Graduation 2023

Message from the Superintendent WArWicK puBlic schools

Dear 2023 Graduates,

The Warwick Community is thrilled to celebrate you and all of your accomplishments that you have made over the years in high school. You worked hard and persevered in academics, sports, arts, clubs and community service projects to successfully complete high school. I am asking you to now take a moment to thank the people who helped you on this voyage: your teachers who educated and challenged you, your family who encouraged you and your friends who supported you.

My words to you today focus on courage. The meaning of courage is to have the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

When I was younger, one of my favorite movies was “The Wizard of Oz”. During the movie a character was introduced called the Cowardly Lion. It was clearly obvious that the Cowardly Lion did not have confidence and did not believe in himself so he thought that he was a coward. By the end of the movie the Cowardly Lion performs some brave acts without realizing he had the courage and strength to do so.

As you move into the next phase of your life whether it is continuing your schooling, becoming part of the workforce or joining the armed forces, you will need courage. Life is full of challenges, risks, unexpected turns of events and opportunities that require you to step out of your comfort zone. Courage will help you face adversity which ultimately will lead you to grow as a person and achieve success.

I was recently inspired by a story that I saw on the news about a boy who had the determination and courage to attend his 8th grade graduation. Xavier Jones was all set to graduate from Yeatman Middle School in St. Louis, Missouri. The graduation was being held at Harris Stowe University which is over six miles from Xavier’s home. When he learned that his grandfather’s car broke down, Xavier was determined to cross the stage, just like this one that you are about to cross today, and receive his diploma. He found the courage to walk over six miles to the ceremony. The President of Harris Stowe University was so impressed with his dedication that she awarded him a full scholarship that included tuition and books. As you sit here today, think about your own determination and perseverance, some obstacles you may have overcome and how these have shaped who you are today. Take these lessons with you into this next phase of your life.

I challenge you to develop and sustain courage by doing the following things.

• Face difficult and challenging situations

• Speak up for yourself. Do not be afraid to go against the status quo or to have difficult conversations.

• Stand up for your values and beliefs

• Set lofty goals

• Take responsibility for your actions - every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow

• Try something new that is out of your comfort zone

• Most importantly, you should always believe in yourself.

Courage lives within all of us. (as the wizard eventually explained to the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz).... It is not represented by a special medal that you proudly wear on your chest. Courage is an extremely important quality that will help lead you to a successful and happy life. It is a positive attribute which helps you achieve your goals. Embrace courage to face your fears, overcome challenges and accomplish your dreams.

As Winston Churchill so wisely stated, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts”

Congratulations to all of you and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

lYnn dAMBruch, M.ed. superintendent, Warwick public schools

Wearing the school colors, women grads in red and the guys in blue, the Toll Gate class of 2023 were backed by family and friends who brought lawn chairs to the ceremony. Next year Toll Gate and Pilgrim graduations will be conducted in the Ryan Center at URI.

In their red and blue gowans seniors were greeted with cheers as they prepared for commencement exercises. Rachael Moretti flashes a smile to her parents and grandparents after receiving her diploma.

Message from the Principal toll gAte high school

As we gather today to celebrate your graduation and your numerous accomplishments, I think back to your freshman year, when you came to Toll Gate with excitement and some trepidation to start the next part of your journey through life. For some of you the journey has been a happy, joyful time. For others you may have struggled for various reasons, but the common denominator is that you have all persevered and are here today to get your diploma. I have attended 33 graduation ceremonies in my tenure as a teacher and administrator and one thing I have learned is that you do not want long speeches that you feel don’t relate to you. So I will be brief and leave you with this quote which has been used in many movies that you may have seen. The quote is from Shutruk Naakhunte. I would like you to think about this and try to carry some of it as you leave us.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves , “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented , fabulous?” Actually who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of what is within us. It is not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

You choose your destiny, you are responsible for yourself and your actions. Make good choices, be kind and respectful to those around you. Be good human beings. As you leave us remember, Once a Titan always a Titan. Thank you.

cAndAce M. cAluori, principal

Message from the Director WArWicK AreA cAreer & technicAl center

The Warwick Area Career and Technical Center is proud of our 2023 graduates. This particular class has distinguished itself collectively as well as through their individual achievements.

If the measure of a quality career and technical education is how its students compete against other students in similar programs, both locally and nationally, then the class of 2023 is exceptional. The accomplishments of our graduates this year is something that we are all proud of.

Seniors excelled in competitions including SkillsUSA, the Auto Dealers Association, the Junior Federal Duck Stamp Design contest, Cyber Patriot, and a host of others. Additionally, this year the Warwick Career and Technical Center earned 38 medals in the SkillsUSA Competition and sent earlier this month 18 gold medal winners to represent Rhode Island at the SkillsUSA National competitions in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to the long list of accomplishments, WACTC students have also dedicated their time and energy to service within their community. Most recently, the Construction Trades Program, working with Rosemary’s Wish Kids Project Playhouse, constructed two playhouses for children suffering from life threatening illnesses in collaboration with the Graphic Design Program that decorated it and the Electricity program that wired it. This project was not only about showcasing career and technical skills at their finest but, more importantly, the importance of character and giving back to the community.

