Their time has finally come. After four years at Ridgefield High School, the heavily anticipated Class of 2015 graduation will take place on Friday, June 19 at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.
Three lucky and highly qualified members of this year’s class will represent the student body as speakers at the upcoming event.
This year’s valedictorian, Liam Baughman, earned his position with a weighted GPA of 4.962. As student body president and a member of student government, Liam has demonstrated his leadership abilities and dedication to RHS students.
To Liam, work ethic and commitment breed academic success and immediate rewards.
“I believe my hard work has always paid off, no class distinction or college acceptance at the end of the road required. Hard work isn’t like a bond that, at some point in the distant future, comes to maturity; hard work pays dividends daily.”
Knowing the inevitable difficulties that lie ahead, Liam reflects on past accomplishments and failures to best prepare himself.
“Being named valedictorian, I believe, is partly the result of my finding in each yesterday something that was achieved and in each tomorrow something yet to be tried and challenged.”
Along with the valedictorian, one member of the graduating class speaks on behalf of his peers. An admired and eligible student of RHS, Matt Marcon was elected as this year’s class speaker. Looking back on the last four years, Matt recognizes his growth as he gained confidence and discovered his identity.
“I realized at the end of high school how it's incredibly important to be authentic. The moment I started expressing myself was the same time I found a voice.”
In the fall, Liam will be attending Harvard University and Matt, Fordham University.
Rounding off the list of 2015 class speakers is Ollie Jones, the class president. This year Ollie worked to communicate the wishes of RHS seniors to student government and make senior year the most memorable year.
“I want our class to be remembered as a family; one that had high points and low points, but at the end of the day, became close.”
The RHS graduation will be held Friday June 19th at the Western Connecticut State University O’Neill Center at 4 pm. There are no tickets; guests can enter through Gate 1 to celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduating class.