'Connected in a unique way.' Milford High grads proud to conquer pandemic challenges

MILFORD — With temperatures hovering in the low 50s, you can forgive the class of 2023 at Milford High School for momentarily thinking they were graduating a couple months early.

But it was indeed June 4, and the unseasonably chilly weather — along with spradic showers — wasn't going to stop the newest Scarlet Hawk alumni from collecting their diplomas.

They had certainly encountered more formidable obstacles during their high school years.

"I truly believe we are connected with each other in a unique way, unlike any grade before us, and I'm honored to be given the opportunity to serve you," said class President Tessa Scrimgeour, in praising her classmates Sunday morning for dealing with the challenges brought on by COVID-19 starting when they were freshmen.

"You may not know me personally," Scrimgeour added, "but at some point or another, you made my day better possibly just by dressing up as Santa Claus, Ice Spice or the Statue of Liberty, going through the Dairy Queen drive-through or at any of the ways you supported Student Council."

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She went onto thank her teachers and her family. "I hope you all take time today to reflect on those who have influenced you in your time here and find a way to express your gratitude," Scrimgeour said.

Salutatorian Jessica Calarese also highlighted the lack of normalcy her class experienced.

"We started high school as any average class would until that normalcy was ripped out from below us," she said. Then Calarese spoke of the future, and how it's a synonym for the unknown.

"If we go into tomorrow with open arms, we can guarantee a mutual respect between us and the next opportunity that lies ahead," she said.

Recalling when graduation 'seemed so far away'

Following a performance of "Seize the Day" performed by Milford High's choir, valedictorian Haley Jansons delivered her address. She asked her classmates if they remembered when they first got their school emails as sixth graders, with the year "2023" after their names.

"(It) seemed so distant, so far in the future," Jansons said. "But here we are, and there's a lot to reflect on."

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She also asked her classmates what they will remember when they think of Milford High, emphasizing that she hoped they would remember the good things.

"We are bold and creative and fun," Jansons said. "Nothing embodies this more than the day when our school was bursting with red, white and black and the halls were filled with singing and laughter and energy."

Principal Joshua Otlin spoke of learning from current and past generations.

"We know that our future is entirely dependent on you," said Otlin, a 1996 Milford High graduate. "This is our work, to live in a way that is good for others both today and in the future."

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Otlin also stressed the importance of acting with tolerance and love.

"If we do not treat those who are different from us with love and grace, if we instead treat them with contempt or indifference... we must expect them to do the same in return," he said. "(But) If you act with tolerance and love, my future is brighter, if I act with tolerance and love, your future will be brighter.

"We are truly in this together, let's live like it."

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Milford High Class of 2023 graduates proud of overcoming pandemic