WETHERSFIELD - Two years ago, a thunderstorm crashed the Wethersfield High School graduation at Cove Park, but the Class of 2015 decided to take its chances this time around.

       Wethersfield Mayor Paul Montinieri seconded that motion.

       â€�"I like this a little better than Central [Connecticut State University],” Montinieri said during a brief speech given prior to the awarding of the diplomas. â€�"No offense.”

       The college was where the ceremony was held last year.

       â€�"Here we are in a historic part of town, ready to make our own history,” said Class of 2015 President Amanda Clark.

       And the weather held up.

       â€�"I’m so happy to be looking up at [a] Met Life [blimp] instead of storm clouds,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Emmett.

       Not that the members of the Class of 2015 are not used to a change of venue every now and then. For those who played on sports teams or participated in other activities, the reality of the ongoing high school renovation project has been offsite practices and rehearsals--something Principal Tom Moore noted and praised the graduates for putting up with.

       Take football, for example. They lost their weight room and their practice field, Moore recalled.

       â€�"How did that team respond?” he said. â€�"With an undefeated season.”

       The lesson? Handle less than ideal circumstances, particularly those beyond your control, with grace, Moore said.

       Class of 2015 Valedictorian Jason Galo had some advice of his own to share with his fellow graduates.

       Treat others with kindness, don’t take anything for granted, and ease up on the social media use, just to name a few.

       Oh, and remember to live in the moment, he said.

       And Gallo had plenty of those at Wethersfield High School. Like the football team’s upset home win over Middletown, after which his classmates stormed the field.

       â€�"It only lasted about a minute, but we were sharing a victory together--not thinking about the past or the future,” Gallo said.

       But as graduation ceremonies often go, there was a lot of talk about the fond memories of the past, as well as hopes for the future.

       â€�"It’s everyday moments we don’t think much of that shaped our high school experiences,” Clark said. â€�"These four years have been challenging and rewarding. These years have gone by faster than any of us have expected.”

       And the speakers were quick to recognize those that helped them get through it. Class Salutatorian Samantha Martin quoted President John F. Kennedy.

       â€�"We must find time to stop and think of those who have made a difference in our lives,” Martin said. â€�"We have our teachers, coaches, and parents to thank for where we are.”