A March Beneath An Arch: MGRHS Class of 2005

By Susan Bush
12:00AM / Monday, June 06, 2005

Members of the MGRHS CLass of 2005 await their diplomas. View Slide Show

Williamstown – The Mount Greylock Regional High School Class of 2005 stepped beneath a red-and-white balloon archway and into the future during a June 5 graduation ceremony.

Strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” competed with hearty applause as the 114 senior class members approached family and friends and the milestone graduation moment.

Prior to the ceremony, the red-or-white-gowned students mingled near tree-shaded, on-campus picnic tables. Several seniors talked enthusiastically about future plans.

Benjamin P. McKeen, 18, of Lanesboro and Jacob Snow, 18, of Williamstown, shot a few hoops before they donned their caps and gowns. McKeen said he will continue to work as a cook at the Arizona Pizza restaurant and Snow said his plans include continuing education at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Not enough hands was not a problem for this graduating senior.

Arthur R. Raney, 18, of Lanesboro, said he is in the midst of a job search. He said that graduation is exciting but “I’m going to miss school. I like the routine and the friends.”

Lauren E. Vogel, 17, of Lanesboro, said that she will continue her education at the Berkshire Community College and has plans to transfer to another school for additional studies.

“Right after graduation I’m going to dinner with my dad,” said Denna A. Simon, 18, of Williamstown. “I’m going to work in a nursing home as a painter painting rooms and stuff and I’m also going to Berkshire Community College to study physical therapy.”

Senior Class Co-presidents Mary R. DeMatteo and Emily J. Stinson welcomed guests to the ceremony.

Mount Greylock Regional High School does not select a salutatorian and a valedictorian, opting for a faculty-selected speaker and a student-selected speaker. Faculty chosen speaker Paul W. St. Clair delivered a strong speech titled “Thinking Inside the Box,” and senior class speaker Devin A. Rock offered his thoughts with a speech titled “Beyond the Grade.”

Chivalry was alive and well during the moments before a June 5 MGRHS commencement.

Moments after MGRHS School Committee member Robert Petricca awarded students their diplomas, 114 red-and-white tassels were turned, the graduates bid adieu to their high school days and allowed thunderous applause to carry them toward their futures.

A multi-photograph slideshow of the MGRHS Class of 2005 is posted at www.iberkshires.com.

Susan Bush may be reached at 802-823-9367 or by e-mail at suebush123@adelphia.net.