Saugus High graduates 158

SAUGUS – Valedictorian Logan Nichols told his fellow graduates that it’s the “simple things” that he’ll remember when looking back at his four years at Saugus High School.”Simple things like blowing things up in chemistry class or cutting my fingers off in wood shop,” said Nichols. “Simple things like how our fire drills were always delicately planned to be in the middle of the winter ? Simple things like going to the sophomore semi-formal dance. As a senior. Dressed as Batman.”Nichols was among the 158 seniors who said goodbye to Saugus High School Friday evening as friends and family packed the stands at Stackpole Field for the 142nd commencement ceremony.Students lingered around the main entrance to the field for an hour before the ceremony as they posed for pictures, hugged family members and talked with their soon-to-be former teachers.At 6 p.m. sharp the high school band, led by band teacher Justin Jones, played “Pomp and Circumstance” and the graduates, in their white and red robes, filed to their seats in the middle of the field.Student Council President Brenda Arraya-Franco kicked off the commencement with a welcoming speech to the class of 2013.”A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,” she said. “I think we can all agree that these past four years have not exactly been smooth sailing. There have been a number of ups and downs ? but it’s thanks to the hardest of times and our weakest of moments that we are here today.”Cody Martin said he’s excited to start the next chapter of his life and called graduating a “surreal” experience.”The four years of lacrosse and playing on this field right here, I’m definitely going to think about that every time I pass by,” said Martin, who will study audio and media technology at the New England Institute of Art in Cambridge. “That’s something that’s going to stick with me.”Acting Principal Jason Merrill congratulated the graduates, whom he referred to as “artists, athletes, writers, actors, workers, future teachers, soldiers, nurses and engineers.””But most importantly, classmates and friends who have learned to respect each other, support each other and believe in each other,” said Merrill. “They are prepared and ready for the next step in their lives.”Merrill also remembered longtime drama teacher Nancy Lemoine, who died in April.”Nancy Lemoine was a tremendous influence on our students and our entire community,” he said. “I know that she is here with us today and is proud of each and every one of you.”Lemoine was honored Friday with an empty chair in the faculty section with a silver balloon attached to it.In his speech to students, Superintendent Richard Langlois said he was most impressed by the character of the class of 2013. He cited the displays of “support and kindness” to those in need, including raising money for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and reaching out to Saugus High School in California with a “random act of kindness” to remember victims of the Sandy Hook shooting.”This defines you and demonstrates a strong character,” he said. “You have shown a spirit capable of compassion, sacrifice and endurance.”As they head to the next chapter in their lives, valedictorian Nichols, who will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute next year, told graduates not to be afraid of failure, because “it makes you unique, it gives you conviction and it makes you a better person.””So accept that your dreams will change and that you will fail, because that’s okay,” he said. “Because it’s our failures that make us who we are, that define us. When disappointment comes, and it will come, if you handle it right you can better yourself and better understand yourself.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].