CANAAN — In his remarks at the Mascoma Regional High School graduation on Friday, valedictorian Justin Andrew asked his classmates to remember the little acts of kindness they have experienced in their young lives and do the same in the years ahead.
Andrew remembered being pulled from a pond as a young boy and when a group of upper classmen invited him to sit with them at lunch when he couldn’t find a seat his freshman year. He mentioned a few classmates who received helping hands in and out of school that led to them being on the stage to receive their diploma
“Now, as we leave this stage and set out on a new path, you will have new opportunities to reach out and help others reach their goals just as people helped us get here,” Andrew said. “Regardless of your career plans, each of you can reach out with small acts of kindness. I hope this provides inspiration and encouragement to be that vital person to someone else.”
The Class of 2019, adorned in white and purple gowns, first listened to class president Henry Clough, who said the class was full of talent from singing to acting to photography, athletics and intelligence, and for a small group, they have accomplished a lot.
Clough said they have had to put up with Mascoma being looked down upon their whole lives.
“But actions speak louder than words, and we have shown that Mascoma kids can go anywhere,” he said.
Business teacher Shawn Joyce gave the keynote address, offering congratulations to the seniors and family and parents that helped them on the journey.
He recalled his first impressions of the class when they were in middle school, and today, they have grown and flourished into wonderful graduates.
“They are compassionate, definitely independent and truly entertaining,” Joyce said. “They are a collection of unique individuals dedicated to success.
“This class has the talent to make a difference,” he said. “Please use those talents to improve the world around you.”
Salutatorian Emma Monsante spoke about how she has grown during her years at Mascoma, and while there were struggles and challenges to overcome, Monsante said she is pleased with the final outcome.
“In the past four years, I have gained knowledge about life and figured out what type of person I have become,” she said. “I am grateful for every opportunity that Mascoma has given me, and I hope everyone feels the same.”
Before the graduates accepted their diplomas to the cheers of family and friends, class officers handed out some gifts and told the crowd they had “senior thanks” not pranks, giving handwritten thank you notes to the teachers.
Principal James Collins gave some final words of advice.
“Act, don’t wait to be invited,” Collins said. “Life will happen, so you might as well try to influence the outcome. You need to know what you want and be willing to go after it. Live with purpose.”
Lastly, he urged the seniors to always be grateful and begin today by expressing gratitude to those who helped them along the way.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at poglclmt@gmail.com.
Mascoma Valley Regional High School Class of 2019
