RhodyBeat
June 2022
Class of 2022
presents
celeBraTing The class of
2022
and Everything They’ve Achieved Sponsored by
JHS A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FROM
Beacon Communications
June 2022
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Class of 2022
June 2022
You Made It! We proudly congratulate all the students & parents for this special accomplishment!
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June 2022
Bishop henDricKen high school
Class of 2022
on Behalf of fr. marciano, oUr school leaDership Team, OUR FACULTY, STAFF, AND ENTIRE SCHOOL COMMUNITY, MY GREATEST CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BISHOP HENDRICKEN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2022!
I have something very special in common with the Class of 2022. We started this journey together as freshmen of sorts four years ago – this class beginning their high school careers, and me beginning my tenure as principal. What we have gone through together will certainly hold a place in my heart. This journey has not been easy. But I believe wholeheartedly that the trials we went through together, and the bonds we have formed, will be cemented in time. As St. Ignatius Loyola said: “If God sends you many sufferings, it is a sign that he has great plans for you.” We all know that God doesn’t give us challenges we cannot overcome which is why we stay rooted in our faith and we persevere. Graduation is a time for celebration, and the Class of 2022 has much to celebrate. From academic achievements to artistic accomplishments to athletic accolades, this class has set the bar extremely high for the classes that follow. I can confidently say that the mark you have left at 2615 Warwick Avenue is outstanding. May God continue to bless the Class of 2022!
mark Deciccio, principal
2022 Congratulations from The City of Warwick! Mayor and Mrs. Frank Picozzi
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Class of 2022
June 2022
PRENTATION OF DIPLOMAS: Principal Mark DeCiccio congratulates TJ Deneault on receiving his diploma.
WRAPPED AROUND THE CATHEDRAL : After two years of celebrating commencement on the grounds of the Aldrich Mansion due to pandemic restrictions, the Hendricken graduation returned to the Cathedral of St. John and Paul in Providence on June 13. Here the Class of 2022 line up for the procession
AMONG FRIENDS: Former Warwick mayor and retired Supreme Court Justice Francis X. Flaherty talks with members of the clergy as he arrives to attend the Hendricken graduation
June 2022
heaDing off To college? here’s some helpfUl Tips By MARY LIND
I
MARY LIND
The time is almost here! In just a few short months, you’ll be headed out on your own to college. While I came to love my undergraduate experience, I was really overwhelmed at first and felt totally lost. Here are 10 things that I wish I had known going into it that will hopefully be of some help to you.
1. You definitely don’t need as much stuff as you think you need. I made the mistake of bringing way too much when I moved into my dorm for the first time, and I never even used most of it. Less is more when it comes to packing for your dorm. If you wind up needing more, you can get what you need after you’ve settled in. 2. If you have friends from high school going to the same college as you, don’t live with them. It can be tempting to want to live with a familiar face, but by sharing a room with someone you’ve known for a while, you miss out on an opportunity to get out of your shell. Plus, you may find that you and your high school bestie aren’t good roommates, which could hurt your friendship. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see them even if you don’t live with them. 3. Similarly, don’t try and get a single room. Sharing a room can be difficult, but if you wind up with a single, there’s a good chance you’ll wind up spending most of your time in there alone and not socializing with other students. 4. You may not be best friends with your roommate, and that’s okay! It may seem like everyone becomes super close with their freshman year roommate, but that’s definitely not the case. If you and your roommate are good friends, that’s great! But don’t feel too bad if you’re not. You’ll find your people one way or another – it just might not include the person in the other bunk. 5. Get involved on campus. Most schools offer a ton of clubs and activities for you to join, including student media, intramural sports teams,
cultural organizations, music and art clubs, service-oriented clubs and more. It’s a great way to make friends and chances are you’ll find one that interests you.
Class of 2022
You don’t have to be completely settled in right away. It may seem as though everyone else around you is having the time of their lives, and their social media will probably send the same message. I promise you that that’s not the case. It’s completely normal to miss your old life, and everyone else is feeling that, too, even if they don’t show it. Keep in touch with your old friends and talk about how weird it is to finally be in college. Spend time with your new friends making new memories and supporting each other as you embark on this journey together. You’re going to be okay, but it may not happen right away, and that’s completely normal. A native of Lincoln, RI, Mary Lind just graduated from URI with BAs in political science and journalism. As an undergrad she worked for the campus newspaper, the Good Five Cent Cigar, for seven semesters as a contributing reporter and production manager. In the fall she will be working towards her MA in international relations at URI where she will be a TA for the political science department.
