Good afternoon, parents, staff and seniors.
My name is Elizabeth Gilchrist. To all of
the Broughton Community students,
families and faculty, we welcome you to
Needham Broughton High School's 91st
commencement ceremony. We would first
like to thank the hard work of this
student body and administration in
conducting such an ingenuitive and
thoughtful ceremony during these
unprecedented times. Although we wish we
were gathered together in the Holliday Gym, the achievements of the class of
2020 are worth celebrating now more than
ever.
Perseverance is a trait that defines the
class of 2020. From navigating through a
tropical storm in February and hosting a
most memorable and sweet Candyland Queen
of Hearts, to unexpectedly ending our
time in the castle three months early, 
the connections compassion and community
that our class fostered over these past
four years shows us what it truly means
to be a Capital. My name is Shamaria
Massenburg.
While reflecting over the last four
years, we have transformed from eager
freshmen to athletes, artists, scholars
and active members of our community.
Through dance, theatre, chorus, band and
visual arts, the senior Class of 2020 has
shown passion for self-expression and
creativity. This class has been dedicated
through academics, community service and
every goal we have said thus far. The
athletic dedication of this class has
led them to victory with many state
championships. But more importantly
through endless hours of hard work and
guidance from coaches, directors, teachers,
choreographers and conductors, our
Capitals experience one of life's
greatest lessons: the power of being a
part of a team. Although it seems like
we've lost a lot, we gained an experience
we will never forget and will cherish
our memories forever. As we start our new
journey, I challenge you to be bold, be
courageous and be your best. My name is
Cullen Allen. There is so much in a
school. It is the whole world. Infinite
waters of curiosity are weighted through
each day. We learn many things during our
years of high school. From fascinating
coursework in the wonders of scholarship,
each day of teaching and learning is
composed of beautiful memories. Laughing
with classmates and teachers, very slowly
friendships are built in these moments.
Friendships that traverse physical
distance and periods of separation. When
we learn together,
we grow together. Places like Broughton
teach us to live as true learners. Over
time, a castle became a home. The
knowledge gained in the halls of 723 St.
Mary's Street will prepare us to face
our future endeavors, and the friendships
built here will allow us to approach the
future with a kind heart and an open
mind. And through this passion for
learning we will see that the whole
world can be our school. We want to thank
you again for joining us and celebrating
the Class of 2020. Please join me in
reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I
pledge allegiance to the flag of United
States of America and to the Republic
for which it stands. One nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for
all. It is with great honor that we
celebrate the Class of 2020 here with
all of you today in this unparalleled
time. We know this is a time of great
uncertainty for many, yet we are so proud
of all of you. Although we may not be
walking across the stage nothing can
take away the achievements of this class
as a whole. However, these achievements
have not been reached alone. On behalf of
the Class of 2020 we would like to take
a moment to acknowledge all of the
individuals who have helped us reach
this point where we are all at today. The
truth is, we couldn't have done it
without the help of the unconditional
support of our parents and loved ones.
From kindergartens to caps and gowns our
parents and loved ones have been there
to support and guide us
through it all. Parents, although we know
we don't often show it, and many of you
are probably ready for us to get out of
the house, we can't even begin to put in
words how grateful we are for everything
you've done for us and the love you have
shown us. We are so happy we get to
celebrate this occasion with you. In
addition to our families, we'd also like
to acknowledge the amazing individuals
who spend their days teaching us
everything they know. We couldn't do any
of this without our beloved teachers. The
distinguished faculty at Broughton and
their commitment to their students is a
hallmark of Broughton's tradition of
excellence. Our teachers never fail to do
the utmost to ensure the success and
happiness of their students. We are so
grateful for all of the extra time and
effort every teacher has committed to
students. We have spent countless hours
with you. And although it may not seem
like it, now as we are standing here in
our cap and gowns, we will truly miss you,
and you have left an impact on all of us.
We would be highly mistaken if we didn't
acknowledge the vitality of our
administration here at Broughton. We
would love to thank all of you who work
tirelessly to keep our school safe and
seamlessly running. To all of the
assistant principals and to Dr. Ashburn,
we thank you tremendously. Parents and
staff, we thank you for all you have done
for us. Good afternoon,
Broughton parents, staff and seniors. I'm
Mason Bunn, your student body president.
