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Reminder Assistant Editor AGAWAM At the Agawam High School Awards Ceremony last Thursday, 181 seniors crossed the stage to receive recognition with a mixture of grief and joy crying tears for the life they'd be leaving behind, while others received their awards with wide smiles and laughter as they looked forward to lives beyond high school. "This is a time to reflect upon your achievements and to enjoy your achievements," Superintendent Dr. Mary Czajkowski told the graduates. "Remember your most significant attribute is strength of character to do the right thing when called upon . it is your humanity and character that will strengthen the world in desperate need of your leadership." One or more awards for excellence, cords, pins and scholarships were distributed to each of the students before a crowded auditorium of jovial parents and relatives. Chelsea Lynn Lafontaine and Elizabeth N. Mattarazzo were two of the most highly decorated seniors of the evening receiving 15 honors each. Lafontaine received the Agawam Chapter Unico Scholarship, Agawam Golden Age Club Chapter II Scholarship, Agawam Lions Club General Scholarship, Agawam Municipal Scholarship, Clifford M. Granger PTO Scholarship, Excellence in Art Mixed Media Award, Excellence in Physical Education, Faolin Peirce Scholarship, Gladys R. Catchepaugh Memorial Scholarship Wilson Thompson American Legion Aux Unit 185, Good Citizenship Award, John & Abigail Adams Scholarship, National Honors Society, Opus Bono Historiae, Outstanding Achievement in Business Law and Renaissance. Mattarazzo received the Agawam Chamber of Commerce Scholarship, Excellence in Physical Education, Faolin Peirce Scholarship, Frank Mazza Scholarship sponsored by National Honors Society, Future Teachers of America Scholarship Benjamin J. Phelps Club, Good Citizenship Award, John & Abigail Adams Scholarship, Mathematics Department Top Honor Cord and Pin, National Honors Society, Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics, Peer Leadership Award, Peer Leadership Scholarship, Quill and Scroll Honor Cord, Renaissance and Spanish National Honors Society, AP. The Class of 2008 did not leave the ceremony without bestowing gifts of their own, however. The Class of 2008 Officers purchased an automated external defibrillator for the high school. Assistant Principal Bernadette Conte also bestowed her annual wish upon the graduating class, which read in three parts, "I hope your children never see war. I hope your lives are full of happiness. I hope that in your lifetime you see world peace." The Class of 2008 officially graduated in a ceremony at Symphony Hall in Springfield on June 8. | ||||||
