The class of 1966 will lead the class of 2016 tonight onto Ryan Field for Derby High School graduation ceremony.
The idea came from a meeting of a Derby school district strategic planning meeting. It was the brain child of Connie Condon, a school consultant working on the strategic plan.
Her husband, David, is a member of the class of ’66.
“Honoring Derby High School graduates who are reuniting after 50 years, by their participation in this year’s graduation ceremony, highlights the history and celebrates the future of Derby,” Condon said in a prepared statement.
The class of 1966 will be celebrating their 50th class reunion this year and it only made sense they be part of creating a new tradition of leading this year’s class in.
(FYI: Derby is scheduled to live stream the graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. The feed is embedded below:)
In addition to leading the class in, they will meet with the class the day before graduation and talk about life in high school 50 years ago, life today and what helped them along the way, according to Derby Schools Superintendent Matthew Conway.
“(We) look forward to this tradition happening each and every year moving forward. I hope to be alive to see the class of 2016 leading in the class of 2066,” Conway said.
Dave Condon, Tom Baklik and James Balisciano reached out to their fellow class of ’66 members.
Condon said he expects about 40 classmates (the class of ’66 had 130 graduates) to be there.
“50 years after marching into Ryan Field the Class of 1966 will once again be marching,” Condon said. “Our advice to the Class of 2016 is to cherish this moment, look around at your friends and family, and remember the lessons you learned while at DHS will last your lifetime and the legacy you carry forward will someday lead you back to this place when you will be celebrating your 50th high school reunion.”
“Derby pride will be alive and well on Thursday night, Red Raiders past, present and future will be there to celebrate the class of 2016,” Derby High School Principal Martin Pascale said.
Derby student and class valedictorian Charlie Sampson is excited to be part of a new tradition.
“Tradition is strong in Derby, I am happy that the class of 66 will be there to share in our accomplishment as we graduate from DHS,” Sampson said.
