Broomfield High School bids fond farewell to class of 2023

Corbett Stevenson, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
·2 min read

May 23—"Do you know how hard it is to be a class clown when your entire audience is just a bunch of profile pictures?" Preston Bushey lamented May 20 at the 1stBANK Center. "It's almost as hard as taking a test post-COVID without a phone or cheat sheet right next to you."

Broomfield High School's graduating class of 2023 first experienced the COVID-19 pandemic as freshmen, and as such, had plenty to say about it the morning of graduation, including the class speech from Bushey and his friend Derek Duplechin.

But even more profound than the impact of the pandemic was the impact of their peers and teachers, and the culture of Broomfield High.

"Being an Eagle means showing up, that means supporting people no matter the conditions, time or place," Bushey said. "It also means being yourself, not giving in to what others want you to be while always respecting others and what they want to be."

All the speeches were full of congratulations and thanks, particularly to parents and loved ones who helped the graduates make it to the stage.

"I was told not to give any shoutouts in my speech, but I followed a lot of rules to be standing in front of you today, so I don't feel particularly bad about breaking this one," Kaviya Barathi Chidambaram said. "My mom was the first person in her family to graduate high school and get an undergraduate degree and a master's. She made it through because of her mom, and today, I'll make it because of mine."

Presenting the senior class and presiding over the graduation was Broomfield High School Principal Ginger Ramsey.

"The kindness that I saw from you on a daily basis made coming to school a pleasure, but I want you to think about some things," Ramsey said. "I want you to continue to challenge each other and the people around you. Ask questions, and be willing to listen.

"I want to personally thank each and every one of you for allowing me to be a part of your life. You are my Eagles." Ramsey said. "It's time to leave the nest, and I am convinced you are ready to leave.

"Please make wise decisions and take care of each other," she concluded. "Be smart and be safe."