6. If your hometown is nearby, don’t visit too often. Moving into college and starting a new chapter in your life is hard, but try to resist the temptation to run back to familiarity too often. If I had to re-do my undergrad years, I would definitely find a job on campus instead of keeping my job at home and going back every other weekend. I missed out on valuable time with my friends and wound up quitting that job anyway. Use the time you have outside of class to get to know your classmates and spend time with your new friends. 7. Get familiar with the support resources available to you on campus, both academic and non-academic. There’s no shame in asking for help. Most schools offer tutoring centers, medical services, counseling centers and resources for substance abuse and sexual assault. Even if you don’t need them now and think you never will, it’s important to know where, when and how you can access them if you do. 8. Meet with your advisors early and often. You don’t want to get to your senior year and find out that you haven’t taken the right classes. Make sure you keep in touch with your academic advisors so you can stay on top of it. They can also recommend classes to take that are aligned with your interests and can help you plan out the course map that makes the most sense for you. 9. It’s completely okay to change your major. Many students will change their major at least once. I changed mine four times! Give yourself the opportunity to take general education classes in a variety of topics so you can try other things, and if you wind up really liking one of them, talk to your advisor to either add a second major or minor or make the switch. 10. Finally, remember that this is a hard transition!
401-447-7181
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Celebrating your hard work and achievement, so give yourself a pat on the back. Best wishes and may all your hopes and dreams come true.
ED LADOUCEUR Councilman Ward 5
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Class of 2022
June 2022
AT THE ALTAR: Mark DeCiccio, Monsignor Albert Kenney and Fr. Robert Marciano prepare to greet the Hendricken Class of 2022.
June 2022
Class of 2022
pilgrim high school no BUrDen Too heaVY for class of
2022
It is well documented how your journey through the hallways of Pilgrim High School is drastically different from the other 59 graduating classes before you. A global pandemic and the passing of your principal, Mr. Gerald Habershaw, are two major events which thrust you into events which might have felt like something no high school seniors should have to deal with. Either one of the two events would have caused feelings of a load too heavy to shoulder. But you did not let these dark moments define you. A quote by famous British historian Richard Evans I think defines who you are and it is, “It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars.” You are these stars. You excelled in the chorus, in the gym, rinks, and pool, on the stage, in the band, on the fields, in your classrooms, at work, during Sidewalk Chalk and in the Warwick community not letting difficult life events define you. As you move forward in your lives, I believe that there will be no burden too heavy for you, no darkness which will diminish your bright and sparkling lights, and you will continue to be a wonderfully unique class with many, many more successes to come in the future. Thank you for the lessons you have taught me and remember to come back and visit, because Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot. Best of luck.
