Sunapee
For Jessica Parsons, the applause was a little louder when it announced she had perfect attendance all four years.
After making it through the first two years without missing a day, Parsons began thinking about keeping the streak going.
“I thought, maybe I can make it all through high school,” Parsons said before Friday evening’s ceremony inside Sherburne gymnasium.
Only once did she recall waking up not feeling well but with an important soccer game that day, made it to school. “And we won so I guess it was worth it.”
And Parsons did more than just show up every day. She was a member of the National Honor Society, vice president of the student council for three years and as four-year member of varsity soccer, basketball and softball, has been part of seven state championships; possibly eight if the softball team wins today.
The graduation opened with the school band playing Pomp and Circumstance and once the graduates were seated on stage, senior Renee Brandon welcomed all, recalling apple picking in grade school to whitewater rafting senior year.
“I’d like to thank our classmates for the memories, the cheers, the accomplishments and the support. We made it through it all,” said Brandon, who was applauded loudly with a standing ovation when Valedictorian Kate Frederick spoke of her courage.
“We even have a cancer survivor,” said Frederick, while recalling several class achievements. “Renee, we have been so impressed with your dedication and commitment to school and extracurriculars even while battling a disease that no person should ever have to brave.”
Also receiving a standing ovation while Frederick spoke was Jordan Spear.
“We have someone up here who has committed himself to serve and protect our country,” Frederick said. “Jordan we are so proud of you and grateful for your sacrifice.”
Frederick, who will attend St. Lawrence University in the fall, said she felt lucky to be part of the school and community.
“I have been constantly surprised and warmed at the community of Sunapee, of the people here who rally behind their neighbors, their students, and the school. Appreciate and soak in the community that Sunapee offers. Realize that this town is unique because of the sense of community that pervades in this place,” Frederick said.
She sees only success for her classmates but urged them to first find happiness and when they inevitably stumble, recall their Sunapee roots.
“I want you to bottle up the lemon yellow, heart-bursting happy moments that Sunapee has allowed us to experience and take it with you, and open it when you need a reminder that you are special, you are loved, and you are worth every opportunity. Graduates, make sure to appreciate what Sunapee has done for you. Say thank you. Be grateful.”
Salutatorian Lynnsey Trabka, who will attend the University of Vermont, had words of praise and thanks.
“Up here on stage with me are 42 people with some of the best personalities and senses of humor of which I have been graced with the chance of getting to know. These people up here are the ultimate Sunapee experience,” said Trabka, who lives in Unity and was welcomed with “open arms” when she arrived in four years ago.
A committed, dedicated and cohesive group, Trabka said they could do whatever they put their minds to and are “a force to be reckoned with.”
She went on to thank parents and teachers for their guidance, support and encouragement.
“To the class of 2017, thank you for the memories, the challenges, the enthusiasm, and your friendship. You have changed me, each other, your school and your community for the better. I have no doubt that you will all continue to leave a piece of yourself wherever you go from here,” Trabka said.
The ceremony included the presentation of more than $71,000 in scholarships.
After the diplomas were handed out, the class marched out of the gym one last time to the cheers and applause of family and friends.
Sunapee Class of 2017
William Austin, Plymouth State University; Sawyer Bergeron, University of New Hampshire; Jessica Berio, Plymouth State; Virgile Bissonnette-Blais; University of British Columbia; Mollie Bottari, NHTI; Renee Brandon, Lasell University; Sydney Clark, NHTI; Mariah Coughlin, Colby Sawyer; Maryann Cousens, Boston University; Maisi Cowdrey, Franklin Pierce University; Dorothy-Ann Currier, Keene State College; Michael Dezotelle, work; Abigail Downey, Husson University; Hannah Drummond, Southern Maine Community College; Nathaniel Emery, University of Utah; Connor Fleury, University of New Hampshire; Katherine Frederick, St. Lawerence University; Meghan Frederick, Endicott College; Isaiah Gorman, Santa Fe College; Mary Grzanna, NHTI; Yuyi Han, Norwich University; Ziqian Han, Colby Sawyer; Samuel Humphrey, Keene State; Angelica Kirk, Colby-Sawyer; Christian Kirk, Iowa State University; Sheena Kirk, Southern New Hampshire University; Faith Larpenter, NHTI; Austin LeBlanc, Great Bay Community College; Keir Lucas, New York University; Miles O’Mara, work; Jessica Parsons, Clarkson Univesity; Elsa Pierson, work; Julia Reilly, River Valley Community College; Joshua Reinhard, work; Andrew Sarnevitz, Norwich University; Andrew Shaffer, Keene State; Jordan Spear, U.S. Army; Gabrielle Sweet, Keene Beauty School; Lynnsey Trabka, University of Vermont; Danielle Usko, University of New England; Henry Vincent, Suffolk University; Alexis Waterman, UNH; Alexander Whitehouse, University of Utah.
