On a rainy Sunday afternoon on June 5, the 142nd graduating class of Walpole High stepped out onto the John B. Turco Memorial Field together for the last time.

  This year, the procession of students looked drastically different from years past, as both male and females wore blue gowns in an attempt to be more inclusive to students who may have felt uncomfortable wearing the gender specific gowns—white for females and blue for males—that Walpole High graduates have worn in the past.

  The ceremony began with the presentation of the senior class gift, and Principal Stephen Imbusch then introduced Salutatorian Mike Sullivan and Valedictorian Kaitlin Porter. In his speech, Sullivan focused on the future of Walpole High School graduates, and he expressed that graduation was a commencement rather than an ending. He also acknowledged that following one’s heart is what will ultimately lead a person to success. Porter, on the other hand, reminisced on her memories of growing up in Walpole, and she explained how these experiences in her hometown have shaped her into the person she is today. She encouraged her classmates to work hard in the future, but she also reminded them to never forget the teachers and friends in Walpole who have helped them along the way.

  After Porter concluded her speech, Mr. Imbusch presented academic and athletic awards, in addition to several scholarships, to many deserving students. He then welcomed Superintendent Lincoln Lynch and Chairperson Nancy Gallivan to the stage to distribute the diplomas.

  Once the final diploma had been handed out, Senior Class President Ian Fair led the class in the turning of the tassels, which symbolizes one’s transformation from a student to a graduate. Immediately following the formal announcement of their graduation, the Walpole High School Class of 2016 threw their caps in the air at the excitement of starting a new chapter in their lives, all while parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, and friends cheered ecstatically in the stands.