One Giant Leap for Fallston Seniors

Cougar Nation did not lack community pride at Friday’s graduation.

“If you become the first astronaut to step on Mars, remember that Fallston provided you with that one small step,” said Matthew Hamilton, one of the student speakers at School’s .

He and his classmates expressed gratefulness for the lessons they learned the last four years.

Each senior may have traveled a different path, but the result was the same: they made it. Alyssa Dugent likened the journey to that of the main character in Finding Nemo­, advising her peers to “just keep swimming.”

Kaleigh O’Neill said high school was more like following the directions of a GPS with a bit of uncertainty and countless recalculating. She said Fallston helped guide the students past life’s misdirections.

“Through our journey at Fallston High, we have found ourselves, which makes the past four years a precious experience,” O’Neill said.

Allison Kight agreed that Fallston played a significant role in guiding the students.

“The most valuable gift that I’ve ever been given was given to me by my teachers at Fallston High School,” Kight said. “At Fallston, we excel in art, music, academics and sports. We’ve been encouraged from the beginning to be well-rounded, cultured and driven. … Everyone is involved and everyone values a different facet of Fallston community.”

Harford County Attorney Robert McCord reminded the class that in the next chapter of their life they must bring with them the values they acquired.

“Value faith … even when it’s in short supply. … Value hard work, intelligence, honesty and integrity,” McCord said. “It’s not just the degree; it’s the degree of effort that you put [forward].”

And if they don’t make it to Mars, Hamilton said the Olympics would do fine, too.

“Remember that this town will be cheering you on,” Hamilton said. “Never forget Fallston.”