Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School held its 48th Commencement ceremony on a bright and sunny Friday evening on the athletic fields of its Rochester campus to close off the students’ last year together with the support of family, friends and supporters cheering on 132 graduates.
Class President Beatrice Ashley delivered some exceptional remarks to the Class of 2024, saying, “Each of us has a unique story to tell.”
The Class of 2024 had endured a painful first year of high school, enduring mask mandates and social distancing during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they emerge as graduates, standing tall in their seats as they approach the next semester of their lives.
“We are better because of you, and you are better because of each other,” Superintendent Aaron Polansky said.
Taking into account what they endured during the height of COVID, Principal J. Michael Parker remembered the senior class in the times of the pandemic listening to Rascal Flatts’ “How They Remember You.”
“These young men and women, sat in rows in the gym and cafeteria for their new student orientation during the height of COVID,” he said. “Obviously not the ideal way to begin their high school years.”
Parker noted that the graduates will leave a legacy behind that they will keep with them, noting the sign behind them that said, “Will They Remember You?”
“I will always remember this class as those who always gave their all in the academic classroom, on stage, in co-op, in the sports arena, in the vocational program, as genuinely kind individuals,” he said.
In his valedictorian speech, Thomas Graber spoke to the oncoming workforce industry and continuing scholars about hope.
“I hope that when we get knocked down in life, we get back up and move forward,” said Graber, thanking his mother, fathers and his supporters for getting him through his high school duration. He thanked his teachers for being great role models. “I hope that you all understand just how talented, dedicated and appreciated you are.”
Old Colony RVTHS Graduation
By Jared Melanson