and tears, smiles and laughter, small groups of close friends, along with large clusters of students beaming with excitement. More than anything however, there were “pictures.” From “selfies” to couples, small groups to large, it seemed that everyone in the room was either posing or snapping away, clutching on to these final moments.

 Dedham High School Principal, Ron McCarthy, opened the afternoon`s festivities, thanking all those in our military and reminding the crowd of the “power of words.” McCarthy told his graduating seniors to “always focus on people`s talents and best qualities as they continue to learn and grow.”

 First up to address the crowd was DHS`14 Class President Marianne Hage. As she looked around the field, Marianne stated that she “still feels the same as she did in 6th grade.” She went on to say “how fast this (graduating from high school) happened, and that she still remembers her first freshman English essay.” “Every year I would make all of my teachers sign my yearbook, so that I would remember them – now, standing here as a senior, I realize that I`ll never forget them!”

 Next to the podium was Superintendent of Schools, June Doe. The retiring Administrator surveyed the crowd herself for a moment, taking stock of her final DHS graduation ceremony, before letting the students know “how proud she was of all of them” and thanked them for “all they had done – good luck.”

 Principal McCarthy returned to the microphone and asked the gathering to please acknowledge “everything Superintendent Doe had accomplished for our Town and our students during her tenure, more than any other Superintendent in the State!”

 Dedham`s beloved author/illustrator, Peter Reynolds, was this year`s guest speaker. During his commencement address, Reynolds told the seniors to “discover what you love and to love what you do.” He shared his personal experiences and accomplishments with the group, before “wishing them all luck on the long journey that lies ahead.”

 DHS Valedictorian, Ryan Edward Turner, lightened the mood, as he told his classmates to “always be nice, remember to say please and thank you, don`t forget to brush” and a laundry list of other important things to remember. The audience loved him!

 Salutatorian, Matthew James Naddaff, then told the crowd that “we have yet to show the world what we are made of.”

 As School Committee chairperson, Jen Barsamian joined Superintendent Doe on the stage, the DHS seniors rose to receive their recognition and their diplomas. One by one, each young man and woman had their “moment in the sun” and were congratulated by the DHS staff  - including class advisors Kristine Holloran and Alison Reilley, Steve Traister, Jeff Bolduc, Marge Bohan, John LaFlamme, Jo-Anne McCormick, Linda Kobierski, Andrew Morton and Amy Muldoon.

 State Representative Paul McMurtry, Assistant Superintendent Cynthia Kelly, Michael LaFrancesca, Kathy Gaudreau, and Don Langenhorst were there to congratulate the graduates as Technology Teacher Dan Rouse kept the event rolling along at a perfect pace. Town Clerk Paul Munchbach and Parks and Recreation Director Bob Stanley, just to name a few, were on hand with other school teachers and Principals to show their support.

 Moments later, the center of the football field was awash in a sea of maroon and white, as graduation caps were hurled in to the air!

 Our Congratulations and Best Wishes are extended to all…

Story and photos by: Joe Kilroy