June 6, 2013 PDF Edition - The Sentinel

PAGE 16THE SENTINEL • THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2013A group of seniors gather prior to graduating.Brendon Roux and Breanna Allen anxiously awaitgraduation.Seniors celebrate after receiving their diplomas.GRADS I | from Page 1crowded conditions and overwhelming heat, seniorsproudly received their diplomas.“Looking around, it looks like the trial scene in ‘ToKill a Mockingbird’,” joked commencement speakerBrennan Murray.Library Media Specialist Brennan Murray began hiscareer at BHS with the seniors four years ago. He toldseniors that although he might not see many of themagain, it was okay because life is about meeting newpeople. His advice for seniors was to surround themselveswith individuals from different cultures and toexperience new situations. He explained that in ourglobal society, opening up to different cultures willlead to financial success.“Your life will change forever,” he said. “You won’thave to hide your coffee or beg for library passes anymore.”Along with his lighthearted remarks, Murrayoffered the graduates plenty of insightful words.“Education makes you a better person, always,”said Murray.Quoting Nelson Mandela, Salutatorian KimberlyDrawec expressed a similar sentiment. “Education isthe most powerful weapon to change the world,” shesaid.It is apparent that this year’s graduates understandthe importance of education. Many of the graduateswill go on to attend college. The class of 2013received over $70,000 in scholarship awards.Not wanting to dwell on the past, ValedictorianDevyn Hébert’s speech instead focused on the futureand the exceptional potential within each graduate.“We are no different than the 2.7 million that aregraduating across the country,” said Hébert. “We havea long way to go, but we can make our mark.”Senior class president Caleb Bernard reminded hispeers of the uncertainties that they face. He comparedgraduating to a bird leaving the nest for the first time.“Life may throw many challenges at us. However, afriend or loved one will always be there,” he said.Every senior who spoke at the commencementthanked their teachers and family for their continuedsupport.As a kind gesture and gift for the school, seniorsplanted a tree outside the cafeteria. Undoubtedly, theclass of 2013 has left a lasting mark at BHS.BHS Class of 20Class officers and friends gath35 Spring HillBelchertownKIMBERLY ALLENBelchertown Real Estate Agent & Proud HomeownerTeam JessicaMember$450,000413•323•0033Sale Pending29 PendletonBelchertown$325,00026 N. Main St.Belchertown$150,000Belchertown's Multi-Million DollarReal Estate Agent 2004-2012.11 Newton St.BelchertownSold$250,000LANDOld Sawmill Lots$100,0001.44 Acres.98 Acre1.28 Acre25 Old SawmillBelchertown$400,000240 Barton Ave.130 Springfield Rd.55 Main St.BelchertownBelchertown$375,000Belchertown$225,000$239,900Sabin StreetLot #28.01$275,0004.83 Acresw/Beautiful ViewsVIEW ALL MY LISTINGS ONwww.KimberlySoldOurs.com