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PHS Class of 2013 Graduate With Memories They'll Cherish

The class of 2013 graduated at Tanglewood on Sunday.

LENOX, Mass. — The graduates of Pittsfield High School walked out of the Shed at Tanglewood on Sunday with high school memories they will cherish forever.

The graduating seniors sat next to each other for a final time as the class of 2013 for the afternoon graduation ceremony and some will never see each other again.

"The memories you have made in high school will last in your hearts and minds for a lifetime," Mark Eddy, class president, said in his address to his classmates.

"All we can do is pray that we are ready for that big step and that the real world is ready for us. The class of 2013 is going to be a force to be reckoned with."

Eddy said the class has already shown its capabilities and has "refused to let other classes tell us what to do." And along that "long and rewarding road" its members have made "so many memories," he continued.

"Suddenly there will be many more choices you will be making as an individual," Superintendent Gordon Noseworthy said of the next phase in each student's life. "Simply have the wisdom of knowing the consequences of all of the things you do."

The school has set a "solid foundation," Noseworthy said.

"Think strong, think big, think confident. In a few short months you will realize just how much preparation you have had and how you will rely on it in the real world. At the same time, don't burn your bridges," Noseworthy said. "We will all continue to be there for you."

Mayor Daniel Bianchi reminded the students that their parents and loved ones have always been there for them and helped them earn their diplomas.

"Your parents and your loved ones have been there. They squeezed your hand on your first day of school as you walked down to the bus for the first time. They packed hundreds, hundreds off lunches. They quizzed you many times for that spelling test. They helped you with dozen of science projects and art projects — by the way those were way above their head but they did it anyhow," Bianchi said.

"Many of them relearned algebra so they could study with you. They shivered and they sweltered on the sidelines at many sporting events and they sat on the edge of their seats on many occasions."

One of those parents was School Committee member Kathleen Amuso, whose son Mark graduated Sunday. Amuso said the students will now start a career and later get married and then have children of their own.

But she reminded them that it isn't the career that they'll be judged on but their character.

"At the end of the day it is your character that you will be remembered for," Amuso said. "In approximately 40 years, yes, 40 years, when your career is over, it is your character that people will be talking about, not your career."

Mark Eddy, class president, spoke of the memories the class has made over the last four years.

Bianchi advised the students to move onto the next stage in their lives with confidence and "believe in yourself" but not to forget the friendships they've made.

Principal Tracey Benson asked the students to keep a positive perspective.

He recalled a quote he posted on the wall in his office that read, "life is not about learning how to weather the storm. But rather, learning how to dance in the rain." Benson used the example of being stuck in traffic. Some can complain and curse but Benson doesn't want the students to do that.

"You could do what I do, crank up the music and grab the nearest object like a water bottle and put on your own personal 'American Idol' in your car," Benson said, later adding that, "problems, obstacles and hurdles will come and go like passing storms. We can either wallow in our perceived misery or make a conscience decision to not let challenges dampen our mood."

Benson is also leaving the school. After three years as principal he decided to go back to college and continue his education. The class of 2013, he said, will "always have a special place in my heart and in my mind as the epitome of what a class can and should be."

And as the PHS concert band played the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance," the class of 2013 bounced beach balls into the air and then left the Shed to greet their loved ones on the lawn.

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