By Alex McKnight

On Monday, underneath a blue sky and basking in beautiful temperatures in the mid-70s, the 320 students of the Somerville High School Class of 2008 walked across the stage to pick up their diplomas.

The ceremony took place at Dilboy Memorial Stadium, attended by hundreds of faculty and administrators and at least 1,000 parents, siblings and other family members. Also present were members of the Somerville School Committee and Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, who said, ‚ÄúThese are a great group of kids, and I’m very proud of them.‚Äù

In his speech to the graduating class, Headmaster Anthony Ciccariello explained to students the significance of what they had achieved:
“You have made it. Each one of you is a success story. The paths each of you followed to get here may be different but the end result is you stand together and we as a community celebrate your accomplishments.”

The Class of 2008, he said, was particularly outstanding in their involvement in school clubs and organizations: “Your interest and investment in Somerville High School has resulted in the establishment of more clubs and activities,” and, “…the expansion of course offerings.”

After his speech, the graduates were presented one by one with their diplomas. Row by row, the beaming young men and women walked up to either Headmaster Ciccariello or Superintendent Anthony Pierantozzi, shook hands, and then received their diplomas, all while listening to the cheers and accolades of family members up above in the bleachers.

Music figured prominently in the ceremony. More traditional numbers like “Pomp and Circumstance” opened the proceedings, and of course, a rendering of the National Anthem by the Somerville High School band and orchestra. A soulful performance of the class of 2008 song, “One More Time” was sung by students Raytifa Emerson, Mark Wairi, Alison Tran and Jennifer Gilmore. Finally, before the festivities ended, the students joined together in singing the Somerville High School fight song, “Somerville Leads the Way.”

After the traditional tossing of the caps, Ciccariello closed the ceremony enthusiastically: “Somerville High School Class of 2008, you have graduated!”