Graduates, I am extremely proud of you and all that you have accomplished. To our Wilton parents and families, I join you in your pride and hope for the very bright futures of these graduates.
The title of the 2024 Echelon yearbook is “Picture This.” In my annual yearbook message to you graduates I wrote the following:
“As I write this letter in December, I am thinking ahead and picturing this outstanding Class of 2024 processing toward Veterans Memorial Stadium on June 15. You are smiling broadly and your families are beaming with pride up in the stands. As you listen to your peers’ speeches you are thinking ahead to the bright future, yet fond memories of Wilton High School experiences also circulate in your brains. You are all gathered together on this proud culmination of your high school careers.”
Well graduates, this is such a day and it is all yours. Today you are the stars of this show.
This class of 2024 is characterized by remarkable achievement. I congratulate you and thank the Wilton High School faculty as this graduating class is an academic powerhouse. You leave Wilton High School as one of the highest-achieving classes in the history of the school. You achieved number one in the state of Connecticut in English, number one in the State of Connecticut in science and number two in math. There are 323 of you and you have all contributed to this achievement. Most importantly, you enjoyed the learning process and are graduating with extensive content knowledge and valuable skills. As such, you are truly contemporary multiliterate scholars who will deeply impact society in positive ways.
Your class is also characterized by kindness, and your teachers describe you as compliant and respectful. You were always engaged in industrious efforts and focused on your next activity. The senior area, affectionately known as “the H,” was usually clear as the bell rang and you were off to class on time. That was, however, one awesome Rave that you organized in “the H” on your last day and a memory that you will have forever.
The spring of your senior year was marked by showcases of your musical and artistic talents, a great world language and arts Festival, and coyotes. You experienced the new outdoor classroom, your last bell ceremony with the special gong, and coyotes. On Thursday you engaged in a memorable walk through the elementary and middle schools, fortunately without coyotes.
Having spent each Tuesday morning working with your executive board, I have witnessed and experienced the exceptional leadership of the Class of 2024. Class projects, including Homecoming, senior events and your prom have been well organized and very enjoyable. Quin, Sayuki, Shawn, Illeas, Tyler, Yana and Caroline have been excellent leaders. The prime ingredients of intelligence, reliability and caring for their class[mates] led to good plans being effectively executed.
There is, however, something that we still need to resolve together. The true backstory of your senior prank cement block in the front lobby remains cloaked in mystery. During the early morning hours of May 17, I watched Anup and company roll that block into the lobby on a moving dolly. We left it there with all of your signatures for everybody to see, which I believe was your intention. There remains one question that you still need to answer. Who is taking that block home to put it in their living room, garage, yard? Don’t all raise your hands at once.
On Monday, I was speaking with our valedictorians. They suggested that I offer some advice to the class. My advice for your future is relatively simple:
- Keep a sense of humor and ability to laugh at yourself. The world has gotten far too serious lately.
- Practice grit or what I describe as good, old-fashioned mental toughness. This will serve you well when you inevitably encounter situations in life that just don’t seem fair.
- Engage in some type of service work where you are able to give back. There are those for whom society is truly not fair and there will always be people who will need your support.
- Go travel abroad and use the languages that you’ve learned here at WHS. his will be a life-altering experience for you.
So graduates, on June 15, 2024, you find yourselves gathered together for the last time as an entire class. High school is not always easy and carefree for every student and you have demonstrated great determination and resilience. You are graduating from one of the highest-ranked high schools in the state and the country. A Wilton High School diploma creates access to amazing postsecondary opportunities including colleges and universities, bona fide employment, and the United States Military. Please be sure to thank your parents and our amazing teachers for these opportunities.
My wish for you in the future is that you will seize every opportunity you have, be kind, stay well and I hope that you will have a memorable PGP tonight.
Dr. Smith, I present to you this outstanding Wilton High School graduating Class of 2024.