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.