The Warwick Area Career and Technical Center faculty and staff have worked diligently to prepare our students for their future, whether it be the workplace, the military, or in continuing their education and training. Culinary students have earned ServeSafe, Prostart, and ACF credentials, CISCO students have their CISCO certifications, students in Construction Trades, Electricity, Marine Trades are OSHA 10/HBI certified, Automotive students have their ASE certifications, Cosmetology and CNA students have their licenses in hand, and the list goes on and on.

Congratulations to all of our graduates, their families, and friends. Good luck in all of your future endeavors!

tiM KAne, director

Message from the Principal pilgriM high school

My name is Toby Gibbons and I am the proud principal of Pilgrim High School and honored to speak to you today. I first want to recognize our distinguished guests: Superintendent - Ms. Lynn Dambruch Assistant Superintendent - Mr. William McCaffrey and other Central Administration attendees, thank you for your guidance, support, and willingness to listen. With your thoughtfulness and singular focus on our students and what is best for them, our schools are in great hands with the leadership to embrace any challenge of the future.

I would like to welcome our Mayor, The Honorable Mr. Frank Picozzi and School Committee members, David Testa, Shaun Galligan, Leah Hazelwood, Karen Bachus and Michelle Kirby-Chapman and thank them for the time and efforts to help our community strive for continual improvement with a student first mentality.

On behalf of the families and students of the Class of 2023, I would like to thank the wonderful faculty at Pilgrim High School, who I get the honor of calling my colleagues every day. Two members of the faculty have given more than their knowledge of academia, but their time, caring and so much more. Mrs. Sara Ames and Mrs. Cara Boudreau - please stand. These are the class advisors for the Class of 2023 who help the class with fundraisers, dances, school spirit ideas and wisdom. Thank you for all you did for these students over the past 4 years.

I would also like to thank my fellow administrators, Dr. Guerra, Ms. Bernardi and Mr. Fairbanks - Thank you for all you did and do for these graduates and how you have guided them throughout their 4 years.

There is zero chance today’s event and all other senior celebrations happen without three women who worked so hard behind the scenes. Thank you to Nisa SanGiovanni , Tiffany Napolillo, and Carolyn Fawe for your efforts and attention to detail which make all events so special.

Graduates - 13 years of getting you out of bed, dressing you, packing lunches, going to events, sports, concerts, helping with homework and putting you back to bed are not easy tasks. Please take a minute, stand, find your families and applaud them for all they did to get you here today.

On Wednesday afternoon after the senior assembly on their final academic day, I found myself walking and talking to one senior. We shared some small talk and he said, “I can’t believe this went so fast.” And it got me thinking about the transformation from being a 9th grader to a 12th grader and this experience we all go through.

9th graders are full of fear and uncertainty as you wander around the hallways - lost most of the time, confused about what class meets next. The 10th grade year is a time where you feel a part of your high school – more maturity, finding your place on a team, on the chorus, in the band, on a call list, in a club, and with a group of friends. 11th grade arrives with some of you starting to drive and you begin to take leadership roles and dream about what is next. Finally, 12th grade came in fast, you are the leaders of the school in every way. And you ran the school - BUT WAIT…that was my high school experience. Actually that was your parents, teachers and everyone who graduated from high school prior to the spring of 2020 - which was your 9th grade year. This was not your experience. Your experience was drastically different.

You were still wandering around the hallways a bit confused when we were all sent home in March. You were asked to turn on your computers and look at people through a screen - working independently for almost a year. In the spring of your 10th grade year, some came back to school with masks while others opted to stay home and continue virtual schooling. Your 11th grade year was still reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic and then tragedy, as Mr. Habershaw passed away suddenly in November. These sets of experiences define your first three years of high school distinctly different from ours. These experiences are not positive or what anyone wanted.

Famous educator Randy Pausch had a quote about experience that might help us look at these events differently. He said, “Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.” PAUSE Your first three years of high school are what no one wanted, but they happened. They are your experiences and always will be.

And what did you do with them? You built a sense of pride in your school and your class which we all desperately needed as we tried to put the past three years behind us while learning the lessons from them. Our school’s spirit was ignited by the leadership and maturity of this senior class. You cultivated and nurtured Pilgrim Pride and have set the groundwork for future classes to try and aspire to replicate. You took your experiences and used them positively.

Of the many quotes I found about experiences, many of them have a negative connotation stating that you have to journey through tough times to learn from them. But I will leave you with a quote from famous author Oliver Wendell Holmes which has a different spin to it. He wrote, “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” I hope your minds continue to grow and be open to new experiences. I want to thank you all for stretching my mind as to how strong and resilient a group of young people can be when faced with the likes of things we have never experienced before.

