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Ridgefield High Celebrates A Century Of Commencements With Class Of 2016

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — Ridgefield High School celebrated two milestones on Friday. Not only did it welcome over 400 graduates to the alumni fold, the school also marked its 100th commencement exercise.

Stundents line up in black and orange for the Ridgefield High graduation Friday at Western Connecticut State University.

Stundents line up in black and orange for the Ridgefield High graduation Friday at Western Connecticut State University.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Ridgefield High celebrates its 100th commencement.

Ridgefield High celebrates its 100th commencement.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A few decorated mortarboards

A few decorated mortarboards

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Following along in the program at the Ridgefield High graduation Friday.

Following along in the program at the Ridgefield High graduation Friday.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Faculty speaker Judy Silver offers up a late pass “for those who need one," reminding the students of all they are leaving behind.

Faculty speaker Judy Silver offers up a late pass “for those who need one," reminding the students of all they are leaving behind.

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Another decorated mortarboard

Another decorated mortarboard

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A musical moment

A musical moment

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A few more decorated mortarboards

A few more decorated mortarboards

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A proud Ridgefield High graduate

A proud Ridgefield High graduate

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A happy Ridgefield High graduate

A happy Ridgefield High graduate

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A Ridgefield High graduate gets her diploma

A Ridgefield High graduate gets her diploma

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Marching into the future, diploma in hand at the Ridgefield High graduation

Marching into the future, diploma in hand at the Ridgefield High graduation

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
Another happy Ridgefield High graduate

Another happy Ridgefield High graduate

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A proud Ridgefield High graduate

A proud Ridgefield High graduate

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A celebration of success by a Ridgefield High graduate

A celebration of success by a Ridgefield High graduate

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A happy graduate

A happy graduate

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A smiling graduate

A smiling graduate

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris
A proud graduate

A proud graduate

Photo Credit: Nicole Kasseris

The graduation began as the Class of 2016 marched into the O’Neill Center, and opened with a bagpipe processional by Terrence Shay. That was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem performed by the Graduation Choir. A welcome was given by Principal Stacey Gross.

“100 means a lot. This is Ridgefield High’s 100th commencement. 100 also means we’ve given 100 percent and your 100 percent is truly impressive,” said Gross.

She was followed by Class President John Diorio and the class speaker’s address by Emma Hergenrother.

In her speech, Hergenrother shared memories of her high school experiences, saying it twas certainly nothing like Disney’s "High School Musical" and had included some “pesky” English papers along the way. “We are a collection of our shared experiences, good and bad,” she said.

The musical interlude, performed by the graduation choir, was the song “It’s Time,” from Imagine Dragons.

Siqiao Mu gave the valedictorian speech, and Judy Silver gave the faculty speaker’s address. “Today, for those who need one, I brought late passes,” she said holding up one. 

“As of today, you’ve survived something scarier – high school,” said Silver.

Ridgefield Superintendent Karen Baldwin gave the class acceptance and in her speech talked about gifts versus choices. “The promise of a great future lies ahead of you,” Baldwin said, offering the students some inspiration for their futures. “It is not too late to be who you might have been."

Fran Walton, along with other staff members of the Ridgefield High community, awarded the students with their diplomas. The students ended their evening with turning of the tassels and becoming Ridgefield High School graduates.

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