Rocky Hill High Graduates Its Class of 2011

When 161 young men and women graduated from on June 22, they did so with heavy hearts as they remembered their fallen classmate. 

The class of 2011 honored the memory of Vikas Parikh, who died when the bus he was on collided with a station wagon near Exit 40 on I-84 on Jan. 9, 2010.

“I hope that as our class moves on, we never forget Vikas with his keen intellect, willingness to help others and his sense of humor that brought a smile to all,” Valedictorian Nicholas DeNardo said. He added that Parikh was “an asset to this school and to mankind itself."

“I am truly honored and blessed that he was my friend,” DeNardo said.

DeNardo not only honored his friend, but also his community for all their support. He told his fellow graduates that no matter if their path leads to college or into the work force that they have to remember to give back to the community.

“By giving back not only do we ensure the continuation of this great community, we honor those who have helped us along the way,” DeNardo said.

Principal Mario J. Almeida also told the Class of 2011 to thank those who helped them.

“Before you turn the page that begins the next chapter of your life, take the time to say thank you and goodbye,” Almeida said. 

Almeida offered the class of graduates  a list of items to remember when they entered the "real world". He told the class “there are no wrong turns, some paths just take longer," and "start looking for a new job before you quit your old job."

Salutatorian Reginald Zhang had a different outlook on his high school career. 

“High school is like toilet paper, you only miss it when it’s gone,” Zhang said.

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