They’ve experienced a lot in the last four years – a lot of it pandemic-related – lost dances, remote classes, ever-changing masking policies and a feeling of isolation, but the Class of 2024 emerged from the other side stronger, more resilient and more committed to community and connected to classmates, some of whom they didn’t even know four years ago.
They’ve grown up and are ready to face an uncertain future in a changing world, finding inspiration from the poetry, music and dramas of their youths.
In her welcoming address, Class President Emily Diehl of Whitman compared it to the experience of meeting a new friend from Hanson on the first day of their freshman year, neither one sure they were headed to the correct classroom, but they bonded in that moment and became best friends.
“The story of Makenna [Marshall] and me is the story of every graduating Senior who has since become friends with others from the opposite town,” Diehl said. “Together we have not only shared a physical building but have also shared an incredible journey, filled with many amazing activities and memories.”
She credited the very nature of W-H being a regional high school with having that effect, as wonder about the others from the town next door led to real connections, underscoring the thought with mention of the poem, “The Cookie Thief,” about a woman in an airport who thought she was sharing her bag of cookies with a stranger, and upset when he took the last one – only to later discover he had shared his cookies with her.
“With an eye towards future endeavors ahead, it is crucial to recognize the importance of sharing,” she said. “Whether it’s an idea, a helping hand, a smile or even a cookie, we are truly fulfilled when we share, selflessly, with others.”
For Valedictorian Ainsleigh Cobis, the 12 years the Class of 2024 has spent in school has been but a few moments in the morning of the rest of their lives, and recalled a line from her mom’s favorite movie, “Hope Floats:” : “Begingings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it is what is in the middle that counts”.
She related how her decision to try to become valedictorian at age 15 was an uncertain step for her, not knowing how she might feel when, and if she reached that goal, and found that going on the journey may have been the most satisfying part of it all, even as she starts another journey in the fall at Harvard College.
“Class of 2024, this is your beginning. Reach for goals that appear to have an enticing journey, not just a rewarding end, because “it’s what’s in the middle that counts,’” she said, noting that selecting an AP psychology course was another journey – into the unexpected – which led her to her passion and discovery that being a psychologist was her career goal.
“Pick goals that seem appealing, but consider how you’re going to feel, who you are going to meet, and your opportunity for growth in the middle, because that’s what counts.” she said. “So the clock reads 5:30 a.m. Class of 2024, this is your sunrise. What are you going to do with your day?”
Salutatorian Nicole Donato, also found inspiration in the arts, leaning on the lyrics from songs by Fall Out Boy, which pointed her in a direction of self-acceptance and independence. When they sang “You are what you love, not who loves you.”
“Choosing to lead yourself outside the crowd will leave you free to be yourself, and free to make your own decisions,” she said. “In the end, it doesn’t matter what anybody thinks of you, because the only person everyone is thinking of is themselves. Trust me, nobody cares what you do or what you think, and that is a good thing. Be yourself, even if nobody else agrees.
“I hope you all choose to become your own leader.
“Lead yourselves into your careers, your higher education, or any other crazy dream you have. Don’t succumb to the pressures put on you by anybody, just be you. Just do it. We spent years being self-conscious teenagers, and now it’s time to be confident and strong adults.”
Student speaker Grace Cosgrave, who won the annual speech competition to address her classmates, looked to a favorite TV show for her message, describing the uncertainty fans of “Impractical Jokers” felt when two favorite cast members departed. But noted that learning to expect the unexpected has its rewards.
“As we embark on our individual journeys, and high school becomes just a distant memory, let us carry the spirit of friendship that has defined our time here,” she said. “May we continue to celebrate each other’s successes, lift each other up in times of need, and always cherish the bond that unites us as close as the ‘Impractical Jokers’ are.”
Wrapping up the speakers’ program, School Committee Chair Beth Stafford, Principal Dr. Christopher Jones and Superintendent of Schools Jeff Szymaniak offered the advice of their experience, before the highest awards and diplomas were bestowed on the class.
“I think a word that describes this class is ‘Caring,” Stafford said. “So many of you are involved with helping each other and yourselves. You took a tragedy and started a chapter of Active Minds. … You belong to other groups, Best Buddies, Unified Sports, LGBTQ and many other inclusive groups. You look out for each other.”
She said it is a trait not always learned through education and since it has worked its way into their lives, she challenged them to keep it going.
“Relationships shape us into the people we are,” Szymaniak said, describing the Class of 2024 as inclusive, gracious, accomplished and kind. “Relationships you have developed and are committed to will last long after … all the pomp and circumstance of tonight … I hope you become the best human being you can be.”
Jones offered some non-academic pointers he referred to as “other things” the class would need to know: forces beyond your control may take away all you own except your freedom to decide how you respond; and don’t aim at success. It should be an unintended consequence of dedication to what one cares most about.
“Success in life is mostly about control, who has it and what they do with it,” he said. “The rest is about the consistent small steps that keep you moving forward, regardless of any failures along the way. .. Be who you want to be, not what other define for you,”