Class of 2013 co-presidents Emma West and Heather Giguere shared the podium, recalling the past year’s athletic and academic achievements. They expressed appreciation for the dedication from the school staff.
Northampton High School's Co-Presidents Heather Giguere, left, and Emma West address those attending the school's 147th Commencement at John M. Greene Hall, Sunday She said the school’s excellence stems from a curriculum that includes study of the visual and performing arts.
“Each is a component of the whole,” Todhunter said.
A history teacher, Todhunter also invoked 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant to encourage the necessity of approaching issues and looking at the world “from all the angles.”
“’Dare to know,’” she said. “Have the courage to think for ourselves.”
She concluded by saying: “Keep climbing trees – congratulations class of 2013, love you!”
Class of 2013 co-presidents Emma West and Heather Giguere shared the podium, recalling the past year’s athletic and academic achievements. They expressed appreciation for the dedication from the school staff.
“Before you take off too quickly, put one foot in front of the other,” West said. “Leave the world better and stronger than when we arrived.”
School principal Nancy Athas reminded the audience she is in her 37th year, and also commented on the weather.
“Thank you for believing in me,” she said.
She said characterized the conditions as "this horrible hot day.”
Athas discussed a tale about good and evil involving a wise old wolf sharing a story with a young wolf.
At the end of the story, the young wolf wanted to know if the good wolf or the evil wolf prevailed.
“The one you feed” determines which choice become dominant, Athas said.
Senior Alessandria Schumacher spoke about “This is not the Destination” and Asher Gryska and Elijah Lucey delivered a speech titled “Just a Speech.”