‘Happiness makes success’: Old Rochester graduates Class of 2023
Jun 3, 2023
Old Rochester Regional High School seniors make their way into their graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 3. Photo by: Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
The Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 2023 makes their way into their graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 3. Photo by: Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
The wind didn’t stop graduating seniors from enjoying their moment in the spotlight. Photo by: Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
The crowd bundled up for the cold and rain as they watched their friends and family graduate with the Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 2023. Photo by: Brooke Chandler
Graduating seniors smile and wave at parents and friends seated on the bleachers. Photo by: Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
Photo by: Sawyer Smook-Pollitt
MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 2023 crossed a bridge as they received their diplomas on Saturday, June 3.
For 2023 Class President Markus Pierre, he hoped that the bridge would lead his fellow Bulldogs to happiness and success — in that order.
“There are countless people who have been blinded by the idea that when one has success, one will be happy,” said Pierre, addressing his classmates. “Success is not a raw substance that one stumbles upon — it is the product of happiness.”
He explained that success isn’t found in “driving a sick car,” or in “being a member at seven golf courses.”
“The equation isn’t that success makes happiness,” explained Pierre. “The equation is that happiness makes success. Now isn't that a relief?”
Another relief came from Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Mike Nelson, who made a point to keep his speech short and sweet, only five minutes and forty-six seconds to be exact.
“There's great merit in spending the time you need to with those who mean the most to us, celebrating the good times in life because oftentimes they feel the briefest,” said Nelson. “Today is one of the good times in life for our graduates, their families in our entire school community.”
For 169 graduating seniors, the good times were punctuated by the memories of four years spent at Old Rochester Regional High School.
“It has been my pleasure to see everyone in the class grow and change throughout the years, surviving what some would call wild and difficult experiences,” said Class of 2023 Valedictorian Theodore Carroll. “I have realized that it’s important to cherish the memories we made as a class to take advantage of every opportunity in front of us, whether it be socially or academically, after all, we only have one shot at this.”
As the graduating seniors turned the tassels on their caps, they crossed a bridge into the wider world outside the Tri-Town.
“Class of 2023, the moment you step on the other side of this bridge today, please be happy people — enjoy every moment and always, always be grateful,” said Pierre.