ToBY giBBons principal pilgrim high school
Congratulations to all our 2022 Graduates "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." -Albert Einstein
Camille Vella-Wilkinson RI State Representative District 21
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Class of 2022
June 2022
haBs Will alWaYs Be principal for The pilgrim class of 2022 By STEVEN CARTER In June of 1990, I too graduated from high school. For those keeping score, that makes me 50 years old. When I think about my high school experience, I have difficulty remembering names and faces of my former teachers. The people who were once the center of my universe slowly faded into blurry images and forgotten names. It seems odd that this is the case. For four years, I was wrongly convinced that these teachers held my fate in their hands. I should be able to easily relive those days, see those faces or recall those names with vivid accuracy. But I can’t. I suspect the same is true of most people my age. But I remember my principal – Mr. Gray. I can picture him and hear his voice as he patrolled the halls and monitored the lunch room. Why is that? I think it’s because, like most people, you only have one high school principal. They are a constant through a sea of change. They embody four of the most turbulent years of your life. They are there in moments of both triumph and failure. When tragedies strike, they are the voice that unifies your school community. When victory is at hand, they are often your biggest cheerleader. Mr. Gibbons has done a wonderful job keeping our school together during the past few months, and he will be the face of future Pilgrim graduates. But for the class of 2022, Mr. Habershaw was, is, and always will be your principal. After today, you will all be considered former Pilgrim students. You will embark upon the unknown that is your future. Some of you have completely mapped out your life and others will start thinking about it tomorrow. Most of you will hold many jobs, experience changes in relationships, and move to different places. You will begin a journey to discover who you really are. As you find your way, I say use your principal as your compass. If he were here today, this is what I think Mr. Habershaw would tell you: He would implore you to give back to your community. Mr. Habershaw was Warwick through and through. He represented this town as a child and he returned years
later as a leader. He loved Warwick and felt driven to make it a better place. That’s what he would want you to do. Not necessarily Warwick, but wherever you choose to call home. Be a part of your community with the express purpose of making it better for all. What Mr. Habershaw understood was that making a difference is up to every individual person. He saw service to his roots as necessary to generations of Vets and Pilgrim students. Mr. Habershaw started at Pilgrim as a teacher, then assistant-principal at Aldrich, before steering the ship at Vets. Then, during consolidation, when Warwick needed him most, he returned to Pilgrim and created a new culture in the midst of chaos. Now you are about to be former students who witnessed Mr. Habershaw’s dedication and that responsibility to give back falls on you as well. It is a burden that all adults should share equally, but not everyone does. The work of improving your home, your neighborhood, your town cannot be outsourced. One cannot be passively dedicated to a cause. You must get involved in order to make a difference. Mr. Habershaw did that, and I think he would want you to do that too. Habs would also tell you to treat others with respect and kindness. Disagreeing with Habs was not an uncommon occurrence. That’s what happens when you’re the one making the decisions. It’s not possible to satisfy everyone all the time. But here’s the thing about Habs – disagreement did not mean hatred. He was capable of hearing your opposition and still calling you a friend. You all saw this with the outpouring of emotion from all walks of life that was displayed after his passing. Habs was able to recognize the humanity in each person regardless of that person’s beliefs, circumstances, or status. He understood that people make mistakes. I’m certain several of you in attendance had a run-in or two with Habs. That happens when you’re the principal of a high school. But an hour later he’s shaking your hand. He didn’t say “Oh, that teacher said this about me” or “that student did this to me, so now I’ll get them back.” That’s not how he worked. Habs didn’t believe relationships were built on complete agreement all the time on every subject. Rather, he knew relationships were built on respect and kindness, and that many times, you have to be the one to show it first. Habs was able to create effective schools, to improve this town, to positively impact people’s lives because he respected other’s opinions and reflected kindness. I think he would tell you to do the same. Find something that you enjoy and keep it simple
would be his next piece of advice. Gerry loved his family first and foremost. He loved his town, his school, and its students. But he also loved golf. Few things brought him as much joy as chasing a little white ball around someone else’s well-manicured lawn. But even in this activity, one can find a lesson to learn from Gerry. Gerry was a good player and could hold his own at any number of courses around this state. But he insisted on playing the same 9-hole neighborhood course every time. Mr. Fairbanks would joke that Gerry wouldn’t travel outside of 5 miles to play golf. Golf, to Gerry, was not about playing the best courses, with the best equipment, to always get the best score. It was about playing a game with good friends or complete strangers who would soon become good friends. It was about sharing time, sharing stories, sharing laughs, creating moments. Golf, I would argue, was less of an obsession as people may think. Rather, it gave Gerry the opportunity to spend time with others. It was a conduit for socialization. And being around people brought him joy. He didn’t need to get wrapped up in the competition. He didn’t need to play the beautiful courses. He didn’t need to have the most expensive stuff. He just needed a place he called his own, some friends to share the time, and a ball that wouldn’t sink into Habershaw Pond. If he were standing up here today, he would say keep life simple, find joy in family, engage with friends. I think he would want you to find that happiness. I conclude by saying this: When you are my age, you’ll be sitting in your backyard with some former classmates after your child’s high school graduation. You’ll ask – “Do you remember our Science teacher Mrs. Parente?” “She didn’t teach Science,” your friend will say. “She taught History. Remember - she took us to the ropes course?” “She didn’t take us to the ropes course,” you’ll reply. “That was our Art teacher Mr. Calabro.” “You’re both wrong,” another friend interrupts. “That was that loudmouth Baseball coach, Mr. Landy.” And then you’ll sit back, sigh, and say “Yeah that’s right. Now I remember.” What you seemed to have forgotten was that Parente taught English, Calabro taught Health, you never went to the ropes course, and although Landy was the baseball coach, he wasn’t the loudmouthed one, that was Bailey. Worst of all, none of them look remotely alike. But then you’ll say “Remember when Habs said this?” and you’ll tell some funny story and everyone will laugh. Then your friend says “Remember that time Habs did this?” and they’ll tell a funny story. This will go on and on. No one will confuse Habs for Mrs. Bernardi, or Mr. Colvin, or Mr. Pratt. And for the next hour, you and your classmates will share your stories, your memories, and your thoughts about Mr. Habershaw. He was a force that lit up a room that commanded a hallway. He had such an impact on your lives, that you, at the age of 50 in the year 2054, will be talking about a man born four days from today in the year 1964. That is the legacy of a well-lived life and I think you should know that.
