Music, advice, laughs and tears all ushered the Waterville Class of 2024 out into the world for what comes next.
The 150th commencement class at Waterville Central School followed the first 149 with some traditions and stamped Saturday’s graduation with their own mark.
Of all the people quoted during the 90- minute ceremony, Taylor Swift led with three times.
After the procession, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and alma mater, Principal Jennifer Dainotto welcomed everyone and introduced the graduating class she called inclusive, intelligent and determined.
She recognized their Senior class advisors and gave thanks to the school’s FFA program for growing the flowers on the Auditorium stage, and the WCS Foundation for the Senior signs around the bus circle.
She told the class they should continue to make a difference every day, and they had no reason to be afraid of all that comes next.
Graduate Logan Baker, in his role as class president, talked about the slow start they had for high school, with the pandemic regulations finally easing in the spring of their sophomore year to become the first class to graduate as Eagles.
Hanley Poyer, salutatorian, cued the music during her speech, with the help of sound engineer Rich Bloomquist.
First up, Toto’s Africa, with its advice of ‘gonna take some time do the things we never had.’
Poyer said for a class of 44 students that fits comfortably on a school bus, it was time to get uncomfortable and learn from people with different perspectives.
Harry Styles provided the next music, from Matilda. “You don’t have to be sorry for leaving and growing up, You can see the world.’’
Poyer also referenced the pandemic regulations of learning from home, wearing masks and ...