Norwich Free Academy graduates more than 500

Norwich – Norwich Free Academy graduation hasn’t had to move indoors for more than a decade, or at least “in recent memory,” school officials said.

They kept that record intact tonight as a few thousand well-wishers greeted 589 graduates in the Class of 2011 on the NFA athletic field.

A few drops fell in the moments before the band struck up “Pomp and Circumstance,” but the skies brightened immediately and a comfortable breeze blew throughout the 90-minute ceremony. Umbrellas remained closed.

“Ooh! I just felt a raindrop in my eye!” a young girl shouted just seconds after the final name was read.

Interim Head of School Jackie Sullivan expressed her “overwhelming pride” in sharing the evening with the 153rd NFA graduating class.