Class of 2012 Leaves 'Indelible Legacy' at Farmington High School

By all accounts, the Farmington High School Class of 2012 is special – breaking sports, music and academic records, changing the school’s atmosphere and of course, leaving a lasting impression of its powerful personality.

Class President Jennifer Whaley began to explain her class’ leadership and accomplishments and ended naming dozens of extraordinary classmates.

“We brought the school as a whole closer together,” she said. “Everyone said they’d never seen more school spirit than at those games. Everyone is proud to say they’re from Farmington High School.”

The class has faced challenges of rapid changes in technology and in the world and of many broken things, she said. Yet “we have yet to sit back and let anything stay broken…. We’ve worked together to make everyone closer.”

Board of Education Chairman Mary Grace Reed described them well.

“Your legacy is indelible. You are fun and you are funny. And no one enjoys your sense of humor more than you guys do,” she said.

Principal Tim Breslin momentarily looked worried that the class’ personality would overwhelm the ceremony, when beach balls began popping above the students’ heads between speeches.

The ceremony was crammed into the gym due to concerns about rain, with spectators watching a live feed from the auditorium and cafeteria. Hundreds of family members filled the bleachers, fanning themselves to keep cool and popping up to take photos.

The band, led by Tom Johnston, played and administrators gave inspiring words.  Teacher Jamahl Hines encouraged the students to pursue their dreams, buoyed by their current success. He recounted the couch-climbing antics of his 2-year-old daughter, who couldn’t restrain her excitement at hearing dad speak and joined him at the podium.

And while Hines told students to pursue their dreams, salutatorian Edward Fouad warned them to carefully consider what it was they were after.

“Returning from champions as robotics team captain, filled with enormous pride for each and every member I’d stood alongside. Yet I came back to find my friends, peers and teachers only exclaim what did you win, what place were you in?” Fouad said, explaining that the team’s success stemmed from its growth and the dedication its members had shown.

Valedictorian Ben Spar’s speech was lighter, poking fun at the “bubble” that surrounds the town - protecting it from evils such as Avon, and closing his speech quoting an American cultural icon – Justin Bieber.

After each graduate claimed his or her diploma, the class spilled out into the circle, some hugging, some crying and some smoking cigars.

“It can honestly be said that you pave your own path,” Reed had said. “You’ve left Farmington High School a better place and I want to thank you for that.”