Please know, during YOUR 12th grade year, YOU came in fast, YOU were the leaders of the school in every way. And YOU ran the school, which is very similar to everyone in the audience who graduated before you. Thank you for the lessons you have taught me and remember to come back and visit to share your new experiences and never forget - Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot.

Pilgrim graduates were all given matching sunglasses. Here Breanna Campell, who plans to study art at Rhode Island College next year, accepts a pair from co-class advisor Srah Ames.

The Pilgrim Class of 2023 prepare to take their seats for commencement ceremonies.

Dr. Robert A. L’Europa DC, PT

Pilgrim graduates celebrate their accomplishments.

Message from the Principal Bishop hendricKen high school

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. There are many remarks that I prepare throughout the school year, but these are by far my favorite to write. The Class of 2023 is a very special class. Together, you have achieved so much. Being accepted to several Ivy League schools, winning multiple state championships, performing on so many stages, and serving those in need across the globe. But most importantly, you have become good men -- men with values, faith, and a commitment to excellence. Though you have earned many accolades, there are plenty of young men out there who have not shared the same spotlight. Young men who navigated through our school community and never got in trouble. Young men who did their job day-in and day-out and never complained or took for granted the opportunities with which they were blessed. You, gentlemen, are the type of person this country is built on -- hardworking people who simply get the job done, no matter the challenge. So, I want to take a moment to recognize the gentlemen who may not have been formally recognized with a specific award or honor over the last four years, because your role in our community is valued.

I want to talk a bit about the world you are headed into after high school -- some advice, if you will. The values that you have learned, the work ethic that you have sharpened, and the commitment to excellence that you have devoted yourself to these past four years were not at all easy, but you did it.

The current climate in our society is to take the path of least resistance. You see it often with athletes who leave teams or enter the “transfer portal” when they face challenge. When things get tough, people tend to gravitate toward what is easiest. Not us. Hendricken men know that iron sharpens iron; that when we encounter adversity, we face it head-on. So, when times gets hard – and they will because life is hard – I urge you to make good use of what you’ve learned and the skills you’ve harnessed to get through it. And you will get through it!

Gentlemen, the world needs Hendricken men now more than ever. I could not be more confident in the people you have become. Men of faith, integrity, and sound moral compass, but most importantly, men who never take the path of least resistance. Welcome to the ranks of alumni, gentlemen. Thank you, and live, Jesus, in our Hearts. Forever!

MArK deciccio, principal

The Class of 2023 was applauded as they left the cathedral.

AWARD RECIPIENT: Maison Teixeira is congratulated by The Most Reverend Robert C. Evans on being chosen for the visual art award.

Class Salutatorian Hunter Robbins delivers his remarks.

Going out with style, these two seniors smile with joy as they prepare to embark on their new

The hall was packed with attendees at the Cranston East 2023 graduation ceremony.

life.

An honor guard of Cranston ROTC students see the graduating class off with a respectful show

The hall was packed with attendees at the Cranston East 2023 graduation ceremony.

Message from the Principal crAnston high school eAst

We have gathered to celebrate the 128th Cranston High School Commencement and the 64th Commencement of Cranston High School East. We honor the graduates of the Class of 2023 and their multitude of achievements.

First, I wish to congratulate the parents, family and friends of the 375 graduates. Your years of unconditional love, support, guidance have paid off. Congratulations to all of the student’s loved ones in the audience that have participated in our graduate’s success.

Next, I would like to pay respect to our CHSE teachers and staff. They are the educational thread for academic and social greatness. They are a cohesive faculty that is fully inclusive, collaborative with all aspects of the educational community and most importantly our teachers support students so that they can be successful. Please stand and be recognized.

At this time, I wish to recognize the members of the Cranston East faculty that are retiring at the conclusion of this school year. Mrs Marty Russel Art Teacher, Mr Al Casali Special Education Teacher, Mr Chris Ougletree social studies teacher, Mr Donato Russo ELA Teacher, Mr Joe Giorno CTE Plumbing Teacher, Mrs Deb Turcotte Chief secretary at Cranston High School East. They have been an integral part of our staff and culture at Cranston High School East. They will all be sorely missed. We wish them all the best in their retirement.

I would now like to turn my attention to our graduating seniors. Every year, I reflect on the school year; Now I get we missed a few years due to something called Covid but you certainly made it up this past year. Though I wasn’t your principal for all 4 years, I am honored to be your principal for your best year….And I must say – BOLTS 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 seeing you in our neighborhood. But right Now is the time Cranston Schools needs 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 Cranston Public Schools, from Cranston East, from the Emerald City to enter the world. 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.

