Dexter High School Seniors Graduate, Set Sights to College and Careers

More than 300 seniors marked the conclusion of a significant chapter in their collective lives during Sunday's graduation ceremony, only to immediately set forth on new adventures.

Though plagued the Village of Dexter throughout the morning, the lights and necessary electronics performed flawlessly for the entirety of the afternoon ceremony, abating school officials’ ongoing worries.

National Honor Society President Sho Harvey began the occasion by welcoming graduates to the ceremony.

“It is on this day that we, the Class of 2012, graduate from the academic institution we have come to know as Dexter High School,” he said, alluding to the profound maturation process he and his fellow classmates experienced over the past four years. “It is on this day that we reminisce on the wonderful times we’ve had at Dexter High School and look forward to even better days.”

Principal Kit Moran echoed Harvey’s sentiment in his remarks by suggesting the months and years ahead will be challenging for the graduates, yet he also noted they will always find a cohesive support system back at their alma mater.

“You guys know high school has been a big deal; I’ve been talking to a lot of you about what you’re going to do after high school and I know for a few this has been a culminating experience,” he said, “but it’s the minor leagues and the majors start tomorrow. So, know that we are always here to talk to you, to be a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen.”

Moran concluded by thanking the graduates for being "wonderful students" while at DHS, and told students that he and other teachers are excited to hear of all the future successes that are certain to follow.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed having you at Dexter High School,” he said. “It has been a fantastic four years and we look forward to all the great things you guys will do after you leave."

Student Michael McGonigle said making it to graduation day was much easier given the collaborative effort from engaged school officials and hard-working parents.

“I’d like to first start by thanking the administration and staff for giving four years of their lives to making us more civilized people. I hope they got something out of the deal because I have a feeling it might be the most thankless job ever,” he said. “I’d also like to thank the parents who committed 18 years of their lives to get us to this point, clearly it was worth it.”

McGonigle also had for his fellow scholars.

“To the Class of 2012, I want to thank you for the past four years,” he said.” I cannot say enough about your generosity, intelligence, honor and voice.

The list of student speakers also included Paige Driscoll with her speech ",” as well as Amy Moorman with "An Article on Greatness."

After each graduate had their chance at walk across the stage, and the diplomas were all in hand, the scene outside the gymnasium was jovial as friends and family congratulated their respective members of the Class of 2012.

Flanked by a large group of supporters was Katie Adler, who said graduation day brought with it an onslaught of varying emotions.

“I’m excited, nervous and happy,” she said, mentioning that her years of scholastic achievement at DHS have already paid dividends. “I’m going to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) next year and am going to study, probably, environmental engineering.”

Attending MIT is a family affair, according to Adler, who said her father attended the college as well.

Taylor Cassidy said though she's undecided on her specific career path, she is happy to see where life leads her.

“It’s either law or dentistry, so we’ll see what happens," she said. "I’m going to take some classes and figure it out on the way.”

Cassidy said the emotionalism of the day was extremely profound.

“I’m just so happy. Words can’t even describe it,” she said. “This has been such an amazing journey, I’m going to miss it but I’m ready for bigger and better things.”

For Emily Allen, leaving DHS will mean traveling to Japan in the fall.

“I kind of don’t believe I graduated,” she said. “I’m going to be studying abroad (in Nara, Japan) and I’m going to go to Washtenaw Community College in the fall.”

Emily's father, Steven Allen, said she will depart June 15 and spend six weeks with a host family.

“It will be an adjustment, but it will be good for her," Allen said. "I’m very proud of her."