June 2022
TIME FOR DIPLOMAS: Pilgrim Principal Toby Gibbons poses with Azael Alvarez as he hands him his diploma
MUSICAL SELECTION: Jackie Soares directs the choir during a musical interlude to the Pilgrim commencement.
IN-PERSON: While their remarks were recorded and shown on large screens at commencement, Mayor Frank Picozzi and Superintendent Lynn Dambruch attended both the Toll Gate and Pilgrim graduations. They are seen here with assistant superintendent William McCaffrey.
CLASS GIFT: Class president Amelia Lamantia addresses her classmates.
Class of 2022
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Class of 2022
June 2022
Toll gaTe high school Toll gaTe class of 2022 rolleD WiTh The challenges The Toll Gate Class of 2022 is a truly special group that did not have the typical high school experience due to the pandemic, and the disruption and challenges associated with it. The challenges were like none other in modern times: Covid shutdowns, distance learning, hybrid schedules, synchronous learning, asynchronous learning, Google Meets, quarantines, masks, Covid testing, cancellation of seasons and events and lack of bus transportation. Through it all, this group demonstrated resilience and perseverance, and came together to make their experience the best it could be. They rolled with whatever challenges were presented and are better individuals for it. This group has matured tremendously and is ready for whatever challenges they may face in the future. They are kind, respectful and compassionate, and I will be sad to see them go, but I look forward to seeing them grow, and make a difference in the world. The Class of 2022 are scholars, athletes, thespians, musicians, community leaders and they represented Toll Gate well. The Class of 2022 spent a majority of their high school years with uncertainty, yet they continued to move forward, accepting what they could not control and making the best of every opportunity as best they could.
ToDD grimes assistant principal
IN SONG: Arianna Izzi and Grace Hamilton sing a duet prior to the presentation of diplomas.
ON STAGE: Jillian Moretti (2022 Class President), Kendall Brooks (Essayist), Marie Bonynge (Salutatorian) and Sydney Randall (Valedictorian) s hared the stage for commencement exercises.