The following are the impressive statistics set by this class – 45% of you qualified for RI Honor Society, 75% of you will be attending post-secondary institutions/military in the fall. You have collectively garnered over $9 million dollars in college merit money. Members of this class have received 139 individual college acceptances and been accepted to 62 different post-secondary institutions nationwide. Indeed, you have set the benchmark high for others to follow. You are an amazing group.

Bolts I ask you to do the following three things: 1 st , kiss your parents and family members – tell them you love them today and every day; 2 nd, thank a teacher for they gave you a gift that no one can ever take away from you, and 3 rd, be selfless; come back and give back to your community and to your ThunderBolt family, as we will always be here for you. You are always a Bolt. 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. Thank you.

Message from the Principal crAnston high school

First, I wish to congratulate the parents, family and friends of our 400 graduates. Your years of unconditional love, support, guidance have paid off. Congratulations to all of the student’s loved ones in the audience that have participated in our graduate’s success.

Next, I would like to pay respect to our CHSW teachers and staff and ALL of the graduates’ teachers from Kindergarten to 12th grade! THEY are the educational heartbeat of our school community from the first day of Kindergarten through commencement here at PPAC. I am so proud that our faculty and staff are fully inclusive, collaborative with all aspects of the educational community, and most importantly support students so that they can be successful.

At this time, I wish to recognize two members of the Cranston West faculty that retired during this academic school year. Mrs. Becky Rinaldo retired in September after a long career as a Cranston Public Schools Administrative Assistant that served in numerous roles. Most recently, Mrs. Rinaldo served as an Administrative Assistant in our Guidance Office and was a cherished member of our staff. Mr. Richard Abruzzini retired in January after a long career as a business teacher in Cranston Public Schools. Most recently, Mr. Abruzzini led our CACTC Entrepreneurship Program as well as our school’s chapter of DECA. We wish both of these retired staff members all the best in their retirement.

I would now like to turn my attention to our graduating seniors. With my remarks to you Seniors, I want you to know that it will not come from quotes, books, or even artificial intelligence like ChatGPT…it will come from the only place I know where to speak from…the heart…

19 years ago, I sat in the very seats you are currently sitting in. At that time, as a Cranston High School West graduating senior, I knew WHAT I wanted to do…be a teacher…At the time…I also knew WHY I wanted to be a math teacher… because of my experiences with the faculty and staff that created the same amazing school culture of Falcon Pride that you also were able to be part of…many of which are still in our school and even at this ceremony today…I wanted to be able to impact future generations of students ….Little did I know….it would actually be HERE at Cranston West, and now…even in my dream job…as Principal.

As you sit here today, surrounded by the friends, family, and educators that led you to this moment, most of you know WHAT you want to do, but my advice to all of you is to let your WHY drive your future…AND also know that on your journey your most important WHY will always be your family…remember…THEY will always be there.

Today I am proud to say that my most important WHY is for me is my family….and I do not just mean my immediate family….I also mean my Falcon Family…Everyday my current WHY includes over 1700 students, approximately 150 staff, and today my most important WHY are YOU the 400 graduates, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU, sitting here in front of me.

Class of 2023….you are a special class to me personally..and yes YOU are my why. You are my first graduating class as Principal of Cranston High School West. You also helped me officially leave the Twittersphere and enter the world of Instagram…which by the way as of yesterday morning I now have 1,983 followers…I figure if each of you can convince 1 of your 6 guests today, I can symbolically eclipse the mark of 2023 followers in honor of your class. You can follow me on “Insta” @chsw.principal. However, you are special for much more than that. On March 13, 2020 at approximately 1:45 p.m. all of us….yes….all of us in the building were quarantined for 14 days during your freshman year. For those of you who know me…I can barely stay still for 14 seconds, never mind 14 days.

Three years later, I stand here in front of you to let you know that you are a special class because YOU are the class that led the way in our first first full year without pandemic restrictions. You see…the high school experience….academics, extracurriculars, athletics, and friends is all about tradition. You…the Class of 2023 led us in such an amazing way to ensure the traditions valued by our Falcon community were completely brought back to life. Class of 2023 - I will be forever grateful for the way you ensured that Falcon Pride was brought back to The Nest so that all future falcons can continue to experience the same school culture that has been fostered here for over 60 years. THAT is why you are a special class.

The following are the impressive statistics set by this class – 55% of you qualified for RI Honor Society, 96% of you will be attending post-secondary institutions/military in the fall. You have collectively garnered over $18 million dollars in college merit money. Members of this class have received 524 individual college acceptances and been accepted to 150 different post-secondary institutions nationwide. Indeed, you have set the benchmark high for others to follow.

For nine years I have heard my predecessor, mentor, and friend Mr. Barbieri ask all of his graduating classes to do the following three things and would love to do the same: 1 st , kiss your parents and family members –tell them you love them today and every day; 2 nd, thank a teacher and 3 rd, be selfless; come back and give back to your community and to your Falcon family.

