Wilmington High School - Hourglass Yearbook (Wilmington, MA)

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SALUTATORY I would like to welcome you to the graduating exercises of our class of 1975. There is really nothing I can say that hasn't been said many times before at past graduations, so I'll be brief. Today marks the end of twelve years of formal education. The enforced shelter of high school life is left behind as we venture out into the world in pursuit of a career and, hopefully, happiness. Prom the very first year of school, we have been prepared for the moment when we would be on our own and recognized as adults. The question is, Are we ready? For the first time, we will be making our own decisions, forming our own lives. This will be the greatest of all challenges. It will not be easy. We can't escape the fact that these are trying times. Inflation and unemployment will make the task of providing and caring for ourselves and potential families all the more difficult. Some of us, will embark on this course immediately, joining the work force while others of us will be forced to work to assist in providing for additional education we seek. Many uncertainties lie ahead but as we gain experience in the coming years, hopefully, these uncer- tainties will be overcome. I am sure that those in attendance today join me in wishing each graduate success and more importantly happiness in whatever he or she undertakes. And, on behalf of the class of 1975, I would like to thank you for attending this ceremony. - Mark Callahan

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CLASS ESSAY Good afternoon! Today my fellow classmates and I are not only celebrating the conclusion of our high school education, but the birth of our future. Like the beginning of our country, two hundred years ago, our new birth sets us on our independent journey. But like our revolutionary country, we are unsure of our destiny, confused about our route and in quest of truth. It is important to remember we start our futures with the potential of greatness, just as our country was started with the same potential and built it into a leading nation. If we develop our potential with knowledge, persistance, and confidence, we shall reach our goals. The great inventors and government leaders in our country's history knew they had potential and were determined to attain greatness. Each one of us has individual talents and individual goals which we must develop and pursue. After examining our dreams, and evaluating our abilities, as many of our forefathers did, we will then know which route to follow. Once on that route, our ambitions and attitudes will lead us to our destiny. If we allow our potentials to lie dorment, we shall never have the personal satisfaction of accomplishment and productivity. Of course, there will be those of us who will have set backs and ref' A. A r ' - X .1 1 . - ' . j ff V at :A V ,,, , ,I -v ft, ' ' if 4 'V 1' f . A.. ' many will need the courage to face disappointments. But if we have truly strived for our dreams, the disappointment cannot be in ourselves, for we have tried. ln the history of the United States, great men have faultered but others have learned by their mistakes. As Longfellow said: Look not mournfully into the past, it comes not back again. Wisely improve the present, it is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear, and with a manly heart. Others besides ourselves have been scared of failure, yet they faced their fears with courage and were able to resolve them. There will be many times in our lives we will be scared and perplexed: However, our courage, wisdom, and determination like those of our heritage, will guide us. Even if we feel we have failed, we cannot completely regard it as failure for others may profit by our mistakes. Our strong courageous leaders defiantly created a new government as they walked into their dark unknown future with determination and courage, leaving behind a path for others to follow. As we depart here today with our potentials, we will walk out into our bright, new future remembering the words of Longfellow: Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time! - Lorraine Spada