Grads Head From 'Solid Foundation' to 'Bright Future'

The Farmington High School class of 2011 graduated Monday in a ceremony that highlighted the students’ kindness and commitment to changing the world for the better in the face of intensifying global crises.

Valedictorian Tarek Shoukri said he was proud to call himself a graduate of FHS, “one of the best, if not the best high school in all of Farmington, Connecticut.” Shoukri, who will attend Brown University next year, said he felt FHS had provided a solid foundation for a bright future in college and beyond.

“We do work for the future, but the past is who we are,” he said. “And what a great past Farmington High has given us.”

FHS Principal Dr. Timothy M. Breslin opened the ceremony with some words of welcome before introducing class president Evan Cooper, who challenged his class to “move forward with passion and zeal for whatever you do.” Salutatorian Xinni Cai spoke next. Her speech, “HE11O,” encouraged her classmates to “say hello” to the future even as they “said goodbye” to fond high school memories.

Cheers, jeers, and beach balls bouncing among the boisterous graduates interrupted (and often enhanced) many of the speeches. Dr. Breslin asked the class to settle down after a 5-foot-long inflatable shark flying through the air drove the audience to unrestrained laughter.

But everyone listened intently to history teacher Farrell Vogelhut’s address, which contained three pieces of advice: “Make your parents proud,” “make the United States an unflinching force for freedom and justice,” and “be responsibly and valorously independent” as a voter, juror, parent, and in every other social position.

A majority of the senior class elected Vogelhut to address them at their commencement, which he said was a surprise because he only teaches freshman and sophomores. Much of his speech centered facetiously on his quest to discover why he had received this honor. He quoted a letter he received for Teacher Appreciation Day in which a member of the class of 2011 said he was being forced at gunpoint to write the letter.

Jokes aside, Vogelhut choked up slightly as he thanked his own parents for their support and gave the class of 2011 a final piece of advice.

“Do not fear to take a well considered stand… even if it makes you temporarily unpopular,” he said.

Prior to becoming a teacher eight years ago, Vogelhut had a wide-ranging career including a stint as an attorney for IBM. His speech digressed somewhat from the program because it came after the graduates received their diplomas instead of right before, as is customary. Additionally, as Dr. Breslin jokingly pointed out, he went “3 minutes over” the 10-minute time limit.

As the ceremony came to a close, the newest FHS alumni threw their caps into the clear night sky. Parents and teachers gathered on the football field to take pictures and shake hands.

Spanish teacher Lisa Kapcinski was emotional as she shared her thoughts on the class of 2011.

“The class is filled with beautiful children who understand that part of their role is making the world a better place,” she said.

Frank Geissler echoed her sentiments, saying he had “never been more proud” of his son Michael, 18, who will attend Elon University in North Carolina in the fall.

“All of his hard work has culminated in this night,” he said, beaming. “And he looked cool with the cigar, too.”

Michael was not alone, as several young men huddled together to pass around lighters and brazenly puff cigars as their parents watched with mixed expressions. Some rolled their eyes, while others chuckled and patted their sons on the back. The sight recalled Xinni Cai’s hopeful outlook in the closing remarks of her salutatory address.

“Even if you do something totally stupid,” she said, “the future will still be here for you.”