Grads to embark on `yellow brick road'; Entrance into adulthood likened to Oz adventures.

Byline: Craig S. Semon

SPENCER - Toto, I don't think we're in David Prouty High School anymore.

Wearing flowing black graduation caps and gowns ornamented with black and orange tassels and orange carnations, the 140 members of the David Prouty senior class paraded into the stifling gymnasium and listened to stories of magical journeys past and the "yellow brick road" that lies ahead.

Class salutatorian Kerri L. Lavallee compared the journey of her high school years to that of "The Wizard of Oz" heroine Dorothy following the yellow brick road to the Emerald City (the adult world), and spoke of her classmates' need to muster up their inner Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Woodsman to succeed in life.

"My hope for the David Prouty class of 2007 is that they may travel down their yellow brick road with the brains to dream, the heart to love what they do and the courage to succeed," Ms. Lavallee said.

In a remark that was received with laughs and applause, Ms. Lavallee referred to the school's teachers and upperclassmen as the "munchkins."

"At first, we thought the munchkins were creepy or overly forward," she said. "Yes, there was a time when our teachers, unintentionally or intentionally, scared us."

Class president Julie D. Athanasiadis spoke of a school built on "scholarship, dignity, hope and love" and reflected on the moments that made her fellow classmates the people they are today.

"We would wish to thank everyone, including our family, our friends and the faculty at David Prouty, for their support and encouragement during these changeful times," Ms. Athanasiadis said.

"As we embark on the world beyond these walls, we are confident that you have prepared us well for the tribulations that may come and have given us the strength to live a meaningful and successful life," she said.

School Superintendent Ralph E. Hicks told the class that they have more control over time than ever before, and that it's up to them to decide if they want to get "smashed" or have "fun."

"Your parents have spent a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of money to bring you to this point. Don't let them down. And above all, don't let yourselves down," he said.

Mr. Hicks also urged the graduating seniors to take five minutes to vote.

"There are men and women dying in foreign lands so we all have a right to vote," he said. "It's not something you look on lightly. When you turn 18, you have that responsibility as American citizens."

In his essay "Our Family," graduating...