THS Class of 2012 Graduates

The Class of 2012 walked away from school on Wednesday night with both their diplomas and a hard-earned new title: high school graduates.

Speakers had a plethora of advice and wisdom for the students at the ceremony.

"As you prepare to leave the familiar surroundings of Tolland for places that will serve as proving grounds for your possibilities and potentials, I hope you will take seriously your responsibility for leading in the world that cries for sensible, diligent and wise leaders," said Superintendent William Guzman.

Valedictorian Michelle Zimmerman encouraged her peers to embrace the huge life changes coming their way.

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"To my class, I want you to remember your first day of high school and how much you've changed since then. As you take your first steps in the real world, take each step with confidence, because just as we've changed and adapted here in high school, you will change and adapt to your new experiences. Just as we've made the most of Tolland High School, I hope that you will make the most of every new attempt," she said.

Principal Dominique Fox added her congratulations, while thanking the community for supporting the graduates throughout their academic journeys.

"An excellent education truly requires a community, and all of these people before you have played an important role to help you get here today. I hope that you seize the opportunities before you," she said.

Take a look at excerpts from the speeches posted above, and share your own photos of your graduates on Tolland Patch by hitting the "upload" button.