Amid an ecstatic throng of thousands, years of grueling work now behind them, Freedom HS’s graduated seniors were nonetheless unable to focus squarely on the vacations, vocations, friendships and adventures to come.

For the past is prologue, and the June 6 commencement at Stabler Arena was themed, “Reflections in the Mirror,” and it was marked by reminders of all they’d leaned thus far, the people who helped them, and how their experiences can inform successes to come.

Principal Michael LaPorta, still celebrating Freedom’s 50th anniversary, lauded his students’ sense of teamwork and community, while encouraging them to recall their high school careers when facing uncertainty. He encouraged the graduates to constantly do the hard thing. “As future citizens you will have to reflect upon everything you do in life. Your level of success will depend on your level of reflection. Meet challenges, take the hard road, and have the discipline to say no [to easy choices]. Muscle through those days when motivation is lacking. Face overwhelming problems and turn them into opportunities.”

Student speaker Matthew Vera didn’t hesitate to take an opportunity, delivering his address in a rhythmic rap. Filled with kindness and inspiration, Vera included lines such as, “Mistakes make you who you are; that is what makes you great,” “A hero is in all of you,” and “No one should leave today feeling hopeless.”

A beaming Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy later applauded Vera, saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone give a graduation speech with such joy. Congratulations.”

Also speaking of heroes was the faculty-selected speaker, Spencer Smith, who showed great respect for high school faculty. Teachers, he said, are, “like my favorite superhero, Spider-Man. Nowhere else is responsibility taken more seriously. Like superheroes, teachers are selfless. They give countless hours of their own time and dedication to their students. They are passionate and powerful. They don’t ask for wealth or praise; they give of themselves because they know that education is power, and with great power there must also come great responsibility.”

Smith said who we are and become doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Asking the audience to peer into their blank phone screens as he also did so, he said, “I see this reflection was not built just by me, but by many others as well. We are born into this world the same,” and change through others’ influence over the years.

He listed a number of Freedom teachers and how they’ve helped countless students, and said as they all now enter the greater community through college, the military, or work, “We are the reflections of Freedom HS.”

Roy shared the sentiment. “As you move on from high school to the greater community, consider our shared responsibility. We’re all better off looking out for each other.”

School board President Mike Faccinnetto didn’t contradict previous speakers, but built on the premise that though change is inevitable, “positive change still begins with one person. If you’re searching for that one person who’s going to change your life, look in the mirror.”

While earning laughs and applause for performing part of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” his earnestness was evident, and he spoke of their diversity and welcoming nature, specifically of the new tradition of administrators and upper classmen visiting the homes of incoming freshmen during the summer. “Those kids don’t have to worry if they’ll fit in – they know they’re welcome. I’ve never seen a group of students who are so caring, so compassionate.”

He ended his speech not with a famous quote, but with a comment by retiring faculty member Jennifer Wescoe, who served as the school’s theater director for 18 years. “As you can imagine, passing the torch to the next generation of FHSTC leaders comes with many emotions, I have every confidence they will continue to light the way for future generations to support, love and appreciate the arts. The arts matter. I have personally witnessed the arts change innumerable lives. May future thespians continue to work hard, dream big, and always believe in the magic and wonder of life.

“Be the change. Bring the joy. Spread sunshine and let your beautiful light shine wherever you go.”

In response, Class President Rachel Black said, “We’ve all changed a lot. My hair color’s changed at least four or five times. But who we are today is a reflection of our past selves.” She asked if anyone would have suspected 10 years ago who they would become, listing many students and their accomplishments in high school, from sports to academics to lasting friendships. “If we didn’t know those things 10 years ago, imagine where we’ll be in the future.”