SHS Graduates Told 'Its Time to Believe in Yourself and Persevere'

There wasn’t a single event or moment that defined the Class of 2012. It was a string of moments, a series of memories and successes since freshman year that has led the class to be recognized as one of the most hardworking groups in recent memory.

As students prepared to move on to the next stage of their life, they were reminded that it is important to be unique, use their resources to the fullest and reach for their wildest dreams during the 2012 commencement ceremony held on Fontana Field Tuesday.

“Persevere; be determined; be fierce; be fabulous. It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you are not so believe in yourself,” Class Essayist Jacquelyn Ford-Cooperman said. “Most importantly, have fun. Live your life because it is about the journey and not the destination. Don’t look back and say ‘what if?’ – live like you will die tomorrow.”

The class of 2012 featured 490 individual graduates, including 198 who were recognized for achieving high honors and 75 who earned honors for their work. There were also 16 graduates of the school’s alternative education program, or ALTA.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

ALTA guidance counselor Mark Hill said it was the second largest graduating class from the alternative learning school, surpassed only by the 18 graduates who received diplomas in 2011.

For a complete list of graduates, or to add your own pictures and video,. For the full video coverage of Tuesday's ceremony, .

Southington High School Principal Martin Semmel said the number of honors students was a telling sign of what the class brought to the school in their four years there. He described them as being hardworking, passionate and positive students with an eye on the future and what lies ahead.

“This was a group of students that really came together to find success. They were focused, but more importantly, they have fun,” Semmel said.

Whether it was the musical performances, the Mr. Southington High School contest, countless sports victories, unified theater, the success of the FIRST Robotics team or one of the countless other successes, Semmel said they will leave a strong legacy.

For students like Nick Frega and Steven Frauenheim, it was an experience that went by too fast. Frega will attend Fairfield University in the fall while Frauenheim will attend Tunxis College in Farmington.

The two shared various memories of the school, but said no single one stands out more than the others. They each said it’s a little scary to think that graduation will mean the start of full-fledged adulthood and all that comes with it.

“It just went by so quickly,” Frauenheim said. “It seems like just yesterday, we were sitting here as Nick was asking us to pay our class dues and now, it’s over.”

As the students prepared to receive their diplomas, School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. encouraged them to look around and to remember where they came from. He said many will move on to bigger things in their life, but they should never forget Southington, their home and the place where everything began.

It was advise that was shared by Class President Ryan Fischer, who told his fellow graduates that before they move on to college, jobs, the military or whatever they choose to pursue in life, they should take a moment right now to reflect on their time at Southington High School.

“Class of 2012, as you go to explore the macrocosm of society to continue your dreams, remember that the memories of Southington High School will always be with you,” he said. “As you go on to your respected careers or colleges, remember that your roots will always be in Southington; the memories you have had here will last forever.”

Make sure to like Southington Patch on Facebook or follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!