DERBY - A New Tradition: Derby High School Class of 1966 to lead graduates in procession.
In keeping with Derby’s history of creating traditions, the
class of 1966 will lead the class of 2016 into Ryan Field for this Thursday’s
Derby High School Graduation Ceremony.
The brain child of Connie Condon, who is a consultant for
Derby Public Schools and the wife of David Condon (Derby Class of ’66), was put
on the table during a strategic planning meeting and within minutes the ball
was rolling and a plan came together. Connie stated, “Honoring Derby High School
graduates who are reuniting after 50 years, by their participation in this
year’s graduation ceremony, highlights the history and celebrates the future of
Derby. Both the 1966 and 2016 graduates share in the Derby High School and
Derby Community experiences that have shaped them as people and provided a road
map to their success. They each are part
of the fabric that makes Derby a very special place to live.”
The class of 1966 will be celebrating their 50th class
reunion this year and it only made sense they be part of creating a new
tradition of leading this year’s class in.
In addition to leading the class in, they will meet with the
class the day before graduation and talk about life in high school 50 years
ago, life today and what helped them along the way.
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Conway stated, “We are
thrilled at the opportunity to have the class of ‘66 as part of our celebration
and look forward to this tradition happening each and every year moving
forward. I hope to be alive to see the
class of 2016 leading in the class of 2066.”
Dave Condon, Tom Baklik and James Balisciano have reached
out to classmates attending the reunion to be held on July 30th and inquired as
to their availability to be part of the graduation exercise scheduled for June
9, 2016. The response has been
terrific. Condon stated he expects about
40 classmates (the class of ’66 had 130 graduates) to be in attendance at the
graduation and shared, “50 years after marching into Ryan Field the Class of
1966 will once again be marching. However, instead of anticipating the receipt
of our diplomas we will be celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2016
as they receive theirs.
Now 50 years later and with the perspective that comes
with age we can reflect on the legacy we received from our years at DHS. Our
advice to the Class of 2016 is to cherish this moment, look around at your
friends and family and remember the lessons you learned while at DHS will last
your lifetime and the legacy you carry forward will someday lead you back to
this place when you will be celebrating your 50th High School
Reunion.”
Derby High School Principal Mr. Martin Pascale stated,
“Derby pride will be alive and well on Thursday night, Red Raiders past,
present and future will be there to celebrate the class of 2016!”
Derby student and class valedictorian Charlie Sampson
shared, “tradition is strong in Derby, I am happy that the class of 66 will be
there to share in our accomplishment as we graduate from DHS”
We expect this to be a great night full of tradition.
(This is a press release from Derby Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway)
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