Cranston High School West Class of 2023 - You have been a wonderful class; one that I will remember fondly and never forget…and again YOU and this very special Graduation Day is my WHY. Remember… YOU have already determined your WHAT as you leave this ceremony today, but let your WHY drive your future! Lastly, remember the following: Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon. Thank you.

John FontAine, principal

Looking back on their high school career, students from Cranston West prepare to receive their diplomas before moving into a big new world.

Even the Cranston West Falcon has come to see the 2023 graduating class off.

The assembled students listen intently to the last advice they will receive from their teachers and mentors.

Waving goodbye, another Falcon prepares to leave the nest.

Message from the Superintendent crAnston puBlic schools

I cannot express to you how deeply honored, humbled, grateful and proud I am to be the Cranston Public School Department’s superintendent today.

This day is one of the most special of not only your lives, but of your loved ones, our faculty, staff and administrators, and myself. Today, I also enjoyed being a parent of a graduate!

So, I am going to go out of order and talk to your parents and families first. Congratulations to you on being here on this momentous occasion.

Oftentimes, becoming a parent is the easiest part of the entire process. Being a parent, whether by the grace of biology or not, is hard. It is probably the hardest job any of us will ever have, but certainly the MOST rewarding.

Like all of you, I am feeling inexpressible joy today on the thrilling milestone achieved by our children. Today is also a testament to all of your love and support. Without that love, these young adults would not be here today…Yes, without that commitment, the worrying, the exhaustion, the late nights, maybe some eye rolls, etc. But, they made it! You made it! We made it together. And now, as difficult as it may be, our children have to move on into the next chapter in their lives.

And now to the Class of 2023...

As I thought about what I was going to say to you today…there were two significant days that came to mind. The first being your first day of Kindergarten in August of 2010, when you began your schooling, many of you in Cranston schools. The second was on the afternoon of Friday, March 13, 2020. That day, you all went home early and your high school career took a sharp detour off its normal course.

Your formative four years here have borne witness to a very significant historical event. And, not that I want to chronicle the effects of the pandemic, but it was YOUR high school experience that was most heavily impacted. You essentially had 2 ¾ years of high school. Needless to say, what impresses me most about the Class of 2023 was that from the onset of that crisis you demonstrated steadfast resilience and strength in the face of adversity. And, from then to now, you have always been there for each other. You did not let the detour define you.

Which then begs the question…What DOES define the Class of 2023?

Hope…Fellowship.. Perseverance…Joy…And excellence.

These are the terms in which this class has defined itself. You have brought each other hope in times of despair, fellowship in times of isolation, perseverance and joy in times of hardship. And you did it all with academic and civic excellence.

That shared experience made you a class that embraced every opportunity, performed well, celebrated with enthusiasm, and made the best of your junior and senior years. You realized the importance of human connections and being with your teachers and your friends. You have come to appreciate the lifelong impact Friday football or basketball games, JROTC competitions, proms and winters balls, marching band practice, theater performances or even just lunchtimes have had on you because you enjoyed those times with friends.

I know some of you have struggled or suffered from tragic losses, but also enjoyed brilliant triumphs and happiness. Today is a life moment that hopefully you will look back on fondly. Cherish these memories, while you embrace the excitement of the unknown before you keep your humility and your humanity.

Because 20 years from now, people won’t remember what you wore, what you drove or what your GPA was... however, they will remember if you treated them with kindness and respect.

Speaking of your future, my wish for your future is that you trust yourself, and you will use the tools your school and your families have given you. While you are now at a crossroads, and you may wonder what will happen as you’re leaving high school, have no fear. As a wise friend of mine once told me, “It’’s ok if the kids don’t know everything, they’ll figure it out.” So If today you don’t know exactly what you’re doing or where you’re going, don’t worry, you’ll figure it out.

In April, I was a guest reader at Gladstone Elementary School. Here is a shout out to my young friends in Mrs. Sousa’s and Mrs. Scarcella’s Grade 2.

I arrived at Gladstone during reading week and was given a selection of books to read. I asked the students to choose one. They pointed out a book and I said, “Oh, you want the one with the whales on it?” They quickly corrected me and told me those were dolphins not whales. Second graders are very precise.

I opened it and began to read it. I quickly realized that my young friends chose the book that perfectly captures the message I want to convey here today.

I am sharing parts of it with you, because frankly, I don’t think I’d be able to get through the whole book without falling apart.

The book is: Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman

· I wanted you more than you will ever know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go.

· So climb any mountain, climb up to the sky! My love will find you. My love can fly!

· And if someday you’re lonely, or someday you’re sad, - or you strike out at baseball, or think you’ve been bad.

· Just lift up your face, feel the wind in your hair. That’s me, my sweet baby, my love is right there.

· So hold your head high - and don’t be afraid to march to the front of your own parade.

· If you’re still my small babe or you’re all the way grown - my promise to you is you’re never alone.

· You are my angel, my darling, my star…and my love will find you, wherever you are.

Congratulations and best wishes to all of you!

housed at both Cranston East and Cranston West.

