Newton Senior High School 2011 Graduation

Two hundred and nine Newton Senior High School students walked across the gymnasium stage Sunday afternoon to receive their graduation diplomas. During the ceremonies, the graduates received a lot of good advice for the future.

Dallas Cupples told her fellow graduates that they each have a goal to attain.

“Don’t let anyone keep you from your goals,” she said. “It’s important to stand up for what we believe in. No dream is too big.”

Newton Schools Superintendent Steve McDermott promised the graduates that he would work on the job opportunities in Newton.

“We will do our best to create jobs here in Newton, and maybe one day we can get you back,” McDermott said. “We’d love to have you.”

Sam Coen, Class of 2011 President, spoke of the meaning of success.

“Success means giving back to the community,” Coen said. “And volunteer. The more you do, the greater the sense of accomplishment.”

Coen concluded his remarks by telling his classmates to have fun in life as well, and he played a recorded song that got the entire graduating class dancing in place for a few moments, to the delight of the audience.

The graduating class boasted 11 class valedictorians, 20 graduating with highest honors of 3.9 to 4.0 grade point average; 19 with high honors, 3.667 to 3.899 GPA; and 48 graduating with high honors, 3.0 to 3.666 GPA. The class flower was the red rose, and the class colors were scarlet and black. The class motto was a quote from American author William Feather, “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.”