'It's about time!': Waterford grads celebrate change
Waterford — Shouts of "That's my baby!", "It's about time!" and even one of "I was worried!" rang out in the Waterford High School auditorium Friday night during the school's 53rd commencement.
Graduates and their guests filled nearly every seat in the auditorium, after school officials moved the ceremony inside due to heavy rain for most of the day. Despite the gray weather, moods were bright before the commencement began and only became brighter as it proceeded.
Principal Andre Hauser announced at the beginning of the ceremony that a new tradition had begun, and asked all 10 graduates who will be joining the military to come to the front of the stage to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
First Selectman Dan Steward discussed adaptability in his class greeting, with a focus on how changes in the world will affect graduates in the near future.
"Changes are a part of life," he said. "The more you are able to adapt to changes, the better life will be."
Salutatorian Emily Johnson said the past four years were largely spent following a set routine each day in high school and that the future may seem daunting going forward. She said despite that, she hopes everyone will make a positive difference in someone's life.
"Remember where you're from when times get scary," she said.
Valedictorian Kayla Mathiowetz continued the theme of change and said changing one's mind is vital to success.
"Follow the voice in the back of your head to change your mind," Mathiowetz said. "... If you don't contradict yourself on a regular basis, you're not thinking ... When you're open to changing your mind, your view of the world changes."
In Principal Hauser's final address to the graduates, he said the Class of 2017 was the first to spend all four years in the high school since the construction of its new building in 2013. His last well wishes were simple.
"We will miss you all."
Stories that may interest you

In the Galleries: New Lyman Allyn exhibit explores Mystic’s iconic seaside identity
Now open to the public, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum’s exhibition “Picturing Mystic: Views of the Connecticut Shoreline, 1890-1950,” focuses on artistic depictions of the historic waterfronts and landscapes of Mystic, Noank and Stonington.
Summer Sounds concert series returns to Mystic River Park
The Noank-Mystic Community Band will host the 25th annual Summer Sounds concert series on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. from June 7 to Aug. 9.

Let's Go: Bruce Katz puts blues keyboards to the test
Legendary keyboardist Bruce Katz takes the stage of the Donald L. Oat Theater with his band on Wednesday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m. as the Norwich Arts Center’s Blues on Broadway series continues to bring national and international artists to eastern Connecticut.

Nature Notes: Stonington Garden Club tour offers many new features
If you enjoy gardening and have ever wondered what landscaped secrets lie behind the many walls that border people’s homes in the historic Borough of Stonington, mark your calendars.
READER COMMENTS