Message from the Director nel-cps construction & career Academy

If you hear nothing else from me this evening, please hear this loud and clear - I am so, so very proud of you. Our school is a school of choice. None of you are here by accident. To get here, each and every one of you decided to do something different than to follow the path laid out for you for high school. This is a remarkable choice at such a young age and a mindset and boldness and a knowing of self that I hope you continue to practice throughout your lives. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. Your gift is your individuality and your strength is owning it. The class of 2023 experienced the COVID lockdown beginning in the spring of their Freshman year of high school, a time when you should have been growing more comfortable in a high school environment, enjoying new friendships and wrapping up your academics for the year. Instead, your entire experience was turned upside down as we were told to stay in our homes to keep ourselves and others safe. As hands-on learners, the transition to distance learning presented an immense challenge. The absence of physical interaction and experiential learning opportunities was a void in your educational journey. Learning solely through screens while trying to manage the distractions of your homes made it difficult to fully grasp complex concepts. And let’s face it, placing concrete, building roads and building bridges is not well suited to Google Meet. Adapting to a virtual environment required a heightened level of self-discipline, as staying engaged and motivated became a daily struggle. We know at this time many of you had to work, or were asked to take care of younger siblings or aging relatives. Your families experienced tremendous stress. Some of you lost loved ones during this time, and bore the burden of grief while navigating the uncertainty of each day. And the education that was lost during this time had to be made up once circumstances returned to normal, compounding the amount of work you needed to do simultaneously to get to this point tonight. Despite these obstacles, you all persevered.

My favorite day of the year each year is when we get to sit for your senior portfolio presentations. Many of you take that opportunity to share not only what you have achieved academically during your time with us, but what you’ve come through personally as well. We see what you have accomplished and it is our honor to witness first hand the power of pushing through obstacles, be it a difficult project, a life circumstance, or moments of self-doubt. You’ve learned that setbacks are not failures, but rather opportunities for growth. You have become resilient individuals, unafraid to take risks and rise above adversity. Again, I am so proud of you.

Today, we not only celebrate our individual accomplishments but also acknowledge the collective achievements of our class. The class of 2023 is ready to make an impact in the following ways:

· 7 of you are going to GenCon training as apprentices starting June 20 in Pomfret, CT to continue your training with the Laborers’ International Union of North America and take advantage of a tremendous career opportunity.

· 22 of you are taking advantage of the Promise Scholarship to go to CCRI to earn your Associate’s Degree for no cost.

· 1 of you is attending Rhode Island College in the fall to continue your education and pursue your dreams.

· 1 of you is pursuing an honorable career in the military, looking forward to specialized training and opportunities.

· 2 of you are continuing your education by pursuing apprenticeship training in different trades, earning while you learn and establishing a stable and lucrative career for yourselves.

· 5 of you are joining the workforce during a time in which our country desperately needs workers who will show up on time, every day and work hard.

I know each of you, regardless of your next steps, will do us proud. You stand united as a testament to the strength of your education and the opportunities it has provided you. The friendships you’ve forged and the memories you’ve created together will forever hold a special place in your hearts. We are a community bonded by shared experiences, and as we disperse into the world, let us remember to carry the spirit of camaraderie, lifting each other up and celebrating one another’s successes.

Graduation is not an end; it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with infinite possibilities. You are the architects of your futures, and it is now your responsibility to shape the world around us. As you embark on your chosen paths, I have my last bit of advice for you as your principal:

1. Expect it to be a little weird right now. You’re embarking on a new chapter in your lives. You’re going to feel a bit disoriented; you may emotionally crash after today, feel uncertain, anxious. On bad days, you might even miss us and wish for what you had before. This is normal.

This is what comes with transitions. This is the in-between before the new reality comes into focus. Your new life will become more known & more comfortable. Expect it; be kind to yourself; keep moving forward. You’ve got this.

2. Remember what you’ve learned. This is less about math formulas and historical dates and more about organization, interpersonal communication and responsibility. Remember that a problem doesn’t go away just because you don’t confront it. Communication is everything. Check your email.

3. Seek out mentors, and always ask for help when you need it. Every single one of you has benefitted from a special person in our school who has served as a mentor for you. There are more mentors waiting for you in your next step. Don’t be afraid to show you care and that you want it. There are people out there waiting to share their knowledge, expertise and passion. And when the time comes, don’t hesitate to be a mentor yourself. You all have amazing gifts to give. Don’t hold back. Pay it forward.

4. Say yes to free training and education. There will be opportunities in your life, starting now, to take advantage of training and education that is of no cost to you. Furthering your education and skills will set you apart in the workplace and increase your value as an employee. Say yes to every certification, every credential opportunity that comes your way. You won’t regret it. Class of 2023, you are ready. The future is bright. Go make us proud!

Thank you.

