WINDSOR — The keynote speaker offered the 157th graduating class of Windsor High School one final lesson during Friday’s commencement inside the Harry Ladue Gymnasium.

Science teacher Jeff Bachey drew analogies between the mystery, sense of wonder and relationship of systems in science to those same elements in life.

Like life, Bachey said, science asks questions and gives answers that are sometimes incomplete, which can lead to more questions.

“Life is like science because it is filled with experiments,” Bachey said. “Some succeed; some blow up in your face; some surprise you.”

He urged the 50 graduates to continue asking questions, looking closer and to retain their sense of wonder.

One of the laws of thermodynamics is the tendency of systems to move toward disorder or chaos, an apt metaphor for what life can throw at you when things don’t go as planned, Bachey said.

“But don’t worry, chaos is part of the process,” Bachey said. “Learn how to handle it with grace, humor and resilience.”

Laws of equilibrium in thermodynamics help illustrate how relationships matter, he continued.

“Who you surround yourself with, who you connect with to shape your experience,” Bachey said. “Seek out those who challenge you and help you maintain your balance.”

Relationships were also on the mind of Salutatorian Ian Renninger who offered apologies and forgiveness to classmates for those times when both were needed and said all is forgotten now.

“I wish you all the best throughout the rest of your life and I hope you all find what you need,” Renninger said.

Renninger gave a long list of thank yous to teachers, friends, girlfriend, brothers, his parents and others he crossed paths with during his schooling.

“Thank you to everyone else that has supported me over the years. I wouldn’t be here today without you. Thank you to my classmates for every interaction, positive and negative, we have had over the years. I really have become a better man because of you.”

Instead of looking back, Valedictorian Sophie Dufour used her speech to offer a few favorite quotes, some that she gleaned from older family members, about the advice they would give their “18-year-old self.” The advice included suggestions to stay strong in their beliefs, value family above all, be kind to all and not to be held back by fear.

She shared a favorite quote from Gordon B. Hinckley, a former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, urging graduates not to be “gloomy,” or “dwell on unkind things” to “stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight” and “even if you are not happy, put a smile on your face.”

As the world unfolds before them, Dufour told her classmates they should view mistakes not as setbacks but as ways to grow and learn. She urged them not to despair when a choice proves to be the wrong one and leads to unexpected challenges, she said.

“What matters is how we choose to combat those challenges. What matters is that we don’t give up, that we keep trying, keep enduring,” Dufour said.

Finally, determination is key, another lesson Dufour said she learned on the soccer team when the Yellow Jackets won the state championship in the fall after losing in the finals the year before.

“What set us apart was our determination and grit,” she said.

Before Renninger and Dufour spoke, the faculty band entertained the audience with renditions of “Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds and Springsteen’s “Born to Run.”

Speakers praised graduates for their accomplishments, resiliency, cheering each other in victory and supporting each other in tough times.

Windsor principal Kate Ryan called the graduates “bold, creative and compassionate” and urged them not to view success as it is typically defined.

“Success is how you treat others,” Ryan said. “How you carry your values and how you respond when things don’t go as planned. Go build a life that matters to you. The world needs your voice, your perspective and your passion.”

Christine Bourne, superintendent of the Mount Ascutney School District, said the Class of 2025 has already demonstrated what success looks like with their generous laughter, ideas and hearts, and by listening when it was hard, speaking when it counted and showing up again and again.

“These are not just school lessons, they are life lessons that will serve you well,” Bourne said. “We are proud not just of your accomplishments but who you are and what you stand for. You have left a legacy of kindness and leadership. You have built a community where people are supported and appreciated and that is something the world needs more of.”

In his last science metaphor, Bachey left the graduates with some final words advice for their life ahead

“Act like a proton. Always be positive.”

Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.

Windsor High School Class of 2025:

Jacob Adams, Western New England University; Aler Allen, workforce; Alex Allen, workforce; Reghan Allen, Community College of Vermont; Cole Anderson; Brianna Barton, Hartwick College; Kameron Blake, workforce; William Blake, University of Vermont; Rylie Cahoon, workforce; Kierstin Carvalho, Nichols College; Emily Clough, workforce; Tycen Comstock, workforce; Arabella Cowdrey, University of Maine; Tanner Crane, Western New England University; Brooklynn Currie, Community College of Vermont; Andrew Doyon, workforce; Justin Draper, New England College; Sophia Dufour, Brigham Young University; Helen Ennis, Keene State College; Gianna Felice, Mercy University; Jo Gagne, workforce; Gerry Garrow, workforce; Colton Gaudette, Carlton University; Joey Gaudette, University of Hartford; Latisha Gibson, workforce; Arrow Hines, Keene State College; Ryan Hunt, workforce; Zachary Kellogg, workforce; Nicholas LaDuke, workforce; Kaiden Lawrence, workforce; Michael Lopez, University of Vermont; Gavin Martin, Hocking College; Ryan Ostrom, workforce; Lillian Ouimette, workforce; Samuel Peckinpaugh, post-graduation fifth year at Kimball Union Academy; Tyler Petschke, workforce; Hunter Picknell, workforce; Hudson Ranney, Brandeis University; Ivan Renninger, University of Vermont; Jade Riley, post-graduate program; Sophia Rockwood, Westfield State University; Audrey Rupp, Worcester State University; Alyssa Scalese, workforce; Jacob Shaw, US Marine Corps; Kaz Sheffield, work force; Emma Simino, Ithaca College; Matteson Tenney, Keene State College; Piper Vivian, Keene State College; Kaleb White, workforce; and Austin Xiao, University of Vermont.