School: New London High School

Number of graduates: 208

Ceremony location: Cannamela Field at the New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus

Date: June 21, 2022

School identity: New London High School, also known as the Multi-Magnet Secondary School, enrolls approximately 1,500 students in grades 6-12. The school has three magnet pathways focused on International Education, STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — and Arts.  

Student Speakers: Senior Class President Kayleen Hammett and valedictorian Mary Lembree

Hammett: “On the first week of freshman year, Miss McNichol told my class to enjoy every second of high school because it is some of our last easy years and it flies by. Well she was right about it flying by but little did she know we were about to go through a major pandemic. These past four years were some of the hardest for me. From being in the foster system to living through a pandemic to becoming a teen mom. But I’ll admit writing this speech was so much harder than that. It is when I realized that my life is now in my own hands. No more teachers nagging at us to turn in work or administration pushing for us to be in class or on time and no more NLHS spirit weeks and pep rallies.”

Lembree: “As a class, we’ve accomplished a lot. We were pioneers with distance learning, figuring out new digital platforms that never worked and social distancing protocols. Facing these new issues, we managed to not only continue our schooling like never before, but we stand here today graduating. But above all, I think the best accomplishment of the Class of 2022 is that we’re all just good people. I can confidently say that our class is one of the kindest classes that has been in our halls.”

"You might be chuckling to yourself and not believe me, but you have to think back to those little things we have all done for each other. If you ever need any help, you can always rely on someone to be there for you, whether they help you carry your bags or give you a piece of their cookie, you can guarantee that someone in our class will step up and help. I take pride in the fact that our class will accept you no matter who you are or the little quirks you have. And as someone who’s two favorite pastimes are watching anime and factoring polynomials, I really appreciate it."

New London Education Foundation President Valerie Tamano: "Today, as in 1952 when New London High School first came into existence, our students come from all walks of life. They come from other countries, speak many languages, have different customs, holidays, traditions and beliefs. But it is this diversity that continues to be one of New London High School’s greatest strengths. NLHS is a microcosm of the world you will be entering."

Photo gallery

For a gallery of more photos from the ceremony, click here.