Graduate Nicholas Aschettino expresses his excitement after his name is called to receive his diploma. Aschettino was one of 38 Construction & Career Academy students who received their diplomas at the Park Theater on June 8

One after the other students took the stage with a smile as they receive their diplomas

Mayor Ken Hopkins provides a few words of wisdom to the graduates moving on out to college, the military or wherever else they may be going. Students raise their heads with pride and expectation while listening to the graduation address

Superintendent Jeannine Note-Masse and Career Academy Director Lindsey Tavares present a student with a diploma.

Good evening honored guests, families, faculty and staff and most importantly Johnston High School’s class of 2023. I’m honored to bring you congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Johnston School Department.

Graduating from high school is one of those major milestones in your life and one you will always remember. Regardless of how you graduated with high honors or by the skin of your teeth, it is an accomplishment. Successfully completing high school requirements is both an ending and a beginning. You are ending a period in your life where you are for the most part under the control and guidance of others. Although you may have protested this, it was a safe place to be because you were well taken care of and had someone there to fall back on and to give you encouragement when you needed it. Graduating from Johnston High School is the gateway to the rest of your life where you get to decide what your future will be and who you are as a person. With this new independence comes great responsibility. You will have to live with whatever decisions you make. My hope is that you always make the right ones and always do the right thing.

As you progress through this journey, you have learned a lot about yourselves and what you have learned will drive how you live your life in the future. As you think back on your school career so far, there have been so many influences that helped shape you as a person. Your family, friends, teachers and other significant members of your community have influenced you in many ways. Their encouragement and support helped you to make life choices. However, a philosopher once said that “No one outside ourselves can rule us inwardly. When we know this, we become free.” These words are critical for us to understand that freewill guides us to be independent thinkers and doers. You will always be judged by your actions. My hope is that you always use that freewill to do good, to contribute to our world and to benefit others.

A sincere thank you to all families for guiding your children to a successful future by supporting them in reaching this milestone. You were their first teachers and you should be proud of your role in their success. Continue to support them as they strive to live productive and honorable lives.

None of this would be possible without our great and dedicated administrators, teachers and support staff who work hard every day to provide quality education for all students. Thank you to all educators from kindergarten to grade twelve who had an influence on each of these graduates’ lives. This is a particularly special graduating class for me as the Superintendent. You are the first class I saw through from Kindergarten to today’s graduation.

So class of 2023, I commend you on your accomplishments. I wish you much success and happiness as you do the things you love. I look forward to you all doing something so great that others can’t take their eyes off you. We will miss you as you move on from Johnston but always remember that this is your home and you are always welcome to come back. Enjoy what’s ahead of you and congratulations on a job well done.

Johnston High School Class of 2023 graduate Joseph Bloom poses with Mrs. Cafferty outside Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence on Graduation Night, Thursday, June 15. (Submitted photo)

The 171 members of the Johnston High School Class of 2023 collectively flipped their tassels at a commencement ceremony held Thursday, June 15, at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence. (Photos by Rory Schuler)

Students anxiously waited outside the venue for the start of the Johnston High School Class of 2023 commencement ceremony.

The Johnston High School Class of 2023, donning Panther blue and white caps and gowns, filed into the Veterans Memorial Auditorium and took their seats for the nights commencement exercises.

Message from the Advisor Johnston clAss oF 2023

Good evening everyone. Goodbye and Good luck.

Just kidding. I want you all to know how much I struggled with writing this. The beginning is the hardest part, because really, how do you begin to say goodbye to people who have been such an important part of your life for 4 years?

As our time together comes to an end, let us reflect on what a bizarre journey it has been. I began the 2019 school year with high hopes for a great next four years that would finish up my teaching career. I was determined to know everyone by graduation so I requested all the freshmen. You arrived with seemingly boundless energy, enthusiasm, and in many cases, attitude. The year started like any other- fundraising, homecoming hoopla, and battle of the classes. We had a very successful fall and defeated the seniors in Tug-of-war at BOTC and managed to place second with our “End of the Lion” float. We had about 45 students involved in the project and I could see how well everyone got along and worked together.

By mid October I was thinking I had made a terrible mistake in asking for all the freshmen- I mean, really, who does that by choice? There were certainly some challenging classes in my schedule- you know who I am talking about…Second semester arrived and so did COVID. We were all sent home for the rest of the year.

After a brief training session for teachers on how to work from home and engage students in learning, we embarked on virtual school. It was difficult to say the least. I had a new dog, a college freshman, a high school freshman, and myself all sharing work space. The end of the school year could not come soon enough.

