Sarah Duquette, valedictorian, said the Wahconah class of 2015 should be driven to make a difference in the world. The school presented 149 diplomas on Sunday. See more photos here.

DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School graduating class of 2015 marked the end of their high school career — and their first steps into the future — with a swirling, colorful shower of canned string.

But before the class left behind their alma mater, the 149 graduates were reminded of how they came together from so many different schools to spend four years pushing each other to excel at Wahconah in music, arts, academics and sports.

"I can confidently say that everyone sitting here before me has some type of amazing talent," said Sarah Duquette, valedictorian. "I know we have heard about our great accomplishments many times over the past week, but we deserve this recognition. We are certainly one smart, talented group!"

She urged her classmates to use their talents wisely, channeling President Kennedy's call to ask what they could do for their country — or their community.

"Some of you might be driven to succeed so you can make millions and surround yourself with the best clothes, cars, houses, and the finer things in life, and consumer spending is good as I learned in AP Economics. But, it is easy to become caught up in materialistic items and wanting to live the 'American Dream,'" she said. "We cannot lose sight that the world needs our talents to make a difference, to help others, and to give back to our communities, no matter where we settle."

Her father was her role model for his volunteer work with Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and she gave her time to help teach young skaters at the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club.

"Regardless of what you choose to do with your future, there will always be a way to make a difference. By simply having a smile on your face, or saying something kind could make a world of difference for those around you, and the satisfaction you get in return, is priceless," said Duquette. "Remember, each and every one of you is talented, so as we leave this ceremony and turn the page onto the next chapter of our lives, I am asking you all to make the decision to use your talents in a way that is beneficial for yourself, and the communities you live in. I am challenging you to be driven to make a difference."

Principal James Conro, prior to presenting diplomas with School Committee Chairman Shawn Armacost, Superintendent Robert Putnam and Assistant Superintendent Laurie Casna, said the class had "a competitive nature in everything" it did. He congratulated their parents on the "good job" they'd done with a group of students who had set a new standard for those that follow.

"This is the last time you will all be together in one room, after today you'll be off in a 149 different directions," he said, turning away from the microphone to address the graduates seated behind him. He encouraged them to take the class motto by Ralph Waldo Emerson — "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be" — to heart as they set off in their various directions for work, the military or college.  

"You will do well, you've been well prepared all you need to do is go out and apply yourself. Always remember where you came from. You will always be a part of the Wahconah family."

Salutatorian Jeffrey Pullano said they should keep their backpacks filled with the lessons their teachers in the Central Berkshire Regional Schools had provided, and the closeness of the small towns in which they flourished.

"We are a strong willed, compassionate and talented group who have embraced the chance to be role models for the younger children in our community," he said. "We have shown that we are not afraid to work hard to see results. We have made our mark in this community."

Pullano said the members of the class of 2015 are ready to take on the world thanks to their teachers, parents and community, as well as their own efforts to excel.

"We stand here today with nervous excitement, at our point of divergence, on the platform of our futures, our toes curled over the edge as we prepare to dive confidently into our next journey," he said. "Instead of being terrified, we are instead calm and collected, because we have with us the tools and education to succeed.  ...

"A metaphorical backpack filled with educational experiences, milestones and memories to help guide us to our next destination."

The concert band played the blue and white-gowned graduates out of the gym and onto to the front lawn of the high school and into the welcoming arms and cameras of family and friends.

"This is a group with tremendous character whose ability to positively impact the culture here at Wahconah will be not be forgotten," said Class President Michael Wagner. "We are never willing to back down from a challenge and we will always strive to do our best at anything we are involved in.

"Our actions these past four years have shown that we are ready to handle anything life gives us."

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