Follow Your Bliss, WHS Principal Tells Class of 2013

Despite high temperatures inside the Westfield Armory, Westfield High School's class of 2013 was all smiles as seniors celebrated graduation Tuesday evening. 

WHS Principal Peter Renwick wished students a fond farewell, invoking the words of author Joseph Campbell when he encouraged them to "follow your bliss."

"My final wish for you is continued success," he said.

Kevin Feige, President of Production at Marvel Studios and a WHS alumnus, served as the ceremony's guest speaker, telling the class what the world needs is "fresh eyes, your fresh eyes."

"Use your fresh eyes to help sort out the world and change it," he said. "Don't be afraid to bring in new ideas or a new perspective."

As promised, Feige, who has produced two of the top five highest-grossing films of all time, kept his comments brief.

"Whether you like the spotlight or prefer it behind the scenes like I do; whether you're graduating with honors or just honored to be graduating at all; if you're first in your class or last in your class, it doesn't matter anymore. The last bell has rung, the guest speaker is finishing up. When the sun rises tomorrow it's time to start using your fresh eyes, connecting those dots," he said.

Student government president Alex Jeffery also spoke, noting the spirit of unity among his classmates. Check back with Patch tomorrow to read Jeffery's speech in its entirety.

Family and friends of graduates were able to keep cool inside the WHS auditorium though the live video feed of the ceremony stopped working for approximately 30 minutes but was restored in time for all to see the graduates receive their diplomas. 

Despite what Westfield Rescue Squad volunteers called "blistering" heat within the Armory, no one required medical treatment.