Graduation day at John Stark Regional High School showcased the profound impact teachers have on their students’ futures.

For Mathew Wilson, graduating with the class of 2024, this couldn’t be truer.

Having moved from Texas two years ago, Wilson is now on his way to pursue a degree in education at Plymouth State University. His passion for teaching was kindled by his art teacher, Erin Smart.

“She really inspired me with the way she taught. She is the best teacher,” Wilson shared, reflecting on his time as her student and student aide this year.

On Saturday morning, despite the gusty winds that blew away many graduation caps, students stood proudly in their bright blue robes from John Stark Regional High School to accept their hard-earned diplomas, eagerly anticipating the next chapter shaped by their school experiences.

Another student, Olivia Worthen, shares a deep appreciation for the educators at John Stark Regional High School.

For her, the highlight of John Stark Regional High School has been the teachers, especially her science teacher, Jill Zaffers.

She will be studying nursing at the New England College.

“I love helping others,” Worthen explained as her motivation for pursuing nursing.

From the high school, 92 students have chosen to pursue further education at a two-year or four-year institution with at least five students joining the military.

Principal Gary Dempsey found that when he asked graduating students about changes they would like to see in their final weeks, the most common request was for more “chicken patty days.”

Some students felt the school was already perfect as it stood.

Another common response among students was that the “teachers were awesome.”

Just as this graduating class had unique school experiences like hybrid classes during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and meeting classmates virtually, every person Connor Lavertu encountered had their own distinct qualities — one developed a newfound interest in philosophy, while another could passionately discuss speed boats for hours.

So as they graduated, Lavertu had advice for them

“I hope that as you all take your next step forward in life and move on to college and meet new, unique people, you will do it in your own unique way, and always be unapologetically you.”