"Bubkis!" Thomas McMorran, the head of school and assistant superintendent, exclaimed in his address to the graduates, responding to the claim that students today pale in comparison to those of their forefathers.
"The truth is, students at Joel Barlow have never demonstrated better skills, have never performed at a higher levels, and never have they graduated more prepared to be future leaders for America than they are today," he said.
"You have completed the prescribed course of study; welcome to your new role as adult citizens." McMorran said to the the Class of 2015. Above all, he stressed the need to "be an educated citizen, as all good things flow from that."
Students Hunter Lightman, Grace Wheeler, Elizabeth Bobroske, and Jack Pantalena also delivered speeches to the class of more than 250 graduates from Easton and Redding.
In accordance with tradition, diplomas were presented to the graduates by the president and vice president of the Class of 2016, Daniel Dolan and Katherine Waugh.
Members of the Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band and the Joel Barlow High School Orchestra provided music throughout the commencement exercises.
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