Groton High School’s Class of 2021 ‘rocks’

Some may have noticed the huge rock painted red with white lettering that says the “Class of 2021 Rocks” at the driveway entrance to the Groton High School (GHS) over this past academic year.

That was part of this year’s graduating class’s senior prank, along with the initials of the 58 students painted on another 58 rocks that were piled in front of the office doors of GHS administrators, making it impossible for them to gain entrance until the rocks were moved. The administrators moved all the rocks to Ross Field for the 144th GHS Graduation on June 26.

Due to COVID-19, the Class of 2020 was the first in decades to have its ceremony take place on the football field instead of inside the gym, along with a parade where the class marched from The Caboose to Ross Field, led by the Groton Police Department, passing under the American flag that was proudly flown over them on South Main Street, with a Groton Fire Department truck flanking the rear of the procession.

That was such a hit that the Class of 2021 wanted no less for its celebration. It’s just possible that another GHS tradition has come out of that, but time will tell.

The class officers led the cavalcade, individually driven in golf carts by faculty members. They were Emma DeMatteo, president; Framke Vitale, vice president; Kaija Hoyt, secretary; and Madison Schooley, treasurer.

The GHS band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the class marched across the field and took their seats. Both the band and chorus performed additional pieces later in the ceremony.

Dematteo led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Michaeline Lauchle sang the national anthem.

Assistant Principal Jake Roe welcomed all who attend and extended thanks to many who had a part in making the day memorable for the class.

DeMatteo delivered her welcome speech, emphasizing the resiliency of the class, not just because they survived a global pandemic, but with poignant references to many of their experiences as classmates through the years.

With her admission to spearheading the senior prank, DeMatteo said, “We will always be remembered as the class that rocks.”

Hoyt, with a final average of 98.868, is the salutatorian. Her heartfelt address acknowledged the town, school and all who influenced the lives of the class members, particularly the teachers and staff of GHS, expressing gratitude for their care and availability.

“We’re about to go out into the world and do great things and become great people,” Hoyt said. “Let’s do all the amazing things we are meant to do, make the greatest positive impact we can and be the best and happiest and kindest people we can be.”

With a final average of 100.257, valedictorian Bowen Zheng spoke about the importance of appreciating one’s life and those who are in it.

“As I reflect on my time at GHS, I’ve realized that the teachers and staff have played a major role in shaping who I am today and made it possible for me to succeed and obtain amazing opportunities,” Zheng said.

To emphasize his point, the remainder of Zheng’s address was delivered completely in individual haikus that he wrote for every teacher who had taught him anything during his tenure in the district, all cleverly composed with puns throughout.

Cleverness continued as Superintendent Margo Martin gave a very entertaining speech that was steeped in the reality of the struggles this past year brought for everyone.

As Martin attempted to address the class, she continually feigned being interrupted by telephone calls that mimicked the types of interruptions she’d dealt with all year as the ever-changing rules and mandates kept everyone in the district in a constant state of learning to be flexible.

While delivered with a good dose of humor, Martin’s appreciation for the Class of 2021 and all they had endured while just trying to make it to their graduation day truly shined through.

Roe also addressed the class, expounding upon a phrase he had learned from his mother, “If you aren’t willing to do something about it, don’t complain.”

Giving examples of things in life that people complain about, yet don’t do anything to change their situation, Roe exhorted the class not to complain but to “do something about your life and with your life.”

Led by Vitale, tassels were turned, caps were tossed, and the GHS Class of 2021 was ready to “rock on.”

Congratulations to each member of the class: Vincent T. Alger, Dakota Drew Ayer, Aidan T. Babcock, Jordyn E. Banfield, Isaiah Barber, Euan I. Barclay, Taylor R. Bartholomew, Sophia M. Bell, Demitri J. Brooks Jr., Jordan M. Burlingame, Samantha M. Cargian, Brett A. Clore, Jaylyn M. Comstock, Emmet A. Crispell, Emma Rose DeMatteo, Brooke A. Elster, Mya Nevaeh Griffin, Morgan M. Gunn, Dililla B. Hall, Jacey Viena Hatfield, Mason J. Hill, Justin P. Holle, Robert J. Houston, Adam J. Howser, Kaija Hoyt, Fredrick X. Hulbert, Cheyanne R. Hunt, Bryanna A. Jacobs, Giovanna Rose Jump, Michaeline M.L. Lauchle, James D. Lucey, Kalib M. Manning, Taylor Anne Moffitt, Colin Scott Morey, Memphis Rayne Muzzy, Emma Naginey, Alana A. Nelson, Anthony J. Oberle, Madison Victoria Parker, Lexie M. Ross, McGregor James Sanford, Madison-Lynn Noel Schooley, Brooklyn Renee Shurtleff, Dillon Skinner, Jackson Douglas Slade, Jayson A. Staton Jr., Na’Kwez Stewart, Cassandra Lynn Stone, Emily Stoughton, Zachary Austin Tagliavento, Framke Vitale, Tenley E.J. Webb, Devin S. Wheeler, Jasmine Destiny-Rose Williams, Brian Edward Williams, Molly O. Wolchetsky, Taylor Marie Wood and Bowen Zheng.

Groton on the Inside appears weekly. Submit news ideas to Linda Competillo, lmc10@cornell.edu or 607-227-4922. 

In brief: 
 
Groton fireworks 

The Groton Community Fireworks show, presented by Young Explosives, proudly and generously sponsored by the Groton Fire Department, will launch between Route 222 and Clark Street at dusk on July 2 and will be visible northeast of the village. It cannot be seen very well, if at all, from Main Street. There is no rain date for this show.

There will be no access to the field except for GFD staff, and there will be no ground displays.

Donations to help defray the cost of this annual spectacular display would be gratefully received at GFD, P.O. Box 96, Groton, NY 13073. Please make checks out to the Groton Fire Department.

Vacation Bible School 

The McLean Community Church UCC, 50 Church St., will present its Vacation Bible School (VBS) “Christmas in July” from 6 to 8:15 p.m. nightly July 25 through 29 for children ages five through 12.

Lessons, crafts, games, snacks and more will be provided. Please call (607) 423-6962 to register your children.

Groton Olde Home Days 

Save the dates because Groton Olde Home Days will be back this summer Aug. 26 through 28.

Playland Amusements will have its carnival midway all three days, and the grand parade and classic car show will happen on Saturday, as will the Groton Historical Association Crafts and Collectibles show.

Visit grotonoldehomedays.com for updates or to obtain vendor forms.