Alexander Lee

News Editor

It was a beautiful Friday afternoon when WA’s class of 2011 entered the school for their last official time.

As the bustling parents and family members grew with anticipation, the customary playing of the sentimental “Pomp and Circumstance” began.

Headed by Principal James Antonelli, Dean Bob Ware, Vice Principal Adam Goldberg, and Dean Michael Parent, following other school faculty, the Class of 2011 marched down the aisle prestigiously.

Once all the students sat, the ceremony commenced. Principal James Antonelli gave opening remarks, in which he recited a poem written by graduating senior John Manning. In the poem, a mother waits for her child coming home from school every day. Antonelli also added Manning’s conclusion to the original poem. In it, the mother  no longer needs to wait for her child because she is all grown up.

The conclusion of the poem focused on the genuine appreciation that each child has for their parents who have stood by them in the good times and in the bad times.

After this, Salutatorian Hannah Wang and Valedictorian Elizabeth Britton were introduced. Wang was described as “curious” and making “hard things look easy”, while Britton was described as “an all star in academics, arts, and music”.

Next, 2011 class officers Christie Basinas (President), Isabella Chen (Vice-President), Elissa Chao (Treasurer), and Ashley O’Neil (secretary), presented gifts for 2011′s class advisors Sean O’Leary and Kristen Stamp.

After this, Westford Academy’s Alma Mater was sung by the WA Honors Choir, directed by Karen St. George.

Jillian Furcillo then gave her much anticipated class speech. In it, Furcillo described how when her father passed away, she turned to WA for comfort. She stated that “I really will miss this place”.

Following Furcillo’s speech, George Fletch, WA’s board of trustees presenter, gave out “The Most Worthy Representative Award” to one boy and one girl of each grade.

Finally, the moment that everyone was anticipating arrived: the presentation of diplomas. As each graduating student’s name was called out and cheers, including those from foghorns, resounded across the football field, a sincere sense of accomplishment could be seen in each graduate’s face. The Westford School Committee which included Arthur Benoit, Judith Culver, Angela Harkness, David Keele, Erka Kohl, Margaret Murray, and Kenneth Teal handed out the coveted diplomas.

Once every graduate had been recognized, the customary flying of hats took place. The audience stood in wonderful awe as they saw the graduating caps soaring through the air and heard cheers bursting through their ears.

Following the presentation of diplomas, the class song was played, a mashup of “The Rainbow Connection”, “Sweet Caroline”, and “Don’t Stop Believing”. John Manning headed the singing while other members of the class of 2011 played the music. His heartfelt rendition reflected the same passion that was evident in his poems recited earlier. Standing there, listening to the music, and feeling the chill of the refreshing summer breeze, students could truly reflect over their entire high school experiences.

Christina Basinas gave the closing remarks of the ceremony. In her speech she spoke about the importance of hard work and perseverance.

The proud parents,  the impressed faculty, the speeches, the diplomas: the 2011 graduation encompassed everything that a high school graduation aspires to be.

View Westford Academy Class of 2011 Destinations in a larger map