Sophomore year began and so did hybrid school. We were able to come back to school with severe limitations. Best friends were separated from each other based on the first letter of their last name. Social distancing and masking were the order of the day. Homecoming activities and sports were called off. Everything that made school fun was put on hold. For you all, who Mr Harwood has named “the cozy class”, the year must have seemed endless. The building was an extremely quiet and a lonely place to be. Many of you truly struggled to engage in classes and fell behind. I applaud you for your efforts in making up for that lost time so that you are here with us today. In the spring, the experts deemed it was safe for sports to proceed with shortened seasons. It was a sure sign that things were turning around. The boys volleyball team won the division championship with 4 sophomores in starting positions. Junior year brought everyone back together. We continued wearing masks, but it was wonderful to be in school. It was amazing to see how everyone had changed during their year at home. Most of the boys were unrecognizable- it seemed they all grew 6 inches in that time and their voices changed. We had an event we called a class reunion that was a huge success. Everyone got down to work to make up for the time lost. Social activities and sporting events returned. Mandatory masking came to an end and we got to see each other smile for the first time in a year. We had an outdoor homecoming dance, won first place in float and second in battle of the classes. The sporting highlights that year included the wrestling team winning their division and the boys volleyball team winning their first state championship. We had a great Junior prom and it was smooth sailing into senior year. This year was strange and eventful. It’s probably all fresh in your minds so I will mention just the highlights. Girls soccer won the division title. Boys basketball finished first in d2. Boys volleyball had an undefeated season, winning the division for the second time and also the d3 states for a repeat championship. Congratulations to you all. You challenged yourselves with white water rafting and rope climbing in Maine and then had a beautiful night for senior prom. And, in the blink of an eye, it is over. I hope this makes you a little sad because it means that you had experiences that you will cherish and miss. Nothing in your life will ever be the same as your high school experience. So that’s the recap.. Now I would like to tell you what I will and will not miss from the last 4 years here. I will not miss “the most difficult class” I have ever had in 35 years of teaching. There was a girl in it who looked at me one day and said “ Miss, why do you keep looking at me? “ She had the head thing going and everything. I will not miss her at all. I will miss the same girl who this year emailed me pictures of her freshly done nails so I could be one of the first people to see them. She also sent me a TikTok of a girl obsessed with crocheting because she thought I would enjoy it. I will greatly miss that girl.

I will not miss the 150 plus hours of float meetings I have attended every summer and fall for the last 8 years. Creating a float is so much more work than you can ever imagine- sometimes it felt like I was herding cats to get you to be even a little productive. I will miss seeing your determination and the friendships that developed during the endless hours we all spent together. We created some pretty spectacular floats. I will miss seeing my float families. I would like to thank Tina Broduer and Auntie Alberta for opening their homes to us for 4 years. I would especially like to thank Colleen and Dave Muller for hosting and building floats for the last 8 years! I will miss the crazy of the overnighter where your parents finally got to see what it was you had all been doing all those hours at “float”. Seeing the pride on your faces when the last piece was put on will be a memory I will always cherish.

I will not miss the spontaneous wrestling matches that have broken out among the same groups of boys in PE for the entirety of your time here. How you all end up together year after year is a mystery! I am happy to report that I did not see any occur upstairs while we were waiting. I will miss your enthusiasm for participating in PE. Your energy and great desire for competition made my job easy and a lot of fun. Thank you for that.

I speak for myself on this one but I am sure your parents share this thought. As a parent of lifelong athletes, I will not miss the endless hours I spent driving to and from practices and waiting for practices to end. However, I will miss watching you compete in the sports that you love. You should all be proud of your accomplishments and the life lessons you have learned in your experiences. Take those lessons with you into your next adventure. Fear nothing and challenge your limits. Work hard and dream big.

I will not miss the science fair, however I will have to find another outlet for my freakish freeform letter cutting skills. I have nothing more to add to that one.

This one is also particular to my situation. I will not miss the time I spent everyday waiting for you to get in the car so we could get somewhere on time. It was a relief when you finally got your driver’s license. However, I do miss the 7 minutes a day that I spent with you alone, and could maybe get a few words about how everything was going. Everyone, please check in with your parents when you leave home. They need to hear your voices and know that you are doing okay.

There are certainly other things that I will miss about my years spent at the high school. Not the school itself, that is just a building. If all goes according to plan it will change significantly in the next couple of years so you probably will not even recognize it as your high school anymore. I will miss the people and the experiences. I will most especially miss the class of 2023. You will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my memories.

So we have come to the end of our time together. Some of you are off to college or the workforce. Some have enlisted in the service and will begin that very soon. I would like to finish up with some brief words of advice. For those of you who were here 4 years ago- it is the same with one additional thought. Show up and be ready. Ready to learn, ready to work, ready to serve. Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your actions. Make choices that show you respect yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but also learn from them. Honor your obligations. Show respect to others. Be kind.

The additional thought- Do not let the fear of failure keep you from trying new things and taking risks- except of course, if you are going to try is something akin to rolling a 1,200 pound tire down a hill. Then I ask for you to consider all the things that might possibly go wrong and find yourself another challenge, maybe one not quite so ridiculous.

Thank you all for your attention. I wish you nothing but success in your future endeavors. I challenge you to go out and make the world a better place.