Graduation is a "Moment that Takes our Breath Away," by School Committee Chairman Noschese to MHS Grads

The following is a copy of the graduation message given to the MHS Class of 2013 by Medfield School Committee Chairman Debra M. Noschese. 

Medfield High School Commencement Address, by Debbie Noschese

It has been said that “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”.  Class of 2013 – this is one of life’s moments that takes our breath away!  It is a special moment as it only comes once in a lifetime and is not only a high school graduation but the Medfield High School Graduation of a very unique and special class.

These moments define our lives of who we are as a person and a group and stitch a quilt of memories made of our individual memories and our unique experiences.  In this case the group is the class of 2013.  In fact, you have evolved as a group that can be equated to a beautiful, heirloom quilt.  In 2000, you entered the Memorial School as Kindergarteners – 182 smiling faces ready to be quilted into the Class of 2013.  Each of you represents a piece of the quilt to be sewn together by moments in your 12 years as a Medfield student.  Do you remember the first day of Kindergarten – excited and maybe scared? Being presented with new kids, teachers, building, or  taking the bus for the first time?  Your parent’s eyes filled with tears as you so confidently or not so confidently hopped on the bus or walked to school.  A life’s moment that take our breath away and enhanced the quilt.

You successfully completed elementary school and entered Middle School.  Another moment…wondering what it would will be like to be in middle school with no recess, no morning snack, changing classes, clusters, new teachers, older kids.  Easier for some than others.   The quilt was being stitched together by these moments and the design and patterns were becoming defined.

Along comes Freshman year and the start of high school.  Your parents’ breath taken away while feeling like they’ve suddenly aged.  So many moments in high school added to your quilt– academic achievement, state tournaments, music competitions, dance recitals,  theater productions, community service projects near and far.  Overlayed with, getting a driver’s license, meeting someone special,  taking SATs, ACTs and PLAN, visiting colleges and feeling  the stress of the process.   And here we are today celebrating this moment.  The quilt is complete and 57 new quilt pieces have been added along the way and there are now 239 of you reflected in this 2013 quilt.

The four corners hold your quilt together that can be represented by the memories you share, the challenges you face, the friendships you continue, and the goals you achieve.

So what becomes of the quilt after today?   Carefully tended, it will be as warm and comforting twenty years from now as it is today.  If you carefully tend the memories, share your challenges, keep the friendships, and collaborate on your goals, the quilt will still be there.  Still warm.  Still comforting.  Still important.  There will always be a warm hello and smile waiting for you from someone in the MHS Class of 2013 because you are all a part of the quilt.

You have left your mark on MHS and your quilt will be preserved in our  memories by your achievements, talents, and kindness. I have asked teachers and parents to characterize your class and I heard comments such as spirited, smart, welcoming, social, giving  and cohesive.

Congratulations to the Class of 2013, enjoy this moment and thank you for the moments that took our breath away.

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