Darien High School Class Of 2015 Says Goodbye To High School Years

DARIEN, Conn. -- Nicolai Ostberg turned to a proverb to sum up the high school years for him and his fellow Darien Class of 2015 graduates.

Two graduates excitedly talk after the graduation ceremonies at Darien High School Tuesday.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Graduates watch the ceremonies at the Darien High School Tuesday.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

A group of graduates prepare their song before the Darien High School graduation ceremonies Tuesday.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Graduates and others sing the National Anthem at the Darien High School graduation ceremonies.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Friends and family mill about following the graduation ceremonies at Darien High School on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: *Frank MacEachern*

Frank MacEachern

06/17/2015 5:00 a.m.

"Looking out at the class in front of me, I am reminded of an African proverb: "If you want to walk fast, walk along. If you want to walk far, walk together,'" Ostberg said during the graduation ceremonies at the high school Tuesday afternoon.

Ostberg, who was also the class valedictorian, drew upon his baseball experience and the words of a coach who urged him to take a chance and not be afraid to swing. He said the coach told him: "Good things happen when you swing the bat."

He said that is advice to live by.

"If you are not afraid to fail, not afraid to swing at the wrong pitch - even though you may miss - I believe you will be happier for it," he said.

Elizabeth Hagerty-Ross, chairwoman of the Board of Education, praised the graduates and also the community.

“This is not just a celebration of our senior class but also an acknowledgment of the community that has encouraged and supported all of our students,” she said. "We are incredibly grateful to the Darien community that supports our schools not only with their continued financial contributions but also by opening their doors to support all of our programs that help our children to grow which is evident by our senior class and their incredible accomplishments."

She also urged the students to grab the opportunities that they will face in the future.

"You are an extraordinary group of young men and women who are departing from Darien High School with a vast array of accomplishments and talents. Share these on your next journey but also take full advantage of the new opportunities and challenges that you will be facing and embrace them," she said. "Add to your array of accomplishments and talents and make your mark on your next journey just as you did here."

Interim Superintendent of Schools Lynne Pierson said the students have left their mark on the school.

"Each of you has helped to shape this school. Each of you has been a part of challenge and change," she said. "Each of you has created a legacy and a beacon for the who follow in your footsteps.”

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