By Kathleen McAleese
Staff Writer

Senior Stephanie Gagnon is set to be the speaker for the graduating class of 2012 at this year’s ceremony to be held on June 1st.

In her speech Gagnon includes a quote by her freshman history teacher which serves as the inspiration for the entire speech. From there, she then will talk about the changes that have taken place between freshman and senior year.

Within the speech, Gagnon mainly talks about “broadening horizons” and branching out to new things and experiences. Much of what she will say is based upon the quote and changes that every senior has undergone through the past four years. Every senior has changed in some way since their freshman year at Westford Academy, whether it was their appearance, maturity, or mindset.

For Gagnon, performing in front of such a big crowd is nothing new, as she plays various instruments such as piano, oboe, flute, piccolo, and English horn in the orchestra, but reciting a speech is much different than performing music. Nerves are not a huge obstacle for Gagnon; she is more excited than nervous.

Over her past four years at WA, being the graduation speaker has been a big dream.

“This is something that I’ve wanted since I went to the graduation ceremony in my freshman year. I’m really honored that I have the opportunity to speak,” said Gagnon.

Her dream developed into reality when the senior class held auditions for the position of speaker. During this time, fifteen students presented drafts of speeches they hoped to recite. A group of five revised and then re-presented their speeches to class advisors Lynn Bonakdar and Maria Henderson, Dean Michael Parent, and Principal Jim Antonelli. A decision was made, and Gagnon was elected class speaker.

Before she gets to present her speech in front of all of her peers and their parents and friends, Gagnon plans on memorizing her speech and practicing in the mirror.