‘Life is much easier when you can accept who you see in the mirror’

By OWEN BOSS
Staff Writer

EASTHAMPTON — A brother-and-sister pair of Easthampton High School teachers had the crowd of 1,000 at the school’s commencement laughing Friday night as they delivered a speech that was part inspiration and part stand-up comedy.

Social studies teachers Kelley and Brian Brown, standing side by side, each at a podium, traded one-liners like “I learned that male Browns go bald and female Browns don’t.” (Brian Brown)
They argued about who was really the graduation speaker and ultimately decided to share with graduates a variety of life lessons they’ve learned from each other.

Kelley informed the audience that she was at EHS first — and that she got Brian his job by vouching that he “would be more than able to loosen up” around the students.

Her prediction was correct: her brother is now known to sing rap songs and allow break-dancing in class.

The pair also challenged seniors to remember what they’ve learned from each other and to appreciate what a caring community they grew up in.

“Whether you are going far or staying close after you graduate tonight, Easthampton will always be there for you,” Brian Brown said.

His sister said seniors should “make it easy to be yourself and appreciate who you are because life is much easier when you can accept who you see in the mirror.”

Easthampton High School’s class of 2010 commencement ceremony marked the end of four long years spent growing together both inside and outside of the classroom — and the beginning of the next step in their lives as family members and friends crowded into the school’s gymnasium.
Wearing the school’s traditional colors, the boys in maroon and the girls in white, the 110 graduating seniors came together for the last time as classmates. They took time to praise their teachers and parents for preparing them for what the future may hold.

As he addressed his fellow classmates, Jared Post, 2010’s class president and valedictorian, urged them to expect the unexpected and never to be afraid of changes in a constantly changing world.

“You never know what may happen in life, so live your life to the fullest each day,” Post said. “Realize that life can be very unpredictable ... and that you need to make the best of your experiences and constantly live in the moment.”

Class salutatorian Kelsey Dadmun broke into tears as she shared fond memories forged in the Williston Avenue high school.

“We now know how important it is to make the right decisions in life and how making those decisions can really affect the rest of our lives,” Dadmun said. “We can be certain that we’ve made the right choice when it is something that we want with all of our hearts.”

Before Superintendent Deborah Carter presented seniors with their diplomas, School Committee Chairman Peter Gunn thanked them for advocating for the construction of a new high school.

“You inspired this community and sent a message that Easthampton emphasizes its commitment to education by voting for a new high school, and we thank you for that,” Gunn said. “Each year Easthampton witnesses what can be accomplished by a wonderful mix of human potential and hard work, and we catch a glimpse of a brighter future.”

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com.