June 2022
Class of 2022
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Class of 2022
June 2022
TOLL GATE HIGH SCHOOL continued
cransTon high schools "lasT WeeKenD i WaTcheD WiTh greaT priDe as seniors from our high schools crossed the stage to get their diplomas. The graduates shared the joy of the celebrations with their families while listening to choirs sing and speakers deliver their commencement addresses. All the speakers tried to give these students our best advice. Speeches were given by a variety of adults, and by students, such as the class presidents, valedictorians and salutatorians. They have been through so much these past four years and yet accomplished so much despite the challenges they faced. Their peers recalled shared memories and laughs from over the years as well. However, in May, our students at both Cranston High School East and Cranston High School West were saddened to learn of the loss of beloved educator and coach, Paul Bucci. For Cranston East this was the second loss this school year, as we lost coach and educator Meaghan McGonagle in December, and it was a second loss for the Cranston West school community as well, as we lost educator Angela Paliotte in the spring. In reflecting over the weekend, I realized I could have said more about these exceptional people. I was blessed to work with both Paul and Meg in my capacity as a school administrator at East, and with all three of them as superintendent. I wished I’d told the graduates to live each day like Paul Bucci, to emulate Meg McGonagle, to be as dedicated as Angela Paliotte. Each of these members of our school communities were kind, selfless and dedicated individuals and they were passionate about what they did each and every day. They loved their students in school, and they loved their athletes outside of school. They gave their all, all day and every day and encouraged their students and athletes to do the same. They were dedicated to their families, to their colleagues and to their friends. They will be sorely missed in the classroom and on their teams. I think if I could add one more thing to my speeches to the students this past weekend, I’d remind them to be like Paul, Angela and Meg. Love what you do. Be dedicated to whatever it is you choose to do in life. Be a good friend. Cherish your family. Share your kindness and love freely. Treasure the people you have around you, because in trying times you will need the support of your friends, your family and your colleagues as well. If we’ve learned anything through Covid, it’s how much we value our connections to friends and family, teachers and coaches, especially when we can’t see them. As our graduates move ahead, they’ve achieved much and they’ve learned to persevere through the hardest of times. I hope they’ll value the connections and friendships they’ve made here in our schools, no matter how long they were here, whether from kindergarten or even if they arrived this year. I hope they’ll take that foundation that they’ve had here and carry it with them throughout their lives. I hope the positive influences Angela Paliotte, Meg McGonagle and Paul Bucci had on their students and athletes live on forever."
Jeannine nota-masse, superintendent of cranston public schools
June 2022
sTUDenT loans: responsible Borrowing is the Key
Y
ou may have been told to spend responsibly, but has anyone ever advised you to borrow responsibly? The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (RISLA), a local nonprofit, private student loan lender does just that. They give families the tools and information to borrow responsibly. RISLA also offers some ofthe lowest fixed rate education loans year after year in the nation. How to borrow responsibly: First, borrow only what you need. Do not add on extra for extras. All of this has to be paid back with interest and that can add up over time. Second, when borrowing, always consider federal student loan options as they have benefits for students such as not requiring a cosigner. Third, if choosing a deferred loan, consider making monthly payments while in deferment. Doing so can help to reduce the amount you need pay back after the student leaves school. Fourth, search for scholarships every year, not just during your senior year of high school. Also, don’t disregard the smaller amount scholarships. Every 500 dollars you do not borrow is 500 dollars less you have to pay back with interest after graduation. Finally, KNOW BEFORE YOU OWE! It is recommended that you borrow no more than your projected first year’s salary over the total number of years you attend school. Most people expect to complete their undergraduate degree in four years, but some programs take longer. There are several free online salary calculators that can provide you with projected first year earnings so you can approximate a responsible borrowing limit based on the career you are studying. Use online calculators to see what your estimated monthly payment will be for your edu-
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inJUreD on The JoB? students learn their rights, what to do when hurt at work
By EMMA BARTLETT
cation loans after graduating. Will that monthly payment be manageable for you after graduation considering other living expenses, rent, car, insurance etc.? What can you do if the numbers are not working in your favor? You may have to choose a less expensive school or consider a shorter-term program and possibly continue your education once you are working and possibly getting tuition assistance to further your degree from your employer. This may not have been your preferred route, but it could be the most responsible one and set you on the best path for financial success in the future. Once you’ve determined your responsible borrowing amount, compare lenders, rates and program benefits to get the right match for you. Ask about rates, rate increases, fees and any program changes over the course of loan, if applicable, such as cosigner release or prepayment penalties. Student loans have been around for a very long time. Many of us could not have earned our degrees without them. If you would like more information on private student loans and borrowing responsibly, contact RISLA. We’re solely focused serving students and families for decades regarding education financing. RISLA’s experienced loan experts are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 800-758-7562 or visit risla.com.
