Bunnell Grads Told to Strive, to Dream

Rain on Wednesday postponed Bunnell High School's graduation ceremonies for a day, and on Thursday moved them inside to the gymnasium.

But when they finished calling the roll of 289 names from Aleman to Zapata, the cheers in the gym could have drowned out a rock concert.

"It's been a long four years since I was a chubby freshman reciting my speech asking for your votes for class president," said Patrick Furbush, who was still in the job as class president on Thursday. "I've learned that senioritis is a legitimate disease, and that after eight snow days, it is, in fact, possible for students to wish for school."

He also encouraged the Class of 2011 with the words of Henry David Thoreau.
 
"Do not lose hold of your dreams or aspirations. For if you do, you may still exist but you have ceased to live."

Salutatorian Ha Min Kim told his class not to hold back, citing his regrets for not having joined the school's band his first two years. He compared the class to fledgling birds, soon to have great opportunities of the world while having to leave the convenience, comforts and safety of their nests.

"Now let's open up our wings and fly to our future," he said.

Valedictorian Julie Klaric called high school a time of milestones and enlightenment. She quoted science pioneer Marie Curie, "one of my heroes," she said, to help the graduates get through the inevitable obstacles along their way.

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained."

Mayor John Harkins said they must leave Bunnell with a sense of responsibility for more than just themselves.

"Be responsible to others, to get involved," Harkins said. "To change what you can't accept, to work for what you want to achieve."

Principal Dudley Orr also took time during the ceremonies to honor teachers Raymond Gennaro, Richard Diedrichsen and Carol Pappano, who are retiring.

Class President Emma Romano quoted famed movie slacker/philosopher Ferris Bueller to enjoy life without missing what is important. But she also quoted from a card she recently read.

"Go into the world and do well," she said. "But more importantly, go into the world and do good."