The 102nd commencement at Baldwin High School

By noon on June 27, the seniors of Baldwin High School were donning their royal blue caps and gowns.

By 1 p.m., they were assembled in the school's auditorium for the last time as students, rehearsing the final ceremonial details. An hour later they marched out to the football field under a hot sun to fill the rows of chairs on the grass, as their teachers and parents looked on proudly.

Presiding over the 102nd commencement was the class of 2010's president, Shellee Wong, who introduced the speakers following the traditional flag salute and a bugle performance by one of the graduates, Ryan Buchholz.

The first speaker was Salutatorian Taryn Teurfs. She reminisced about the opportunities she and her classmates had enjoyed throughout their years in Baldwin — the various clubs, sports teams, and the school's prestigious programs for the arts.

"Now the time has come for us to leave behind the place we have called home for the last few years and the friends and families we have made for ourselves here," Teurfs said. "... We will never forget the lessons we learned."

Valedictorian Michelle Evans spoke of the sadness of leaving that accompanied the graduates' excitement at starting a new chapter in their lives. "We are taking control of our futures and ultimately their outcomes," she said, reminding the graduates that they were in command, that "our success and happiness is in our control."

Superintendent Dr. James Mapes urged the graduates to "find meaningful work" and to "expand your social networks," and encouraged them to grow further through additional education and life experience. He assured them that they were already on the right path, saying, "We have prepared you to travel wide and travel far in your careers. ...Your bag is packed and you are ready for your life journey."

Mary Jo O'Hagan, president of the Board of Education, was the next to take the podium. She spoke of the global issues facing the world the students were stepping into, and the responsibility they had to "fulfill your role as students, workers, citizens and leaders."

Wong praised the achievements and leadership of her class, and the teachers and administration for their guidance and direction. She talked about the importance of seizing opportunities and growing from every experience. She ended by celebrating her classmates, recognizing them "for making the time we spent here a sweet, sweet melody."

One by one the students were called up to received their diplomas, and each shook hands with the members of the administration. Then the Concert Choir performed a traditional recessional hymn, and hundreds of caps soared through the air.

The final speaker was the school's principal, Susan Knors. She asked the graduates to recognize the teachers who had helped make the ceremony possible. Knors expressed the administration's pride in the graduating class's impressive community service and academic achievements.

"We are grateful for this opportunity that we had to work with this incredible class," Knors concluded. She asked the graduates to rise, to "stand proud and know that you are ready," symbolizing that they were all "capable of making your dreams reality."