When we think about the accomplishments
of the Class of 2020, it seems difficult
to see past the immediate challenge of
school closure due to COVID-19.
It's difficult to see past the
cancellation of spring sports, the
cancellation of spring performances,
cancellation of prom. But our high
school career is more than just this
semester. As I write this speech, part of
me feels guilty trying to be happy about
it. I won't actually look into the
bleachers of the Holliday Gym and see all
of you as I deliver this speech. This
year feels unfinished. The cancellation
of our senior year leaves us all with
the sense of unfulfillment. However, we
did finish. We finished four successful
starts of schoo,l including pizza on the
front lawn Day One of freshman year. We
finished four successful Homecomings even
though junior year was rescheduled three
times.
We finished Sadie Hawkins prom and Queen
of Hearts, despite the weather closing
school two days before the dance.
We finished multiple sports seasons and
performances and we finished countless
hours of community service.
So although we may be disappointed that
we were unable to end our time at
Broughton with the traditional senior
picnic and ceremonies, we shouldn't be
disappointed with all we have achieved.
It's not going to be the same. It's
extremely hard. Normally we would have
done the senior assembly, the candlelight
service, the senior picnic and all the
other celebrations we seniors get at the
end of the year. Graduation is the time
to say goodbye, but we didn't get the
chance to have these other experiences
and celebrations. So I'm standing here
saying goodbye to you when we haven't
had the chance to celebrate together. It
feels premature. Although we don't know
when we will return to Broughton we will
be back to receive our diplomas, to sign
the bell tower and to celebrate with
each other. Until then I have great
confidence that we all do amazing things
in the world, no matter the path we
choose to take after high school.
It will be great. Graduation seems like
the end of something so familiar and
normal. However, the ceremony is actually
called commencement, not graduation.
Commencement is really the beginning of
a new chapter in our lives. So while we
didn't get a chance to say goodbye, this
is our chance for a new beginning.
Now is our chance to make an impact
around the world. Thank you all for an
amazing four years. Go Cavs.
Good morning, Broughton Class of 2020. My
name is Avanti Panajkar, and I'm
honored to be speaking in front of you
today. This should come as no surprise,
but before writing this speech I did a
little math. It turns out that we're
about 10 to the 400 times more likely to
each have been struck by lightning then
we are to have gone through high school
together as this specific group of
individuals. But we'll get back to that.
Today and this year should have been
full of bittersweet reminiscence, joy in
the present and excitement for what lies
ahead. Instead it's been a roller coaster.
We got through the hardest part of
senior year, and just as we were getting
into celebrations everything came to a
full stop. Nothing could have prepared us
for this, as our world and our futures
plunged into uncertainty, trepidation and
fear. However, we are still gathered here
today to celebrate what we have
accomplished,
proving what I've always known. That we
beat tremendous odds to be here and that
we will never let adversity get us down.
You see, even though it was incredibly
unlikely for us to be together as the
Class of 2020 - less likely than having
been struck by lightning - we were meant
to be together to take on these
challenges. Broughton has been our home for
the past four years. And as we step out
and into the world, we will look back at
our time here with fondness. From
freshman year bio with Miss Kittinger to
senior year TOK with Mr. Quinn. And all
the friends and memories we have made
along the way. Our four years at
Broughton have prepared us for the
future and anything it has to throw at us.
And this pandemic has been proof of that.
