Oyster River High School Class of 2022 Class President Isabella Kalinowski speaks to her fellow graduates. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
The Clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums Ensemble leads graduates from Oyster River High School to the playing fields where graduation was held. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
Graduate Hannah Muessig performs the “Star-Spangled Banner” as graduates and attendees stand. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
Graduate Nathan Mendoza hugs one of his teachers after receiving his diploma. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
Bryce Harmon holds a plaque in commemoration of being named Oyster River High School’s first ever Bobcat of the Year. The award was created this year to recognize a senior for helping to build a positive community and school spirit. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
Oyster River High School faculty observe the ceremony. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
From left, Oyster River High School Principal Rebecca Noe shakes hands with graduate Brendan Teeter as she presents Teeter with this diploma. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
Graduate Elizabeth Velardi smiles as she takes the stage to receiver her diploma from Principal Rebecca Noe. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District) 
Two graduates give a big thumbs up to their accomplishments. (Photo Courtesy Oyster River Cooperative School District)
DURHAM — Superintendent James Morse and the Oyster River Cooperative School District are proud to congratulate the 212 graduates of the Oyster River High School Class of 2022.
Oyster River High School Principal Rebecca Noe introduced the class to parents, family members and community members at an outdoor ceremony on Friday evening.
Principal Noe thanked graduates for helping her to understand “that being a Bobcat really means something.”
“You have taught me our young people really are going to change the world. You will not stand for or put up with indifference, inequality, or disrespect. When you saw the changes in the school and students caused by COVID-19, you worked on solutions. You started new traditions and made sure we didn’t lose the traditions we already had,” Principal Noe said. “Your passion for your school, your positive influence on the culture, the energy you bring every day to both your learning and your support of each other and your spirit and determination to make this a better world all define you as a class.”
Class President Isabella Kalinowski noted that the class’s high school years were frustrating at times, but said her classmates pushed through every challenge and excelled.
“As we go into the chaos of the future, don’t forget that your presence is a contribution to those that you interact with, as they are to you. Surround yourself with people whose qualities you admire, knowing that their successes will raise you too,” Kalinowski said. “Regardless of your impact on the greater world, you directly and consequentially affect the lives of your community, who in turn affect the lives of other communities. Wherever your next voyage takes you, you will be an important character in others’ stories.”
Valedictorian Ethan Bessette urged fellow graduates to look beyond just money and jobs and the basics of life to contribute to the world in positive ways.
“We get to find our passions, our people, our professions, and nobody can stop you from being you,” said Salutatorian Isabella Nocetti.
The graduation ceremony also saw Principal Noe reveal the first Bobcat of the Year Award, and award it to graduate Bryce Harmon. The award will now recognize a senior each year who goes the extra mile to create a positive culture and school spirit at Oyster River High School.
The Oyster River High School Orchestra and Band performed The Fellowship of the Rings. Graduate Hannah Muessig performed the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and graduate Madeline Merrill led the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Our graduates and their families have a tremendous amount to be proud of,” said Superintendent Morse. “These students overcame challenges, stuck together, and made our entire community proud with their perseverance and dedication to bettering themselves. I wish them all good fortune as they move on from Oyster River High School to do great things in this world.”