63 in Class of 2012 graduate from GMUHS

By Cynthia Prairie

With all the anticipation that befits a coming adventure and the sadness of leaving a place of comfort, Green Mountain High School’s Class of 2012 graduated Friday, June 15, as the sun set behind the school. Graduation ceremonies took place on the front lawn, on a cooling evening warmed by friends and families gathered for the event.

The graduating class was lead in as the GMUHS Band played Pomp and Circumstance. In his speech, Salutatorian Orrin Amsden said,“There are some  (fellow graduates) I may never see again after tonight, despite how close we have been or could have been.” That sentiment was brought home by Dick Farmer of the American Legion, who told the crowd, “Fifty years ago tomorrow was another graduation one town over.  Tomorrow night, I’m going to see people I haven’t seen in 50 years.” 

Class Valedictorian Cydy Palang spoke of moving to Vermont from the Philippines four years ago.  “My first year in GMUHS, I would only say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ and nod and shake my head.” But, as she became more accustomed to the language and more inquisitive, she would ask “what is goulash; what is OCD; what is epic, what is calzone?” She told the crowd she was grateful for the patience of her classmates. Palang also spoke of the independence that each graduate soon will be facing. “We will have to pay our own bills, negotiate the purchase or rent of our own home and learn new skills.” Then, on behalf of her fellow seniors, she thanked the teachers, counselors, administrators, staff, friends and family for what they have given.

Guest speaker and English teacher Dylan Bate, who admitted to not having graduated high school and avoiding “what was difficult” in his youth, told the class: “This is what I wish for you – to find the peace that comes from putting your heart into your work and doing your best.” Then representatives of the school board and the administration presented diplomas to the graduates as their aspirations were read aloud. (For the Class of 2012 Awards and Scholarships winners click here.) The Class of 2012 also presented the school with a cherry willow, before tossing their mortar boards into the air and departing as graduates to the song “One Day.” Click the first photo to launch the photo gallery.

It’s hats off to the Class of 2012./Photos by Cynthia Prairie

The bright Friday afternoon sun was a perfect reason to relax while waiting for the procession to start.

Friends and family of Green Mountain’s Class of 2012 await the procession.

Most of the Class of 2012 poses for a group photo.

But first, the March of the Teachers, with social studies teacher Keith Hill, left, and English teacher Sharon Jonynas, right, leading the way. They are followed by Susan Renard, left, and Christine Simmons.

Mark Harwood, president of the local National Honor Society, dons a Godzilla Mortar board.

Orrin, left, and Kate Amsden, twins graduating this year, lead the way with Monica Keith, left, and Brianna Duquette.

Gerald (Jojo) Martel with McKala Benson.

Allie DeRosia, left, with Jasmine Currier

From left, Tamsin Holley and Zac Frasca follow Ashley Rose and Maggi Roper.

To sunglass or not to sunglass: Kimberly Gordon, left, and Kiaya Wood-Waterman follow Stephanie Johnson and Casey Rickert.

Gretchen Langdon and Cody Arens, left, follow Lily Calabrese and Chasity Hoose.

Brennan Rufa, in orange sunglasses, and Jordan Schnell.

Alyssa Bargfrede accompanies Miquel Zacarias, from left, and Cydy Palang, with medal, and Ashley Bushey walk together.

Morean Richardson, left, and Jannie Hale.

Jayde Smith accompanies Missy Silva, in sunglasses.

From left, Chris Snide and Steven Parker.

From left, Matt Curley and T.J. Petrycki follow Tasha Timmermans and Nicole Wright.

Tyson Potter, left, and Casey Green.

Sami Savage and Gabe Smith.

Mitchell O’Neil, left, and Nate Maly.

Jacob Walker, left, and Tyler Francoeur.

Ben Hertford, without sunglasses, and Tyler Veysey.

K.J. Austin, left, with Ron Underwood III.

Larissa Baraw-Nelson, left, with Crystal Clay.

Cole Wilhelm with Ysaline Melin Quertain, a foreign exchange student from Belgium.

Ramsey Peters, left, and Logan Little. Not pictured in this gallery are Richard Anderson, Raymond Bentley, Kevin Cosgrove, Sabrina Farrar, Cameron Gray, Robert Stanton and Lisa Marie Wilkinson.

Artistic and GMUHS-appropriate needlework dress up this mortar board.

A number of graduates personalized their mortar boards.

Done! Now the work begins.