Schools

Class of 2013 Graduates Celebrate Excellence, Encourage Portsmouth Pride

Portsmouth High School held its commencement ceremony Friday night at the high school in Portsmouth.

 

Tropical Storm Andrea couldn't stop Portsmouth High School's graduating seniors from receiving their diplomas Friday evening after four years of hard work, dedication and demonstrating Portsmouth pride. 

The Class of 2013 proudly accepted their diplomas during a commencement ceremony held Friday night inside the new Portsmouth gym.

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The ceremony was moved indoors due to heavy rain. Parents ran into the gym with soaked umbrellas, while students driving golf carts helped provide transport for some. 

After a short delay, Portsmouth graduates marched into the gym. 

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"You have been anything but reckless. You have been kind, caring, dedicated...I'm so proud of you," said PHS Robert Littlefield to the Portsmouth Class of 2013.

"You have continued the tradition of excellence," said Portsmouth Superintendent Lynn Krizic. 

Speakers reminded graduates and parents of historic events over the past four years, including Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, the election and even Justin Bieber's Twitter following.

The graduates were also urged to always remember how Portsmouth's past and present shaped them into the person they are today.

"Those of you leaving the island, do not flee and never return, but rather be thankful fo what this place has helped you become," said graduation speaker Emily Force. 

"While this is the end of a season, it will always be with us," said fellow graduation speaker Steven Elleman. 

"...We are the product of the past, and through shared experiences, through the rain and the sun, through laughter and heartbreak, through friendship and love, we will always be with each other." 

Speakers for the commencement ceremony also included Senior Class Secretary Ryan Blythe, School Committee Chairman David Croston, Senior Class President Claire O'Connor, Senior Class Vice President Emily Gordon and Senior Class Treasurer Aidan Cafferty. 

The guest speaker was Kevin Reilly, Portsmouth High School technology education instructor. 

Featured above are photos and a video from Friday's ceremony. 

Are you a Portsmouth parent who took pictures of your son or daughter at the graduation? Add those photos here! Click the green "upload photos and videos" button to share your graduation photos. 


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