It was a year to celebrate benchmarks, and the graduates of Freedom HS were flush with pride at Stabler Arena June 7.

They entered knowing some of their class’ accomplishments would survive to inspire underclassmen for many years to come – the fulfillment of the evening’s theme: “Building Something That Will Outlive Us.”

Signifying that by his mere presence was guest speaker Mark Sigmon, who was president of the school’s very first class of graduates, who began their senior year 50 years ago in 1967.

A local attorney and longtime coach girls tennis coach at the school, Sigmon spoke about the school’s first principal, Joseph J. McIntyre, and how his decisions continue to create opportunities for students today. Specifically, he lauded McIntyre’s support of female athletes. “Women who participated in athletics in 1967-68 were either ridiculed, laughed at, or most often, ignored. It is because of what Joseph McIntyre said, did, and preached, that there are now nearly a dozen sports in which women participate at Freedom HS. When I graduated, there were three.”

Sigmon said creating something lasting always begins with a foundation. “When you want to build something that will outlast everything, the most important thing is the foundation. To be successful in life and to build something that will outlast us, the foundation is based upon education, the willingness to learn, the willingness to try to achieve, the ability to bounce back from defeat and to try again in earnest to accomplish one’s goals, and to avoid making the same mistakes, in the present and future, as one did in the past.”

Sigmon said, “The important thing to remember is that one must never stop trying to excel, must never stop moving forward, must never stop asking questions, and must never stop attempting to do those things which are useful and beneficial to the community as a whole, even if those things are not favored and accepted by a majority of the community at the present time.”

The student speakers were met with cheers when recounting some of the class’ contributions to the ever-broadening foundation to the school’s future.

Class-selected speaker Jared Wisdom said the pediatric cancer research-funding THON attains new records of funds raised every year, while the robotics club started by this class is now participating is state competitions.

Faculty-selected speaker Michael O. Harding reflected on legacy; that though a dictionary might define it as something left from the past, it says nothing of people’s true impact. What made this class so good, he asked. And he also brought up all their good works, from volunteerism to fundraising for ALS and Neiman Picks disease. “We are a class of compassionate people. We have a legacy of compassion. We’re leaping into a tumultuous world of hate and fear, and we will face it with compassion.

“The class of 2017 has made Freedom feel loved.”

Principal Michael LaPorta said the school is strong in advocacy and tradition, and told the graduates through teamwork and communication they can overcome great challenges, and, “persevere to push through the most difficult times with grit.

“Live your live with the same confidence with which you walked the halls of Freedom.”

School Board President Mike Faccinetto relayed some of the challenges in America from 50 years ago as reason to continue to focus on education. “We still struggle with similar social issues. We still work toward an America where every citizen, black and white; Christian or Muslim or Jew; woman or man; gay, straight or transgender, have equal opportunity.

“The future belongs to young people with an education and imagination to create, and with that in mind you know you have the education: Freedom provided you with a tool – now it’s up to you to use your imagination to go out there and create a better America. All of us on this stage are counting on you to build something that will outlast us.”

Class President Sahitya Mandalapu cast a wide net, comparing Gandhi and Chance the Rapper, saying they have each developed legacies of empathy through their giving natures. Like Harding, she said that is a reflection of themselves as well. She said the legacy of this class is giving so much to the community, giving another example in the summer Welcome Wagon – in which the principal and incoming class president personally visit the home of all incoming seniors before school begins. The empathy of the class of 2017 has set a precedent for the rest of their lives.

With all the examples given, she said, “Now it’s our turn to continue.”

The class’ 448 graduates had earned nearly 700 awards and grants between them, showing hard work and dedication made another foundation for the next step in their journeys.