Traditional graduation ceremonies are held for Ludlow High School at Mullins Center

Principal Gordon Smith praised the class for its character, integrity and poise.

Photo by Jeff BrownThe Ludlow High School Class of 2010 graduation was held at the Mullins Center in Amherst on Friday. Left to right, Becca E. Simonoko, Jessica A. McClintock and Aubrey M. Romani, all of Ludlow, meet before the ceremonies.

AMHERST – The Ludlow High School Class of 2010 followed tradition Friday night and processed under arches held by juniors to graduate at the Mullins Center at UMass.

Class President Rebecca Simonoko said she learned at Ludlow High School that if you want something, you have to go a little further to get it.

“I am saddened to leave the teachers and friends who have inspired me,” she said.

Class valedictorian was Michael Goncalves. Class salutatorian was Christina Stevens.

Ludlow High School Principal Gordon C. Smith praised the 223 members of the class for their “character, integrity and poise.”

He said the class has been very goal oriented.

School Superintendent Theresa M. Kane urged the class to be positive. She said that during a recession and high unemployment Americans have become angry.

View full sizePhoto by Jeff BrownJames L. Provost, left, and Shane G. Caron, both of Ludlow, at the Ludlow High School graduation.

“I challenge you to remain positive,” she said. “Be a part of the solution. Create the energy to make your projects succeed.”

She told the students to believe that good will triumph.

She urged them to keep as their motto, “passion, persistence and possibility.”

“Believe in love, believe in others, believe in Santa Claus, believe in yourselves,” Kane told the class.

She added, “Life is not a dress rehearsal. There is one show only.”

She offered good wishes to Smith, who is leaving Ludlow High School this year to take over as East Longmeadow school superintendent.

“We thank him for his years of service, and we wish him well,” Kane said.