Hundreds of parents and friends turned out to recognize the Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 2012 on Thursday, June 7, in the ORR gymnasium. The senior class was presented with scores of awards and accolades for academics, citizenship, athleticism, and art.
The Class of 2012, dressed in their red and white caps and gowns, celebrated their countless accomplishments with several prominent members of the Tri-Town community, including representatives from the School Committee and Marion Fire Department’ the latter gave out two $600 awards near the end of the ceremony.
Principal Mike Devoll, during his opening remarks, commented on how much of a positive impact this class has had on the ORR community. He said he hoped that they would continue making waves in their endeavors after high school. The chances of this happening are pretty high. The Class of 2012 takes with it more than100 decorated athletes, over 60 actors, and almost 50 members of the National Honor Society into the bigger world, whether the students have decided to attend college or join the work force.
For the faculty and administration, nights like these are bittersweet. After four years of education and guidance, they now must turn yet another class of young adult students out into the world, hoping that they have equipped them with the tools needed to make it.
“It makes you proud because they are going to be successful,” said Assistant Principal Michael Parker after the ceremony. “Some are going on to do great things, and they’re all really good people. That’s what we try to do for them while they’re here.”
Massachusetts Representative, Mattapoisett resident, and ORR grad dad, William Straus also took the podium to deliver a message to the seniors.
“Though you are young and have so much to accomplish ahead, you’ve already accomplished a lot,” he told them. Straus also read an official citation of praise and thanks to the graduating students from the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Devoll and Parker handed out most of the academic awards, from excellence in Latin to exceptional ability in high-level chemistry. ORR Athletic Director Bill Tilden presented awards and praise upon the athletes of the class, including the Athletic Booster Club senior plaques. Drama Club Director Paul Sardinha was on hand to award the outstanding thespians in the school.
After the ceremony, the students gathered with their families out in the lobby near the auditorium, for photos, stories, thanks, and some tears.
“It’s really nice to have all my work be honored. I loved sharing the experience of being up there with my friends. I’m so proud of them. A night like this makes me feel ready for my future,” said outgoing senior Rachael Reints of Rochester. Reints received a number of awards and will be attending Endicott College in the fall for business.
On Friday morning, at 9:15 am, the school will be holding another ceremony, followed by a cookout on the athletic fields. All parents and friends are invited to attend and celebrate with the graduating seniors.
By Eric Tripoli