Class of 2022
A young worker gets hurt every six minutes on the job in this country however, President and CEO Tim Costa of Can Be Safe Consulting believes that number to be two to four times higher since youths may be afraid to report workplace injuries for fear of being fired. Costa, Steven Minicucci and Michael Lynch, joined Cranston West students on May 16 to present the Youth Employment Safety Rhode Island (Yes RI) program which travels to schools across the state and educates students on workplace safety. “Many of you [students] probably have part-time jobs,” said Minicucci. “We want to let students know how they should be working safely and how they should be acting if they sustain an injury while on
the job.” The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reports nearly 200,000 young workers suffer work-related injuries each year. Additionally, 100,000 individuals between ages 15 and 17 visit the emergency room each year and annually, 70 youths die. In Rhode Island over the last several years, there have been between 700 and 800 youths who were seriously injured and able to file for workers’ compensation claims. Minicucci serves as a judge at the Rhode Island Workers Compensation Court. Prior to this position, he practiced law for 28 years in Rhode Island and represented many individuals who were injured at work. Minicucci told students about a female Cranston West student he represented. • Workplace page 15
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Class of 2022
June 2022
cransTon high school easT “graDUaTion from high school is a remarKaBle achieVemenT.
It marks the end of your long journey in public education, from the time you entered Kindergarten those 13 short years ago to the pinnacle at which you now stand. It will open the door for your bright future and the many exciting chapters of your life still to come. Your dedication to making yourself an educated citizen in this modern, ever changing world is evidenced here today. It has not been easy, given the circumstances of the past two years, however, you have persevered. You are to be congratulated for this accomplishment and I encourage you all to continue your pursuit of education, whether it be at a university, trade school, military service or work. Cranston East is an incredible institution with a tradition dating back to 1891. As you graduate, you will be join the long and illustrious “Green Line” of Thunderbolt alumni, and you will have much to live up to. These alumni from past classes have built, created, and maintained a true tradition of excellence. I challenge each of you soon to be graduates to continue this tradition. I hope and pray that each of you will find a career that is rewarding, meaningful and enjoyable. I hope you find your calling and passion, making each day a pleasure. I hope you can work in a field of your choosing, where work does not seem like work but rather is simply an extension of your interests. Students, graduates, you have made me very proud to have the best job for the past 16 years, at the best high school in the state, your Principal. Let me be the first to say, congratulations, and continue to make us very proud, be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.”
cranston east principal sean Kelly
June 2022
• Workplace from page 13 Minicucci said the girl was a junior and worked at a local coffee shop. The shop had an illegal setup with an industrialsized coffee pot on the counter with a fridge directly below it. One day, the girl knelt to retrieve a bottle of juice from the fridge while a co-worker proceeded to change the coffee filter; the hot coffee grounds and water fell on the girl and gave her second and third degree burns down her head and back. Minicucci said there were areas on her head where hair would not grow back and her career of going into modeling was affected. Minicucci listed what students should do if injured: one, immediately report the injury to the employer; two, get medical attention; three, tell medical providers how the injury occurred and where it occurred. He mentioned that people have the right to an attorney – at no cost to the individual. “Probably the biggest thing you need to know is there isn’t any job that you are going to do outside of school that is important enough for you to risk your life. Because your careers are beyond college and beyond schooling,” Minicucci said. The most common workplace injuries
among young workers are cuts, contusions (bumps and bruises) strains, sprains and burns. Minicucci shared that when a youth is injured on the job, their rights include wage continuation, medical attention and compensation for scars or permanent loss of function to a body part. Additionally, Minicucci said individuals may think that because they are working under the table, they are not entitled to workers compensation rights. If someone hasn’t signed paperwork saying they are an independent contractor, under the law, the person is still an employee of the individual and can receive workers compensation. Workers compensation is a no fault system, but there are several exceptions. Individuals cannot collect if they were intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or engaging in horseplay. Costa shared that his dad was 21 years old when he cut off the tips of two fingers on his left hand after being asked to use a table saw in a manner that he knew was not safe. “97 percent of accidents happen because we mess up,” said Costa. He gave background about why he decided to go into the safety industry.
