ABRHS 2012 Graduation

"Shift uncomfortably in your seat. Tug at the folds in your robes; adjust the cap once more; stifle a monstrous yawn. Relax—it’ll take just a moment. Reflect," says Clara Hong, addressing her peers in her speech. Clara was one of two seniors designated to speak at graduation, which was today at 5:30 p.m. on Leary Field. Emily Hatch, the second senior speaker, tells her classmates "Congratulations Class of 2012, thanks for memories. I couldn’t forget you guys if I tried." From Mr. Menninger's reflection to the iconic cap-throwing, graduation was a momentous occasion that will undoubtedly be preserved in the memories of all who witnessed. 

I am a sophomore, young and inexperienced in the eyes of the upperclassmen. My attendance at graduation was not to wear the classic royal blue cap and gown. It was not to smile brightly at the parental paparrazi, not to smoke the cigars passed amoung the proud graduates, not to create an air of authority amoung my younger siblings. It was to give my truly genuine thanks to the Class of 2012, a class that I found myself especially grateful for in so many indescribable ways. I went to thank my senior mentors, leaders, friends and neighbors. So many of them have helped shape my character in ways they probably aren't even the slightest bit aware of. I thank them for being the ideal role models that I needed as an underclassmen, for motivating me to follow in the wonderful paths which they worked laborously to create. Teachers and students alike will honor the mark they have made at AB and continue on into future years with the Class of 2012 never astray from their thoughts.

The senior 2012 graduation article from AB's The Spectrum:

Congratulations, Class of 2012! by Hannah Hwang

Another school year is quickly coming to an end, and it is finally time for the seniors to say their goodbyes. Looking back on the years at AB, it feels unreal to think that we will soon be the ones wearing the cap and gown. But now, watching our own friends walk down the platform at the end of their high school careers, it is important to remember all the memories and relationships they built throughout their four years in high school.
Although their years in high school seem to have flown by, the Class of 2012 has hosted many successful events. From the Senior Parking Raffle during freshman year to the Senior Talent Show, the Class of 2012 raised enough money to hold their prom at Gillette Stadium on May 18th. “Our class had an amazing time, and Gillette Stadium ran the entire function very smoothly,” says senior Kevin Tian.
Not only have they grown together as a class, but they have had time to develop as individuals and seek out their own passions.
“I think high school for me was a period where I was trying to find something that had substantive value. I certainly found that in some of my classes, but even more so with outside activities, such as yearbook and student government,” senior Janu Sonthi notes. “I’ll always look back fondly on the late nights I spent in the Mac Lab working on the yearbook, and I strongly encourage all students to find at least one activity that they can fully immerse themselves in.”
“For me, high school was a time of self-exploration. The experiences I had both in and out of the classroom were all worthwhile because of the friends I made and the adventures we shared,” Kevin Tian comments. “Looking back, I will always be glad that I tried so many different activities, so that I not only pursued my passions, but also discovered new interests. I encourage future AB students to dare to try new things.”
High school wasn’t always fun and games. Senior Eric Xiao says, “Acton-Boxborough is rather competitive. I can’t say I always looked forward to going to school every morning, but my friends made it worthwhile. I also enjoyed being a role model for the underclassmen. Before, I was always looking up to the upperclassmen, and it felt uplifting to be the one looked up to for once.”
However, graduation come with some down sides. Although the seniors are ecstatic about venturing off into the next chapter of their lives, they cannot help but feel bittersweet about their farewell, as they leave behind a place filled with four years worth of memories, friends, and teachers. “We’ve all had that feeling of ‘I can’t wait until I get out of this place’ at one point or another, but now that it’s all drawing to a close, things are different,” says senior Paul Di Re. “Saying goodbye to my classmates, some of whom I have been working with for almost 13 years, will be difficult.”
Congrats Class of 2012! You have come a long way and will be dearly missed. Good luck!