HAMMOND – The Hammond Central School Class of 2012 embraced the future and remembered the past at the school’s 67th Commencement ceremonies.

“Since the end of our junior year, we have all been counting down the days and begging time would fly by, thinking we were more than ready to move on and leave home. As we prepare to head out into the world, we are faced with that dreaded word: future,” said Salutatorian Robyn Crosby. “…Embrace the future and whatever challenges that come with it but don’t fear it.”

Guest speaker Tammy Gallagher echoed Ms. Crosby’s sentiment as she read, “Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young,” Mary Schmich’s column published in the Chicago Tribune in 1997.

“Don’t worry about the future,” she read. “Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum.”

After Mrs. Gallagher’s speech, the 18 graduates rose from their seats and gathered together at the end of the stage to watch the senior slideshow. Tears filled some students’ eyes as they watched in pictures, what Valedictorian Kaitlyn Morgan later expressed in words.

“The greatest gift Hammond Central School has given us is not the knowledge of books, being able to solve some elaborate math problem, or knowing all the presidents,” said Ms. Morgan. “The greatest gift we have been given is each other. We are the individuals standing here today because we learned throughout experiences together. Over the past years, we have made nearly every memory with each other.

“ We are comprised of those memories and they have defined the people we have become,” she added.

At the end of her speech Ms. Morgan said she was not worried for her classmates and that she hoped they would “remember these moments that have defined you as much as I will.”

The Board of Education then presented the graduates with their diplomas.

Three Advanced Regents with Honors diplomas, four Advanced Regents diplomas, seven Regents diplomas and one high school diploma.

“We have prepared each other for the ultimate test of life, and that is far more valuable than anything out of a book,” said Ms. Morgan. “So as we leave Hammond Central today, we take a little piece of each other with us through the future.”

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