WCHS Holds 137th Commencement

The 102 members of Windsor Central High School’s Class of 2021 graduated Friday night during the school’s 137th commencement.

After a school year that featured hybrid learning, social distancing, and masks, students and families celebrated together at the WCHS multi-purpose athletic field.
Class of 2021 President Giovanna Bucciarelli spoke to her class to begin the ceremony.

“All of us share a bond and memories that are unique to only us. Over the course of 13 years, we have created friendships, sparks, and found our success,” said Bucciarelli. “Being a Black Knight isn’t just about wearing black and yellow, it’s about standing up for what’s right.”

WCHS Principal Jeff Salasny announced that Dr. Dorothy Edwards ‘88 and Dr. Robert Peterson ‘64 are the 2021 Knights of Distinction. The district is recognizing Dr. Edwards for her lifetime of work in intervention and violence prevention Dr. Peterson for his contribution to the field on Medicine. You can read more about their accomplishments here.

Class salutatorian Sofia Peret gave a speech titled, “Paths of Our Lives”.

“We’ve all learned more about who we each are and who we want to be. Whether we’ve been inspired by our teachers and want to become one of them, inspired by problem solving and want to be an engineer, or don’t know what you want to do yet,” said Peret. “The next step of the journey is in front of you and as you navigate this new path, your families and friends will be behind you.”

In his speech, “High School and Beyond”, class Valedictorian Zachary Burpee talked about how going to college, the Military, straight to the workforce, or taking a gap year will probably feel very different than anything that has happened to his fellow students in the past 18 years.

“We should all be prepared to face life head-on and live life in the moment. What really matters is finding a drive within yourself to be a better person,” said Burpee. “If you have a better work ethic than everyone else around you, chances are you will come out ahead of those around you.”

Mr. Salasny spoke about gratitude in a year that saw this senior class deal with protocols and quarantines to reach this point.

“Being grateful today is more important than ever. I am feeling grateful. I am grateful we are able to come here as a community to celebrate these seniors,” said Mr. Salasny.  “Graduates, be grateful of the foundation you were given here. Whether you stay or move away, know that anything is possible.”

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