‘Dream and dream big.’ The 329 members of West Hartford’s Conard Class of 2023 gathered together for the final time as they reflected on the past, soaked in the present, and looked toward the future at the 66th commencement ceremony.
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
By Bridget Bronsdon. Photos by Ronni Newton and Bridget Bronsdon
Messages shared at commencements are often words of wisdom for the high school graduates gleaned from important works of literature, or philosophers, or other high-level thinkers. But some of the most profound advice given to the 329 Conard graduates on Tuesday came from a fictional TV character.
“Human beings are never going to be perfect. The best we can do is keep asking for help and accepting it when you can. And if you keep on doing that, you will always be moving towards better,” are the words of Ted Lasso, spoken several weeks ago in the final episode of the third season of the popular Apple TV+ show and shared by Nicole Niland, an AP Psychology and government teacher who was chosen as the faculty speaker by the Conard Class of 2023. While the graduates are now at a crossroads and ready to choose their own paths, as Niland and Acting Superintendent Paul Vicinus both said in their speeches to the graduates on Tuesday, “The Lasso Way” – “focusing on not on being perfect but on being brave, and on building a better world” – provides an important recommendation for heading into a future where the path will most likely not follow a straight line.
Faculty speaker Nicole Niland. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
As family, faculty, and friends proudly honored the young adults, sun-kissed and glowing from the eventide, the ceremony marked not just the end of the long-awaited day, but the finale of a four-year-long journey.
Class President Saksham Tiwari. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Class President Saksham Tiwari was the first to the podium to reminisce on the journey and to even share laughs over “senioritis” with his classmates. Tiwari celebrated not just a new chapter, but the invisible ties Conard has granted each one of its graduates. “… we are still going to stay connected by a single thread of gold, an invisible string, tying us all together. And that string would be our time spent, and memories made, together on these very premises that we call Conard High School.”
Principal Jamahl Hines. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard principal Jamahl Hines then captivated the audience as he asked students the million-dollar question: What are you going to do? Halfway through his delivery Hines made the gesture to crumple up his speech because “that’s life,” he said. But most importantly, Hines continued on.
“Find your passion, but remember when you find your passion, commit to it. Commit to the grind, your passion is the groove.” As Hines wrapped up, he ensured his faith in the graduates. “I know what you’re going to do. I’m excited to see how you’re going to do it. Congratulations.”
Acting Superintendent Paul Vicinus. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
In a similar manner to Hines, Vicinus looked to the future and then posed a question to the soon-to-be-graduates. “So here we stand today, at the crossroads. Your innocence and the portfolio of all your youthful achievements in hand. You stand at the threshold of adulthood with the open door of opportunity waiting before you. What lies on the other side? What path will you follow?” Vicinus said.
While Vicinus noted that “bends and dips” lie in the road ahead, he remarked that every tool, every skill, and every moment the students have faced thus far has led them to this remarkable moment.
“As you lay down the pencils and pens, the essays and projects completed, trading these for the diploma and stepping down from the stage toward college, career, military service, or other post-secondary experiences, with all of high school behind you, know that you carry forward the skills and dispositions necessary to find success and thrive along your path.”
While the students now stand in front of an open door of possibility, Vicinus alluded to Tiwari’s invisible string that ties the Conard community together. “You’ve made it here, to this crossroads. As you look out and step forward into tomorrow’s journey, be decisive, be balanced, be humble. Listen, take ownership, show respect, and demonstrate integrity. Know that you carry a piece of us with you and we stand firmly behind you until our paths cross again.”
Board of Education speaker Renee Kamauf. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Renée Kamauf, representing the Board of Education, reminded the graduates of a few key takeaways to carry with them as they journey down new paths. “The future holds problems we won’t have immediate solutions for, and problem-solving and creativity will be crucial to find answers. As you move forward, remember to show respect for yourself and others – through your words and actions. You can always learn something new from another person, even if you disagree,” Kamauf emphasized.
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
As an interlude, the choir seniors were invited to sing “For Good,” a touching arrangement that emphasized how the graduates have been changed for the better due to their relationships at Conard.
While sentiments of excitement, apprehension, and nostalgia hung fervently in the air, the seniors heard a few words from their fellow classmates.
Student speaker Avery Reicher. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Avery Reicher, the first student to speak, explained that mistakes are what got her and her classmates to where they are today. While Reicher retold the story of being horrified that she had submitted her college essay with a typo, she reminded the class to not let mistakes be paralyzing, but rather take them as a moment for growth.
Kayla Resnisky, the second student speaker, highlighted a couple of remarkable lessons she’s learned while forging her own path. Among the few messages Resnisky highlighted, she made sure to emphasize one of her biggest discoveries; loving oneself, and then being brave enough to love others.
Student speaker Kayla Resnisky. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
As the ceremony came to a close, Nicole Niland, the elected faculty speaker, addressed her students for one final time before they became alumni. After Niland reminded her cherished students to ask for help when needed, to build personal connections, and to take time while forging their own paths, she ended with a continuation of a newfound tradition.
Niland asked students to look under their seats, where each found a handwritten note to them written by a faculty member who made an impact on their high school career in the past four years. While dewy-eyed students read their personal letters, they were officially marking the close of this chapter.
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Before they knew it, the seniors turned into alumni as diplomas were handed out, the grads walked across the stage, moved their tassels from right to left, and wrapped the ceremony up with the traditional cap toss. Beloved faculty engulfed the seniors in a clap-out exit as their time at Conard High School officially came to a close.
Congratulations, Conard Class of 2023!
A complete list of the Conard Class of 2023 can be found below the photos.
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Assistant Principal Lindsay Tringali. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Principal Jamahl Hines. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Acting Superintendent Paul Vicinus. Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
Conard High School graduation. June 13, 2023. Photo credit: Bridget Bronsdon
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| Conard Class of 2023 |
| Madelyn Marie Adams |
| Johnny Kenner Agreda Vasquez |
| Afaf Marghany Yo Albur |
| Brendan James Alekshun |
| Ashton James Alexander |
| Kelvin Dos Reis Alexandre |
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| Anastasia Marie Andrews |
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| Grace Cargill Babcock |
| Giulia Norinne Baratta |
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| Tristan Henry Baron |
| Jean Carlo Kristan Barquinero |
| Greer Stanton Baumgartner |
| Sophia Marie Bavaro |
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| Lauren Allison Belanger |
| Aseanni Iona Belnavis |
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| Isabella Elena Bermudez |
| Sanjana Umang Bhatt |
| Justin Matthew Bintz |
| Ian Stiles Black |
| Hazel Emilie Borio |
| Jaden Richard Borla |
| Benjamin Alexander Borre |
| William Thomas Bowler |
| Stephany Lee Bracetty |
| Jayson Kwesi Brown |
| Kyla Nicole Brown |
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| Amy Elisabeth Cangro |
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| Mason Emilie Capone |
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| Joyce Chen |
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| Lusianna Valentina Morales |
| Jackson Jeffrey Morhardt |
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| Geeta Sanichara |
| Jeffry Santiago |
| Matthew Kyle Santoro |
| Leonard M Sarmento |
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| Minso Tumbahangphe |
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| Eddie Michael Valle |
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