KINGSTON — The first class to spend all four years at the new Sanborn Regional High School graduated last night, enjoying that distinction as they took their place in the school's 121-year-old history.
Before the ceremony in the school gym, senior Rachael Croce said individual talent characterizes the class of 2010, with students who are skilled in music, drama and athletics.
"We are diverse," said Croce, who will study nursing at the University of New Hampshire this fall.
Some of the musical talent was on display as seniors Ariana Doccola and Caroline Kras opened the ceremony by singing the national anthem.
The music continued through the program as the symphonic band and concert choir performed five selections, including "Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual," the senior song "On My Way," and the traditional "Dear Old Sanborn."
Salutatorian Kristina Romano, a writer, photographer and softball player — the school's team vies for a state championship today — urged her classmates to forge and sustain friendships.
Valedictorian Breanna Walukevich, a scholar and three-sport athlete who rebounded from a debilitating heart condition during her high-school career, urged classmates to persevere and aim high.
"Imagine the sky is the limit," she said. "So may your caps fly as high as your dreams."
Principal Gail Sudduth continued a popular graduation tradition — Sanborn salutes.
Between addresses, music selections and remarks, she asked individual seniors to stand as she read statements of encouragement and praise from teachers, friends and family members.
Sudduth, who is retiring after this year, was given a Sanborn salute herself.
Superintendent Brian Blake saluted her for orienting the school toward academic achievement.
In his remarks, Blake observed how swiftly the world is changing, noting many of the top jobs of today did not exist in 2004, and that many college majors were unheard of a decade ago.
In the face of change, he urged the students to make a difference.
"Make the world a better place for all of us," he said.
This, the first graduating class from the new high school, was also the largest graduating class in Sanborn's history, with 170 students receiving diplomas.
Some of the students said they had mixed emotions about leaving, but senior Veronica Rivers was not one of them.
"I want to move forward," she said before the ceremony.
Rivers said she will study art in college and perhaps become a teacher.
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