The weather was nearly perfect for the graduates of East Haven High School’s Class of 2011 as they celebrated the end of one chapter of their lives and prepared for the next.

Friends and family gathered at Crisafi Field on June 28, on the bleachers and in chairs on the field, to watch the graduates take their diplomas.

Class President Brittany Douglas addressed the graduates, reminding them about how much they learned during their high school years and how much more they have yet to learn and do.

“We’ve learned life lessons here,” said Douglas. “We still have a lot more to learn and experience.”

Superintendent of Schools Anthony Serio told the graduates he hoped the day signified a new beginning for them as they “move into the real world.” Serio advised them to “set your goals high and stretch yourself to meet those goals.”

Also offering advice to the graduates was Mayor April Capone, who said the class of 2011 was born the year she graduated from high school.

“I know what you can expect over the next 18 years,” she said.

Capone advised the graduates to appreciate what they have, take care of their “stuff” – including the people in their lives – and to listen to their parents.

“Pay attention to what they say and what they do,” she said.

Valedictorian Andrew Schneer said that what separates humans from other animals is their brains, and “without our desire for knowledge, our brains would be useless. We should be grateful to use our brains to our full potential,” he said.

Schneer noted how people in other countries are not allowed that privilege.

Salutatorian Nicholas DeFilippo advised his fellow graduates to “continue to move forward, even if you fail.”

Just before they received their diplomas, the graduates were reminded of how successful they were in arriving at graduation day. Principal Stephen Anderson congratulated them on “a job well done.”

For additional photos from the graduation ceremony, see the photo gallery to the right.