Wilton High School Graduates 323 in Class of 2024 [PHOTOS]

On a spectacularly sunny day, Wilton High School graduated 323 members of the Class of 2024 on Saturday, June 15.

In multiple speeches, the class was lauded for its outstanding achievements — in his presentation, WHS Principal Dr. Robert O’Donnell called the class “an academic powerhouse” and “one of the highest-achieving classes in the history of the school.” Among the class’ accomplishments — ranking in the state of Connecticut as number one in English, number one in science, and number two in math.

Also notable, the Class of 2024 set another record — there were seven students named as valedictorians, who maintained a 4.0 grade point through their four years at WHS: Sophia DeStefano, Grace DiBuono-Krafick, Yana Giannoutsos, Arjun Patel, Katherine Rusin, Arian Shah and Saniya Shah.

O’Donnell also pointed out that the class was “characterized by kindness” and always focused and respectful. The class’ character as hardworking and persevering was set by the events of 2020, when the students’ eighth-grade year was cut short by the pandemic and the start of their high school careers was marked by social separation, distance learning and rigid protocols — making their success all the greater despite the odds they overcame.

This skill was eloquently described by Student Body President Quin Silva who began his speech with his own story of overcoming a serious medical challenge.

“We have been challenged time and time again. Every time adversity struck, we responded. Faced with a global pandemic, we navigated our way through it. Hearing we are stuck in another hold due to coyotes, we persisted. Balancing college applications, theater performances, sports, and so much more is far from easy. Yet we did that too. To those of you dealing with setbacks or tribulations you think nobody else understands, keep going. No doctor 18 years ago believed I’d be giving a speech at graduation, but here I am,” he said, adding, “At Wilton High School, we have won several championships, put on spectacular plays, but most importantly learned to get back up when the world knocks us down.”

As is tradition in Wilton, the graduation ceremony also included a special recognition of students who have committed to serve in the military following graduation. Two graduates, Dillon Bhutani and Emily Gregson, will be starting at West Point in the fall.

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Smith also presented a special diploma to Board of Education Secretary Lori Bufano, to commemorate her graduation from Wilton High School exactly 50 years ago to the day.

The graduating class also presented a departing gift to the Wilton community. The funds they raised will be used toward a new entrance sign to Wilton High School by the entrance at Catalpa Rd. But in an emotional addendum, they also will be donating any remaining funds to St Baldrick’s in support of pediatric cancer research — chosen because of the commitment to the organization by the recently retired school counselor Dann Pompa, who served as class advisor and is beloved by the students.

[Of special note, not only does this writer disclose a personal connection to the graduating class out of professional ethics, but I’m also infinitely proud of one graduate in particular. Love you, sweet girl, you are beyond amazing!]

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

All photos have been taken by Justin Baiad Photography © 2024 Blast Media Group for GOOD Morning Wilton, unless otherwise noted.