Haverhill High School and the city it calls home bid farewell to the class of 2009 at Haverhill Stadium Friday evening under an overcast sky that held onto its rain until after the ceremony.
Students, their 407 heads covered by caps that created a brown and gold checkerboard in front of the podium, sat in front of their loved ones who occupied white chairs placed on the grass or the stadium's bleachers.
After an introduction by senior class president Patrick Lawlor in which he reminded his peers to never forget their individuality, the school's chorus sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water," setting the tone for the rest of the commencement.
Valedictorian Mark Lalli addressed the crowd and reminisced about the times they shared in the hallways of Haverhill High.
"These are the things we'll remember, when the rules of algebra fade from our memories," he said.
He urged classmates to strive to make a difference beyond Haverhill High School.
"Leave some impact on the world," he said. "You don't have to be a diplomat or a politician to make a difference. We just have to do one thing: Care."
After the students had their say, the city of Haverhill joined in on the celebration.
Mayor James Fiorentini spoke first and listed some of the achievements of this year's senior class. He said that 84 percent of this year's class was going on to higher education, one of the highest percentages ever at the school.
A dozen students will enter military service — whom Fiorentini asked to stand to be recognized — and 100 percent of the class passed the MCAS exams. The class of 2009 also earned a record $171,000 in scholarships and had a record 125 students earn Adams Scholarships for outstanding academic achievement, giving them free tuition to a state university.
The son of a teacher, Fiorentini urged the students to think about the teachers that influenced them in their school years and use that as inspiration in the future.
"Now it's your turn to be an influence in someone else's life," he said.
School Committee President Scott Wood Jr. spoke on behalf of the school board.
"Don't ever listen to the people who doubt you," he said, "and don't let the little setbacks hold you back."
Superintendent Raleigh Buchanan thanked the students for keeping things interesting during the three years he has been at the helm of the school department.
"It gives me a great deal of pride to brag about our students," he said. "If I can ever help any one of you, you know where you can find me."
Finally, Principal Bernard Nangle addressed his students before handing out the diplomas.
"I wish you the very best as you pursue your dreams and hopes beyond high school," he said.
During the ceremony, soloists Olivia Feole and Samantha Foresta took to the stage to sing one last song to their classmates. The two performed "For Good," a duet from the musical Wicked. The lyrics (at left) they sang echoed through the stadium speakers and summed up the commencement in beautiful melody.
