A Look Back: Canton High School Graduation in Pictures and Words

As the skies lit up during the thunderstorm outside, the lit up with excitement, pride and laughter inside the CHS auditorium during the Thursday evening.

Despite the rainy weather forcing the outdoor ceremony inside, the crowd of supporters and the seniors' spirits were not dampened.

The packed auditorium, with a spillover crowd in the cafeteria with a large screen to watch, cheered on their . This year's graduation featured musical selections by the CHS band and chorus, remarks by Board of Selectmen Chairman John Connolly, School Committee Chairman John Bonnanzio, Superintendent of Schools Jeff Granatino and CHS Principal Douglas Dias.

Student speakers included

The speakers shared their advice, congratulations and humor with the crowd and graduating class.

Salutatorian Teagan McClintock spoke of learning from his classmates who have "inspired and amazed" him over the years. He also thanked all the parents, teachers and coaches for their support over the years. That included putting up with the "I'm a moody teenager and life sucks business."

Valedictorian Michelle Anand turned her speech into a "Dear John breakup" letter with Canton High School, from the senior class.

"There's no really easy way to say this, but I'm breaking up with you," Anand said. "Really, it's not you, it's me."

She said the seniors have grown and changed tremendously over the past four years and "I've gained a lot from this relationship."

However, graduating is a bittersweet part of growing up, she noted. "There will always be a place for you in my heart. I know all this hurts...but hey, at least I didn't do it through text."

School Committee Member (and mother of graduating senior Anjali) presented the Paul Matthews Award to two seniors for their service, spirit and sportsmanship.

The facutly and senior class voted for the recipients of the award and chose Katherine D'Orazio and Kevin Connolly.

The evening ended with the nearly 200 seniors receiving their diplomas and tossing their green and white caps into the air–marking the end of the

Congrats, all around.