Its that time of year again…another class has wrapped up its four years at Newburyport High School and is preparing to graduate. A proud Newburyport tradition for all graduating seniors of NHS is the week before graduation. It is referred to as “Senior Week” and includes various fun activities. Activities include a senior banquet, a Sox game, a trip to Giggles Comedy club, the senior prom and traditional activities like Vespers, Ivy Day and the Senior Sing out. It’s a great week of final bonding with classmates and last hurrahs with lifelong friends. The last day of senior week is graduation, happening this year on June 7th at 1pm at NHS’s Stadium. The graduation itself is very traditional, starting with the procession of graduates entering under the “arch of roses” and wrapping up with the singing of the Alma Mater. Growing up here makes the whole senior week so special; being able to celebrate the same NHS traditions with my children. This is my second one to graduate from NHS and it sure is special watching them participate in these age-old traditions.
I sometimes wonder about living someplace else and not being able to send my children to a school that has such a long history (my grandmother went to NHS, as did both of my parents!). Newburyport itself dates back to 1635, but became an official city in 1851, prospering in fishing, shipbuilding and silverware manufacturing. Many of the large clipper ships were built right here in Newburyport (hence the mascot of NHS being the “Clippers”). We have many historical homes for sale highlighting amazing architecture and historical features from a bygone era. Our entire downtown area was restored with the utmost care to preserve the beauty and elegance, while still being functional and liveable, with numerous retail shops, restaurants, bakeries and even our own theater. Its no wonder most people who hear I live in Newburyport tell me how lucky I am…and I get it. It’s a beautiful city with a deep history and we ARE lucky to call it home.