When he was 11 years old, his nineyear-old cousin went to a water park in Portugal with her dad. She went down the slide and never came back up. It was thought that she was kidnapped because she was an American citizen in Portugal, however, a couple days later another boy went missing. It turned out that someone didn’t put a grate over the main drain at the bottom of the pool and both bodies were sucked down and later found. Prohibited occupations for workers under 18 include the following: driving a motor vehicle on public streets as a main part of the job (like a pizza delivery driver); driving a forklift; using power equipment; working in wrecking, demolition,
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excavation or roofing; preparing, serving or selling alcoholic beverages; or working where there is exposure to radiation. Individuals ages 14 to 15 years of age may not do any baking activities; work in dry cleaning or commercial laundry; do building, construction or manufacturing; load or unload a truck, railcar or conveyor; or work on a ladder or scaffold. After their presentation at Cranston West, Yes RI visited Cranston East on May 19. For more information about benefits for injured workers, visit the RI Division of Workers Compensation which can be reached at 401-462-8100. For health and safety concerns, call OSHA at 401-5284669.
CLASS OF 2022
To schedule an appointment call 401-205-3423 19 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT RHODE ISLAND
Class of 2022
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Class of 2022
June 2022 A SOLEMN MOMENT: The Cranston East JROTC color guard presented the colors. A moment of silence was held for those serving in the military. (Courtesy of Cranston Public Schools)
June 2022
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HOW FAR YOU’VE COME: Jeannine Nota-Masse, Superintendent of Schools reminded the students how far they'd come in their years since Kindergarten and reminded them that they were now ready to take on any challenges they might face on the next part of their journey after high school. (Courtesy of Cranston Public Schools)
A PROUD DAY: Joseph Sabitoni, vice chairperson of the NEL/ CPS Board of Directors brought greetings and congratulations from NEL/CPS co-founder Armand Sabitoni, and shared his pride in the students' success and the success of the school itself. (Courtesy of Cranston Public Schools)
WITH HONOR: The Cranston High School East JROTC color guard ceremony began the event as Isabella Ba, a JROTC cadet, sang the National Anthem. (Courtesy of Cranston Public Schools)
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Class of 2022
June 2022
cransTon high school WesT “eVerY Year, i reflecT on the previous four years of a graduating
class; ffor or this class I can go back pretty far, I can even go back to the birth for one of them! Now I get we missed a few years due to something called Covid but you certainly made it up this past year. And I must say – this last year you made our school come alive again! I’ve had the honor of greeting you in the morning, visiting your classes, eating with you in the lunchroom, attending productions, special events, award nights, dances, proms, team nights and athletic games and yes, even having you over my house. But right now is the time Cranston Schools need to let you go. You see, letting go is a good thing – remember when you were younger and your parents held your hand as you began to take your first steps – eventually we let you go -- most of you fell a few times, a few bumps and bruises some crying but you got back up and walked. Now the same way we let you go from taking the bus to the first day of kindergarten, we let you go from elementary school to middle school, as you were let go from middle school to high school, today’s graduation symbolizes that we are letting you go from the Nest. Your spirit, your pride, your strong work ethic and unparalleled leadership skills, repeatedly demonstrated that you are a special class. You are genuine, humble and kind. You are a family of exceptional scholars, athletes, and talented individuals. You have served as role models for our underclassmen and our community. You are ready to be let go. You have been a wonderful class; one that I will remember fondly and never forget. Continue to strive for greatness and never, ever accept anything less. Thank you for letting me into your lives and for being such a significant part of mine.”
cranston West principal Thomas Barbieri
June 2022
Class of 2022
SALUTATORIAN OF THE CLASS OF 2022: Angela Marses is recognized by Principal Barbieri and given her medal as Salutatorian of the Class of 2022.
CLASS of 2022 Charlene Lima
DEPUTY SPEAKER STATE REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 14
Frank S. Lombardi State Senate District 26
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Class of 2022
June 2022
That moment the falcon fell
A possible sign? West’s bronze falcon fell from the table during Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse’s graduation speech – right at the moment when she spoke of Principal Thomas Barbieri’s reassignment to Cranston East. (Courtesy of Cranston Public Schools)
TOP 10 STUDENTS: (In order of class rank) Mikaya Parente, Angela Marses, Nicholas Perrotta, Maya Fraenza, Juliana Bucci, John Soscia, Alexandra Coia, Sanjana Ananthula, Ani Poghosyan and Madeline Barbieri. (Courtesy of Cranston Public Schools)
GOING TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY: Cranston West graduates Jay Medina and Troy Nicotra will be going into the military after graduation. (Courtesy of Cranston Public Schools)
June 2022
JohnsTon senior high school SUPER ADDRESS: Johnston Schools Superintendent Bernard DiLullo Jr. addresses the Class of 2022.
