Blue Hills Regional Graduates 188 Students in Canton

Maybe it was the 8:00 p.m. that kept the ceremony brief, but the ended in less than an hour Wednesday evening. With 188 graduates, the ceremony was quick and celebratory.

Gathered on the football field in the evening sunshine, students, families and supporters filled every seat on the bleacher, the folding chairs and sat on the grass surrounding the field to catch a glimpse of the .

Superintendent/Director James Quaglia gave opening remarks and District School Committee Chairman Francis Fistori gave the welcoming address.  The graduates looked on wearing their blue and white caps and gowns, with flip flops and sunglasses to match.

Quaglia told the graduates that "adulthood is a privilege not to be taken for-granted. We have done everything possible to prepare you for it."

The superintendent said the experiences in the classroom, on the field and on the job "have all been excellent training for your future."

Despite not knowing what they may be doing in the future, "remember that your destiny is in your hands," he told the Class of 2011. "Make it great. Pursue your goals with the same excitement, optimism and respect for team work and each other that you showed at Blue Hills." 

Class Treasurer Victoria Barkley presented the class gift and Class President Hervens Jean Baptiste gave the farewell speech.

Baptiste spoke of the class uniting over the years and the bittersweet moment of graduation.

"We have had an inexplicable journey, and it is hard to explain how I truly feel...because to me it is more than words," the class president said.

"Although we came from nine different towns, it was not long after that that we came together as one, as a family," Baptiste said. "I reminisce on great times during lunch when we'd have rap battles, crack jokes and master the Dougie dance. Although we go down our separate paths, I will always carry the memories we shared together."

With the help of Baptiste, and Class Vice President Christina Lynn Dewar, Assistant Superintendent/Principal MichaelBarrett, Fistori and Quaglia handed out the diplomas.

In under an hour, all 188 students from Avon, Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Holbrook, Milton, Norwood, Randolph and Westwood, took the stage, some dancing, some smiling, and received their high school diplomas.

Barrett announced the Class of 2011 as graduates for the first time, as a flurry of white and blue caps filled the air.