Graduates, as I begin today and before I pay tribute to you, I want to thank our Wilton parents for the trust that you have placed in us throughout your graduate’s journey to this stage today. I recognize you as invaluable partners united with us in the shared goal of providing an optimal educational experience to our students.
I extend a special shout out to Sue Robbins and all of our exceptional PTSA parents and all the parents who helped set up this beautiful stage here today. They were working here very early in the morning. I thank you for your profound support and all that we accomplish here together.
Parents, you have steadfastly supported these young adults — and yes, I know that’s humbling to hear them described that way. You have guided them through challenging academics, myriad activities, endless rehearsals, demanding practices and through both rewarding successes and valuable failures. I am certain there were moments, especially between March 2020 and sometime in 2022, when you may have wondered if your children would be okay, if they would be academically and socially prepared for college and life. Well, guess what? The Class of 2025, has not just arrived — they are flourishing.
Wilton High School is, at its heart, an academics-first institution. And this Class of 2025 is unequivocally characterized by remarkable achievement. Graduates, you are departing Wilton High School as one of the highest-achieving classes in the
history of this school! You achieved number one in the state of Connecticut in English, number one in Science, and number three in Math. Furthermore, your performance on Advanced Placement exams was the highest in school history.
But it is not all about test scores. Speaking of flourishing as a class graduates, you are also ranked number one in the entire state of Connecticut Next Generation Accountability ratings. These ratings encompass achievement, academic growth, college and career readiness, post-secondary entrance, physical fitness and the arts. They tell the complete story of how exceptionally well a school prepares its students for success in college careers and life. Graduates, each and every one of you has contributed to these incredible achievements, and you have resoundingly proven that you are more than ready for college and careers in life. As I often say, in the Wilton Public Schools, we proudly state you are ready to create a better world.
I attribute much of your outstanding success to our amazing Wilton High School faculty. Members of this dedicated team are seated with you on the field today. They are here because they love you. Our Wilton educators care deeply, not only about your academic performance, but also profoundly about your well being, As talked about in your valedictorian speeches, they craft outstanding instruction, propelling you to think at critical levels, and they constantly are pushing themselves to be at the absolute top of their craft. I can say with unwavering confidence that you have truly benefited and learned from the most skilled faculty in the country — our Wilton high school teachers.
This year, graduates, you experienced so many memorable senior highlights. I recently attended your Academic, Fine Arts and Athletics banquets. I was once again, struck by the sheer breadth of your skills, and all of you possess these skills.
For example, the musicians in this impressive class have performed some of the most challenging repertoire that we’ve ever programmed, not only on our own Clune stage, but also in prestigious venues including Giants Stadium, Disney World, Radio City Music Hall and, most recently, the iconic Lincoln Memorial.
The artists in this class have consistently excelled, earning top honors in the Scholastic Arts Awards, the Focus photography show and the Connecticut Association of School Arts Awards.
Our senior student-athletes are nothing short of amazing, and many of you will continue to compete at the collegiate level. Most importantly, all of you athletes will carry the invaluable benefits of teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance forward into a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Graduates, I will close with a call to you for leadership. Leadership entails making those around you to feel good about their craft so that they want to perform it even better for the shared cause. It entails making decisions and accepting responsibility. During your careers at Wilton High School, each of you has been a leader, even if some of you may not quite fully realize the profound impact that you’ve had on each other and our school community. In our school leadership manifests itself in many forms and acts, including but not limited to:
- taking the time to write a kindness note through the Hope Squad
- building the intricate sets behind the scenes for the theater performances
- extending a hand to an athletic opponent who has fallen to the field of play
- answering a question with kindness and grace for a freshman or a student who is new to Wilton High School
- taking the initiative on a class project, while ensuring that your peers also contribute meaningfully
- Regularly thanking your teachers when leaving the classroom, genuinely making their world better.
So my wish for you, graduates, and my charge to you is this: continue to hone and build your leadership skills on whatever stage is next for you. Lead by example. Let the world know that you come from Wilton, Connecticut, and that you are leaders who truly care, who selflessly help, who positively influence and who will persistently endeavor to make the world a better place.
Dr Smith, it’s with immense pride that I present to you this Wilton High School graduating Class of 2025.