The Class of 2015 began the next chapter of their lives on June 7th when they graduated on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Mount Holyoke College’s Gettell Amphitheater.

High school principal Diana Bonneville presented awards, and Superintendent of Schools Nicholas Young issued diplomas. Student council president Cole Pettengill was one of a handful of student speakers who addressed the audience.

Pettengill said he has spent more than 15,000 hours in school, and urged the members of his class to use their time wisely.

The ceremony began with the concert band’s performance of “Pomp and Circumstance,” directed by Beth Ayn Curtis. This was followed by the Vocal Roar’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” The ceremony featured a valedictorian address by Jessica Casolari, and the co-salutatorian address by Courtney Guertin.

English teacher Kristin Hamilton said the seniors are great leaders, adding “I miss them already. They were a spirited group and were very supportive of one another.” Hamilton said in particular she will miss eating donuts with them during “essay days.” Hamilton noted that she will miss her students’ sense of humor, and the way they always kept her on her toes.

Class advisers Karen Geraghty and Paula Lonergan helped organize the graduation ceremony. “I think it went seamlessly,” said Geraghty. “It was beautiful, the students, the weather, everything about it.”

Members of the class all wore teal ribbons on their gowns in honor of late classmate Lynn Sperry, who died of cancer during her junior year.

Math teacher Michelle Bussiere agreed the ceremony was successful.

“It went smoothly, was well organized, and the students were reasonably behaved,” she said.

After the valedictorian and co-salutatorian addresses, Vocal Roar sang “May the Lord Bless You and Keep You.”

For students, one of the ceremony’s highlights was when graduates took “selfie” photographs with Bonneville while walking across the stage.

English teacher Tina Daponde said that she was glad to see the students begin the next phase of their lives.

Hoagland may be reached at [email protected].

Wright may be reached at [email protected].