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!