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RFH 2010, HCS News

HCS Class of 2011 Becomes Alumni

Sat, Jun 25, 2011

HCS awarded diplomas this afternoon and celebrated the accomplishments of some "hard workers, kind people and classy kids."

HCS Class of 2011 Becomes Alumni

It was a day and a ceremony that bore out what HCS Superintendent Dr. Diana Bowers said in her opening remarks as emcee:

"You have much to celebrate. You are hard workers, kind people and classy kids."

The 113th HCS commencement this afternoon celebrated the many accomplishments of the 49 graduates who received their diplomas and the congratulations of a standing-room-only crowd in the auditorium. The ceremony also showcased the musical talents of numerous seniors and the handing out of 38 awards.

Fifth grade teacher and boys soccer coach Brian Latella was the keynote speaker. He urged the graduates to do three things throughout life that they would do much of today: say thanks, listen well and give compliments to others.

Latella said the graduates who live in Hamilton come from "a unique place, a place that has answered a lot of your wishes," and for that they need to say thanks. He also told the students who he had as sixth graders to listen to others, especially when they suggest the graduates take risks.

"Sometimes you've just got to take your foot of first base," he said.

He also told the graduates to pay attention when people tell them to call their mothers.

Also taking the podium were:

  • School Board President Bob Pils (in photo) who told graduates to be lifelong learners and volunteer in their communities where they live;
  • Valedictorian Dan Jacobs;
  • Salutatorian John Adrzejek;
  • and Senior Class President Joe Murphy.

As is HCS tradition, commencement also was a time to show off the musical talents of some of the seniors. Tara Rebuck and Meagan Van Auken (field hockey teammates this season) performed a saxophone duet. Alisa Babcock, Charlisa Todd and Sara Whyatt sang Fleetwood Mac's Landslide, accompanied by a fellow senior Nicole Kinne and Jacob Whitney.

The opening trumpet fanfare was performed by Sarah Foster, Steve Dunckel and Sebastian Pendleton-Witherspoon. Babcock and Todd sang the National Anthem and Dana Bowers and Kayla Landis led the audience in the singing of the alma mater.

Marshals were Max LaBrague, John Valencia, Katherine Keever and Dana Bowers.

This year's class advisers were Debra Curtis and Marion Haskins.

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