Ducking the storm, grads step forward.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Lynne Klaft

FITCHBURG - Quoting Winston Churchill, Principal Richard J. Manley told members of the North Middlesex Regional High School graduating class last night: "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning ... for all of you."

Addressing parents at the ceremonies, which were moved indoors to the Fitchburg State College Recreational Center because of the threat of thunderstorms, Mr. Manley added: "Parents ask ... Is he or she ready? It is a difficult, complex and even dangerous world we are sending them out in. We have several men and women who have committed themselves to the armed forces.

"With trepidation in your hearts, you know they are ready ... ready to leave the comfort and security of what they know to seize their destinies," Mr. Manley said.

Valedictorian Elizabeth A. Flatley urged her fellow graduates to always listen to others, trust in whatever happens - as things happen for a reason - and to value friendships and hard work. "We must listen to our inner voices," said Salutatorian Elizabeth L. Clark. "Go places that are out of our comfort zones and soak up the experience ... just listen to that voice inside of you."

Superintendent of Schools Maureen Marshall delivered her commencement address with senior Katherine E. Fitzgerald.

"She will represent the Every Student and represent your thoughts," said Ms. Marshall.

"We are celebrating everything we worked for since kindergarten. Yes, we have apprehensions of what comes next ... challenges that foil the best-laid plans," said Ms. Fitzgerald.

As the last senior was handed her diploma, the graduating class erupted in cheers, launching beach balls, bubbles, Silly String and throwing mortarboards into the air. They then filed out to their class song, The Beatles' "In My Life."

North Middlesex Regional High School

Class of 2007

Phillip Charles Aiello, Jane Kelsey Alexanderr, Corey Albert Harris Allard, Pamela Michelle Allen, Daniel Santo Amichetti, Jacob Richard Ammendolia, Nicholas Robert Asselin, Allison Maria Autino, Laura Elizabeth Bailey, Ryan Anthony Baldinelli, Alexander Stephen Bankuti, James Michael Barksdale, Katherine Marie Barrett, Kerryann Theresa Barrett, Heather Jean Barry, Robin Allyson Baudreau, Jeffrey Thomas Beal, Victor Michael Berardi, Daniel William Best, Megan Joan Bibbo, Evan Mitchel Bjork, Amanda Theresa Blowers, James Patrick Boggs, Joshua Matthew Brickley, Georgine Karla Brough, Cassina Marie Brown...