I think I speak for all of us when I say
that my goal is to make a difference. The
world needs us right now, and
opportunities to make that difference
are abundant. As everything falls apart,
we have the chance and the
responsibility to shape the world we
want to see. We may feel powerless, but
the Class of 2020 has the most power of
anyone. The world believes in us, is
counting on us, and is ready for us to
step up and take charge. Remember that
even as we are filled with uncertainty
we can find certainty in what we know. We
are each diverse and unique, but we have
one thing in common. We are Broughton. Our
goodbyes were cut off but maybe that's
because
we don't have to say goodbye. As we step
into our futures, we can always count on
our Broughton family and that will never
leave us. I have had the honor of getting
to know you all these past four years
and I cannot wait to see what you
accomplish in the future. You are
undoubtedly the most incredible people I
have ever known.Aand though it was
unlikely for us to be together as the
Class of 2020,
it was our togetherness that helped us
beat the challenges we faced. You are
filled with potential, and I am certain
that you will continue to make Broughton
proud. Thank you, Class of 2020, for
everything. Go out there, seize the day,
and as always, Go Caps!
Good afternoon, seniors. My name is Tucker
Adkins. If you were to ask any 2020
Broughton senior how they expected the
last three months of their senior year
to go, not one of them could have
possibly given you a prediction similar
to the events of our current situation.
Since we arrived at Broughton back in
August of 2016, we have all been looking
forward to various senior traditions such
as Spring Break trips, prom, senior picnic,
College Decision Day, senior assembly,
graduation, and in general just soaking
in our last few moments and memories
together as an entire class. While it can
be easy to sit and bask in the agony of
all the things that we've lost, it's
crucial that we take time to focus on
the positive aspects of what this
situation has brought us. We have learned
the importance of taking in each and
every little moment with our school
friends, teachers and staff. These are the
things that we have been able to take
advantage of since kindergarten and
never expected to have to do without. We
have learned new ways to stay connected
with friends and family, both near and
far, and the importance of frequent
communication with loved ones. We have
taken up new hobbies and interests to
keep us entertained during our time at
home. We have gotten the chance to
reflect, relax and focus on ourselves.
Most importantly, we have learned how to
adapt and be flexible to change.
Good afternoon, seniors. My name is Grace
Palmer. New challenges and opportunities
are thrown at us daily, and the skills
that we have learned during this time
have made us each into stronger and more
resilient individuals. As we transition
out of high school and into the next
chapter of our lives, we will take with
us these new skills that we have learned
during the spring semester of our senior
year. We challenge
each and every one of you to carry all
that you've learned these past four
years at Broughton - good or bad - with you
throughout the upcoming chapter in your
life.
We know each and every one of you will
contribute so much to this world, whether
it is musically, academically or
athletically. Don't forget the importance
of taking risks and living each day like
it could be your last. As you continue to
move through this world find your
passions and stick with them. Do what
makes you truly happy. Strive for success,
and in the event of failure, try again
until you get it right. We have no doubt
that this group of graduates will show
resilience, strength and positivity
throughout the rest of your lives.
We wish you all the best of luck in your
future endeavors and cannot wait to see
you all again. Thank you.
Parents, family members, friends, faculty,
distinguished guests and seniors.
Welcome to the 91st commencement
ceremony for Needham B. Broughton High
School. I am Elena Ashburn, your very proud
principal, and it is truly my honor to
celebrate with each of you today. I think
it's safe for me to say that each of us
has had a little more time on our hands
than usual these days. And with that time,
we haven't had many places to go. In my
house, having just added another baby to
the Ashburn crew, we have found some
sanity in taking a daily walk together
as a family around the neighborhood. On
one of our recent walks, my husband
reminded me of one of his favorite
quotes from St. Augustine. The quote is,
"Solvitur ambulando," which translates
to, "It is solved by walking." As my family
walked that day, I thought more about St.
Augustine's quote, and it reminded me of
you all. The Class of 2020. In your
journey through 13 years of school, you
have certainly walked in many ways. First,
you all have walked in excellence. As a
graduating class, your academic accolades
speak to this walk of excellence. You all
are a class of 436 seniors that include
53 service club members, 82
students who are International
Baccalaureate diploma candidates, 121
Presidential Scholars, 123 National Honor
Society members, 166 North Carolina
Scholars, and 201 students graduating
with Latin honors designation. And, as a
class you all have earned over 14 million dollars in scholarships.
