Rain Shortens Graduation Ceremony at Cheshire High School

For the first time at Cheshire High School, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian shared their commencement speech each taking turns reading from their respective podiums.

Valedictorian Audrey Chang joked during the ceremony Wednesday evening that the school provided Salutatorian Brendan Pier with his own podium to help him feel more comfortable in his role because the last four salutatorians were girls.

"This speech could have taken place a week-and a-half ago if not for mountains of snow," said Pier. The last day of school was postponed until June 22 to make up for snow days.

R.J. Anderson, senior class president, said the graduating class had spent 720 school days at the high school. "We have the power of memory to guide each of our steps."

Board of Education Chairman Gerald Brittingham said many believe the greatest generation has come and gone. "I believe I'm looking at the next great generation of the United States."

The Class of 2011 had 365 graduates. Dodd Middle School on Wednesday promoted 381 eighth-graders, most of whom will attend Cheshire High School.

Editor's note: A video of the All-Night Graduation Party and graduation ceremonies will be posted Thursday on Cheshire Patch.