Throughout our city, high school graduation represents a celebration shared by the entire community, including those without children or family members in the graduating class. The accomplishments of these graduates inspire us all, as they embody the future leadership of both our community and the world. In many ways, each of us has contributed to their journey from childhood to adulthood, whether directly or indirectly.
The decorations and festive signs marking graduation season throughout Chelsea stir fond memories in our hearts, reminding us of our own experiences as high school graduates.
The parents watching their children walk across the stage to receive diplomas will experience mixed emotions. The lyrics from Fiddler on the Roof capture this sentiment perfectly:
Where is the little girl I carried?
Where is the little boy at play?
I don’t remember getting older,
When did they?
When we reflect on the passage of time and how it connects the Class of 2016 to previous Chelsea High School graduating classes, it seems almost impossible for current graduates to envision attending their 25th or 50th reunion.
For members of the Class of 2016 who believe that 2031 or 2066 lie far in the distant future, we offer this counsel: “Carpe diem” – seize the day. Unlike a sports event, life does not offer any time-outs. The clock keeps ticking – “Time and tide wait for no man,” as the poet said – and we must strive to do the best we can every day of our lives. Fifty years from now, we can assure all of the graduates that none of them will want to look back 50 years and think, “What might have been…”
We extend our warmest congratulations to the Class of 2016 and their families. We are confident that the entire Chelsea community joins us in wishing them success and happiness in all their future endeavors.