Published: 6/4/2022 10:28:04 PM
GREENFIELD — Gianni Passiglia did a spin as he accepted his diploma.
All attendees of Greenfield High School’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, including 105 other graduates, exuded that same excitement.
“This moment we become responsible for ourselves for the first time,” Valedictorian Rory Cronen-Townsend said in her speech. “I have seen the changes, and I am so impressed with the people we have become.”
Cronen-Townsend congratulated her classmates for all the moments that have been recognized by Greenfield High School, as well as all the moments that have not.
“You should all be proud,” she said.
Principal Derek Morrison then presented awards. The Blanker Award was given to Cronen-Townsend. The Principal Service Award was given to Haley Campbell. Finally, the Frederick Porter Award was given to Drew Conant and Kelsey Richardson.
In Morrison’s address, he spoke about the short five months he enjoyed with the students.
“This is a solemn day because it is your transition to adulthood,” Morrison said.
He noted how the class was goal-oriented, athletic, selfless and “a fun group.” He also spoke of how the graduating seniors were social justice change agents, world travelers and amazing at DJ Casper’s “Cha Cha Slide.” Morrison then played “Cha Cha Slide” as the class danced, adding a comical aside to the ceremony.
Superintendent Christine DeBarge then addressed the assemblage.
“Find the thing you love and do it,” she advised the graduates. “When you find what you love, you find happiness.”
Members of the graduating class then lined up to get their diplomas. Parents, families and friends clapped, cheered, screamed “I love you” in multiple languages, and blew horns and kazoos.
Campbell gave the farewell address where she quoted TV character Hannah Montana and congratulated the class.
“I hope you all write your stories exactly how you want to,” she said.
“We all live different days at school, but something we all have in common is we are the Class of 2022 at Greenfield High School,” Campbell said. “That is something special only this group of people shares.”
Reach Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.