Volume 20, Number 25
www.southingtoncitizen.com
Southington Class of 2023 described as resilient, kind By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON – Resilient and kind were how speakers described Southington High School’s graduating class.
high school and middle school were a time for selfdiscovery, when he and PLAINVILLE - Thanks to a his classmates blazed their rain storm passing own path through the through, they had to wait a classes they took and acbit longer than expected to tivities they pursued. receive their diplomas, but While their individual eventually, the 161 members of the Plainville High paths brought them to School Class of 2023 were graduation day, Michalek able to toss their caps into indicated that their jourthe air together on Alumni ney of self-discovery should continue. “The Field, Monday, June 12. book hasn’t ended,” he In his commencement ad- said. dress, class valedictorian Spencer Michalek said See Grads, A53
“Being here is proof that you overcame,” said Noah Richert, the 2023 class valedictorian. “Let’s continue to be unifiers not dividers as we go out into the world.”
Chelsea Coello smiles after receiving her diploma. Photos by Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
Town gets funding for trail extension By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON — Construction on the next section of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail could start this year, completing the recreational pathway from Lazy Lane to Aircraft Road. Town officials are still working on an agreement with a factory’s owners to bring the trail to completion and reach the Plainville town line.
Ethan Giordano, the class salutatorian, said he learned important lessons about motivation and positive thinking during his running career at Southington High School.
See Trail, A7
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Giordano achieved and saw others achieve things he didn’t think possible. With work or college looming, he urged his fellow graduates to find peace through a hobby, a sport, or volunteering. See Graduates, A14
Plainville grads, superintendent say farewell By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
Graduating seniors were freshman when the pandemic struck. In addition to the lock-down disruptions, the class also navigated national upheaval over race and now face a souring economy.
The 523 graduates got their diplomas at the high school’s Fontana Field on Thursday, June 15. Graduation took place a day later than planned due to rain on Wednesday. While unable to control circumstances, Richert said everyone is able to take charge of their own attitude and direction towards their purpose. “In the end, you are responsible for who you want to be,” he said.
Friday, June 23, 2023
Valedictorian Noah Richert speaks to the crowd.