Rory Siegel: Class of 2011 is on the "Edge of Glory"

Editor's Note: The following is the text of the speech delivered by Rory Siegel, Vice President of the Class of 2011, at on May 31.

Over the next few days, Stoughton Patch will be publishing the speeches and accompanying video footage of all five student speakers at Class Night and , as well as Principal Matt Colantonio's remarks at Graduation.

This is the first in a series of six. Read the speech or follow along while watching the video in the media gallery.

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2 0 “1 1”, 2 0 “1 1”. Welcome, Superintendent Dr. Rizzi, assistant Superintendent Mr. Ford, Principal Mr. Colantonio, Assistant Principals Ms. Fernandes and Mr. OʼNeil, teachers, family, friends, and most importantly, the Class of 2011, to Class Night. In honor of the great orator, Mikey Morris, I would like to frame my speech tonight as he did through songs, as music has had a major impact on my high school career.

Today is a day we have all worked so hard to reach. Four hard years of high school filled with different activities and clubs pushing all of us to the best we can be. It made us harder, better, faster, stronger. I remember when we all started as little 9th graders, my friends and I would all look around, kids in a big school filled with new opportunities, and ask, “Whoʼs That Chick?”

Now as mature 12th graders, we were able to confidently walk the halls of our school “headfirst, fearless”. But this year, has definitely made the biggest “Boom Boom Pow” impact on us all. During November getting ready for the Powderpuff game, we all united as one against Canton, or should I say Canʼt-Win, with our aggressive new football squad and cheer team ready to bring it on rocking the colors of black and orange, black and orange, black and orange, black and orange.

Oh, and did I forget to mention that we completely dominated in Spirit Week! When our class is determined to accomplish something, weʼre unstoppable, “We are who we are!” As the year progressed, we stuck together to push forward to completing our final year.

I personally feel that Mr. SHS helped our class to bond even more. Eight kids, from all different cliques, were able to work together to put on the best show ever. We were all able to shine under “All of the Lights,” whether we were dancing (some with glow sticks), drumming, playing the guitar, singing, roller-skating, or doing a stand-up routine.

But as united as we all were, the infamous tradition of senior assassin soon had us all divided, pitting friend against friend, turning the lawns of our town into war zones. “Youʼve Got a Friend in Me” was one phrase I did not hear once that entire week. Our gradeʼs stealthiness and ninja-like capabilities however could not surpass the police force of Stoughton, temporarily pausing this tradition.

When the day of our class trip arrived, cloudy skies could not stop us from having one of the best days ever. We all loved being able to relax and have fun all day at Crossroads for Kids in Duxbury, playing ultimate frisbee, football, basketball, climbing up on the high ropes, canoeing or fishing in the pond, and even showing off some of our dance moves at lunch.

Then three days later at prom we all “danced the night away and lived our life on the floor.” I swear someone had to call 911, Mr. Beaulieu was fire burninʼ on the dance floor. You guys are all great and I had so much fun spending our prom night together at Gillette stadium, a moment for life.

Through all Iʼve done at the school, between music, running, and more, I feel that I have made connections with friends that have made me who I am. I will never forget the many people who have so greatly affected my life. “I can count on you like 4, 3, 2, and youʼll be there.”

After all of the fun times we have had throughout our years here at Stoughton High, we are truly on “The Edge of Glory”. I am so proud of everyone in this class and I

cannot wait to see what you all do in the future. “You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine, ʻcause baby youʼre a firework.”

Class of 2011, “Iʼve had the time of my life and I owe it all to you.”

Deuces.