Class of 2022
gooD eVening maYor polisena,
Chairman LaFazia and members of the Johnston School Committee, school administrators, faculty and staff, honored guests and the fine members of the class of 2022. On behalf of the Johnston School Department I would like to offer our congratulations on your successful completion of thirteen years of hard work and dedication. This is a major milestone in your life and one that will have an impact on the rest of your life. I am proud of all your accomplishments as you have faced high school in probably some of the most difficult years you will ever experience and you did so with commitment and perseverance as you met all the graduation requirements honorably and successfully. That is something to be proud of and tonight is both your reward for your accomplishments and the gateway to your successful future. There are some words of wisdom that I want you to leave with and hopefully live by as you plan your life. First, always keep learning. Please remember that the whole world is a classroom that will fill your mind with wonder and knowledge. Don’t miss out on any challenge or opportunity. Second, always display patience, gratitude and forgiveness. If the world is to become a better place, we all must live by these virtues. Be thankful for the people who have been examples for you and strive to be a role model for others. Learn from the wisdom and experiences of others, especially parents, grandparents, family and valued friends, by paying close attention to their guidance. They have had the experience of becoming successful in their life and can help you navigate what is ahead of you. Never lose sight of the goal of being a moral adult. You were prepared to do great things in your future and I’m sure you will but whatever you do, do so honorably. Finally, always remember that no matter what, every person is unique based on their background, experiences, education, skills and beliefs. Respect that diversity in others and feel comfortable in your place in the world. As we send you on your way, I want to thank you for becoming such fine young men and women. Thank you to your families for guiding you to a successful future by supporting you on your journey in life. And finally none of this would be possible without the support and skills of our administrators, educators and support staff who work hard day and night to provide you with the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of your future. So Johnston High School class of 2022, I hope you are blessed with much success and happiness as you meet your future goals. We will miss you as you move on from Johnston but always remember that this is your home and are always welcome back. Congratulations to all of you on your success and best wishes for the future
Bernard Dilullo Jr., Johnston schools superintendent
Congratulations Graduates! State Representative
edwaRd caRdillo District 42 • Johnston
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Class of 2022
June 2022
Johnston senior high school top 10 Congratulations to the
Class of 2022
You’ve worked hard and it shows.
Representative Deborah
Fellela
DistRict 43 Johnston
(above) The Class of 2022’s Top 10 students gathered for a special breakfast in the Johnston High School library. From left to right, back row, Victor Fragoso and Glorianna Crichlow (tied for No. 1, co-valedictorians), Emily Patenaude (3), Joseph Thomas (4), Mohammed Abaherah (5), and front row, Ava Palma (6), Julia Droukas (7), Jacqueline Urizar (8), Mackenzie Hanna (9) and Cameron Tum (10). (Sun Rise photo by Rory Schuler)
June 2022
Class of 2022
2022 GRADS: Around 147 Johnston graduates flipped their tassels at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence. (Photos by Leo van Dijk/rhodyphoto.zenfolio.com)
HAMMING IT UP: Seniors from the Johnston Senior High School Class of 2022 posed for photographs and relished the moment. (Sun Rise photos by Rory Schuler)
PACKED HOUSE: Proud families of Johnston Senior High School Class of 2022 graduates packed the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence. Nearly 150 graduates received diplomas. (Photos by Leo van Dijk/rhodyphoto.zenfolio.com)
You worked hard and got it done.
Linda L. FoLcareLLi
CounCilwoman • DistriCt one • Johnston, ri
Lauren Garzone
Johnston Town Council • District 2
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Class of 2022
June 2022
PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
u t l a a r tions g n o C
So Proud of You Mayor Joseph M. Polisena Class of 1972 Paid for by Friends of Mayor Polisena