Farewell Class of 2013, Mansfield Seniors Graduate

For the 358 members of the Mansfield High School Class of 2013, the four year journey is over.

On a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon at the Comcast Center, the senior class from Mansfield High School gathered as a group one last time to graduate and received their diplomas.

In between speeches, those in attendance were treated to performances from the MHS band, orchestra and the Senior Choir.

When class president Stephanie Hall spoke, she reflected on her first speech as class president in eight grade when she tripped up the stairs to the podium and the multiple times since she has experienced trouble with steps.

Turning her misfortune into a metaphor, Smith told her classmates to always get up after falling whether it be after falling up the stairs or in life.

"We may stumble, we may fall on our knees, but we still get back up," Smith said."I don't doubt we will be one of the most successful classes to leave MHS."

Keeping her remarks brief, Superintendent Brenda Hodges told the graduates to be humble rather than arrogant in both their professional and personal lives.

"Humble leaders are free to buildup others, arrogant leaders only buildup themselves," Hodges said. 

She also quoted CS Lewis, saying "Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." 

Salutatorian Rashmi Koul remembered coming to Mansfield schools for the first time in ninth grade and the warm response she got from her new classmates.

"What makes Mansfield High more memorable for me is how they welcomed me with open arms," Koul said.

Valedictorian Kelly McGee challenged the Class of 2013 to break the routines and identities they developed in high school when they get to college.

"We will face hoards of people who have no idea who we are. We may find that we know far less about ourselves than we thought," McGee said. "This is why we must be plunked down where we are not sure of the rules."

As the last speaker before handing out diplomas, Principal Michael Connolly left the now former MHS students with a simple message to face and embraces the challenges that lie ahead.

"Those who don't give up and persevere may be in for a surprise," Connolly said.