By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

Goffstown High School graduates, from left, Liz Lefavour, Alyssa Reuter, Rachel Jones, Ashley Lunderville and Sara Basoukas practice blowing bubbles before the ceremony at Sullivan Arena on the campus of St. Anselm College on Thursday, June 16. (Katie Boisvert Photo)

GOFFSTOWN - A nod to "The Odyssey," beach balls flying through the air, wisecracks about the lack of school parking and a violin dirge that left a few audience members drying their eyes expressed the range of emotions Goffstown High School seniors felt at this year's graduation.

The Sullivan Arena at St. Anselm College played host to the graduation on Thursday, June 16, where teachers, school board members and Principal Frank McBride honored the 278 graduates of the Class of 2005.

A number of graduates admitted to mixed emotions at the ceremony; many said they were excited about life after high school, while other college-bound graduates said they will be sad to leave their families and friends.

"I.m looking forward to opening a new chapter in my life," said Amanda Whipple. "We are all from little towns and it is time for us to go out and join the world."

J.aimie Graham, who will attend Emerson College in Boston in the fall and major in production and stage management for film and theater, said she will be entering an environment completely different from her high school experience.

"It will feel weird not knowing everyone in the school and living in one of the biggest cities in the country," she said.

Anastasia Lagasse hugs best friend Stephanie Guilbeault following the GHS graduation ceremony inside Sullivan Arena on June 16. (Nathan Duke Photo)

The ceremony's three student speakers contributed unique presentations that made comparisons between graduation and "The Odyssey," incorporated circus metaphors and included musical accompaniment.

Third Honors student Morgan Peach likened the class of 2005's four years at Goffstown High to Odysseus. long journey home after the Trojan War in Homer's epic.

"Each one of you are heroes in your own epic tale, immortalized in the halls of Goffstown High," he said. "May the great gods smile upon you and may the great Athena protect you."

Salutatorian Kathleen Brzozowski used circus metaphors in her speech, which was entitled "Girl Shot from a Cannon."

"We all felt it would be a big moment when we received our diplomas and everything would feel different - I felt like I was going to be shot out of a cannon," she said. "We will always have the people we have met and loved in Goffstown, and I have learned that I.m not being shot from a cannon. I.m hanging from a trapeze and (these people) will always be here to catch me."

Valedictorian Suzanne Hulick told the audience she had a lack of oratory experience.

"Public speaking is like nothing I.ve done before, especially when it is supposed to be deep, thought-provoking and moving," she said.

She said to become comfortable with the unfamiliar, she would equate it with something familiar - music. Hulick said music is her greatest passion and her high school experiences back up her statement. During her four years at Goffstown High School, she started her own string quartet, played in the school band, helped teach string classes at Maple Avenue Elementary and played with the New Hampshire Philharmonic in Manchester.

Hulick incorporated music into her speech by playing a dirge that her grandfather favored.

"Though the song is a farewell and is sad, I present it to you as a memorial (to the class of 2005)," she said.

Several audience members, faculty and students wiped tears from their eyes during Hulick's performance and gave her a standing ovation when she finished.

Following student speeches, the class officers presented the class gift, $6,000 for the parent council to buy five new computers for the alternative education program and money towards a school sign.

McBride spoke of the many changes that took place during the four years in which the class of 2005 roamed the halls of Goffstown High.

"Only six days after you walked through our doors, the tragic events of September 11 happened and the world completely changed," he said.

McBride also mentioned a number of changes in the school during the past four years, including the creation of Goffstown Special Olympics, the Starfish Coalition, the Breakfast Club, a football team and a number of other organizations. "You have lived and flourished in an environment of great change," he said. The principal recognized a number of students for their personal accomplishments and asked them to stand. Each student was given thunderous applause by fellow students and parents in the audience.

Among those mentioned were the ten students with the highest academic honors - whom McBride referred to as "Morgan (Peach) and the ladies" - and Michael Bergeron, who will soon be heading to boot camp at Parris Island.

"To the class of 2005: I wish you all a life full of close family relations, many friends and multiple parking spots," McBride told the graduating class.

School Superintendent Darrell Lockwood stressed the class. diversity, in terms of their variety of interests.

"Your public schooling is over, but the learning will continue because all of life is a school," he said. "You are our greatest resource, so make a difference in this world. Remember, close the door softly behind you."