As you can hear by the numbers our our
graduating class certainly has walked
Broughton's culture of academic
excellence. But much more important than
your walk in academic excellence is the
way in which we have seen you walk with
others. I'm struck by the many incredible
ways in which you all, the Class of 2020
have dedicated your daily walk to
helping those in your community. Like
senior Nayeli Rios-Guzman, who taught
English to mothers at the
Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, an
organization committed to helping people
overcome the stunning effects of poverty.
Or senior Afnan Idris, who volunteers at
her mosque to create care packages for
refugees. Like senior Grace Deacon, who
volunteers as a cat and kitten
matchmaker for the SPCA, helping
potential adopters get to know their
future pets. Or senior Jessica Meja-Erazzo,
who provided care for infants in
foster care at the Methodist Home for
Children. Like senior Jayla Sky Hansley, who helps sort clothes for the
homeless at First Baptist Church in
downtown Raleigh. Or senior Marcus
Addison who volunteered and taught
visitors at the North Carolina Museum of
Natural Sciences. Like senior Kaliyah
Fedrick, who helped clean up Highway 40
through the Adopt-a-Highway program. Or
senior Kaia Beeson who helped lead young
children during art camp at Artspace.
Like senior Ruby Phipps, who cooked and
served food for women at the Helen Wright
women's shelter in Raleigh. Or senior
Marlee Michel who beautified her
waters by clearing litter from
pigeon-house branch through Wake
County's Big Sweep program. Or like
senior Amelia Wade who shared her vocal
talents with others by singing the
national anthem at the City of Oaks
Marathon. Of course these anecdotes
represent just a small glimpse of who
you all, the Class of 2020, have walked
with others. In total our seniors
performed an impressive 60,347
hours of
community service.
Finally, seniors as you leave Broughton
and continue on, you want er a myriad of
new experiences. And with each a whole
host of various emotions.
As you enjoy the bright sunny days and also
as you encounter the dark, challenging
times, I encourage you to return to St.
Augustine's quote, "Solvitur ambulando."
It is solved by walking. In those times,
inevitably some good and some bad, look
back on the walk you've already taken in
your schooling, your walk in excellence,
and your walk with others. And know that
you have the fortitude, the wisdom and
the resilience to walk forward. Seniors,
we are so proud of you, and we love you.
We send you off into the world today to
walk forward as Broughton Capitals. And
as a Capital, you don't walk alone, but as
a family. Parents, family members and
guests, please join me in congratulating
our Class of 2020 with a round of
applause.
Go Caps! At this time, I hereby certify to
the Wake County Board of Education that
the seniors before us have met all state
and local graduation requirements. We
will now begin the presentation of
diplomas to the Class of 2020.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hello, I'm Cathy
Moore, Superintendent of the Wake County
Public School System. It is with great
honor, and yet dismay, that I bring you
greetings as a part of this virtual
celebration. More than anything, I know
that you want to see each other to
congratulate and celebrate together.
Graduations are a time to cry and hug
while we celebrate. I personally enjoy
seeing those smiles of deep personal
satisfaction. But of course this is not
possible.
And while the superintendent does not
usually speak at graduations, I do want
to offer my sincerest congratulations
and a few brief thoughts about the
months and years ahead. I want you to
know that despite the effects of COVID-19, this coronavirus will not
define the Class of 2020. The Class of
2020 had already defined itself - in the
classroom, on playing fields and in
countless expressions of art. It defined
itself by its caring and compassionate
support of others in the community. I am
sure that many of you can see the irony
of this moment in time. As graduating
seniors you realize COVID-19 is not only
a common adversity that brings us
together. It also highlights the
differences among us. This has allowed
you to learn a lesson unlike any other
graduating class - a lesson about the
value and power of empathy, compassion
and grace. You have no doubt been the
recipient and the benefactor of these
acts of kindness. I ask that you remember
these lessons. They will serve you a
lifetime. They will make you a better
person.
They will help distinguish you, the Class
of 2020, in ways that can truly change
our world. Congratulations to each and
every one of you. Good afternoon, seniors.
I am Mary Martha Stokes, your senior class
president. Seniors, please rise.
Congratulations, Needham B. Broughton
High School Class of 2020 graduates. You
may now turn your tassel from right to
left.
 
 
