JUNE 25, 2020 | CONGRATS 2020 GRADS
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AGAWAM HIGH PRINCIPAL, THOMAS SCHNEPP
Aerial view of Agawam High School. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
I am proud and honored to have known this year’s graduating class. There isn’t a group of students out there more ready to take on the world, even a world as challenging and ever-variable as the one they are about to enter. They've met every obstacle head-on throughout their educational journey, and with a level of motivation and commitment that is unique. They will truly be missed by staff and underclassmen alike. Congratulations, Class of 2020! Keep driving forward and succeeding!
Agawam High School Principal Thomas Schnepp.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
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AGAWAM HIGH AHS, Class of 2020 stand strong and united. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
SUPERINTENDENT, STEVE LEMANSKI cap a 13-year educational experience where much more than curriculum was learned. Life lessons are not always easy and, for the Class of 2020 graduation, that is an understatement for seniors across the country. Agawam seniors have worked diligently despite the obstacles they have faced. This is the class that was born in the AHS Superintendent year of the tragic 9/11 Steve Lemanski. terrorism attacks. When Reminder Publishing entering the high school submitted photo as freshmen, our current athletic complex was not available for play, consequently students had to be bussed to different sites in Agawam to play their games and events. As seniors, the high school gym bleachers were under construction which did not allow for home sporting events. An even greater disruption was to the annual Orange and Brown Day, –Steve Lemanski the pep rally before Thanksgiving Day footThe Agawam High ball game. This event is School Class of 2020 will one of the most treasured make history, as it will be events where students exthe first class to graduate press their school and in a “drive-In style.” This class pride in a rally style unique experience will event, where the band,
“I know the Class of 2020 will not let these recent events stop them from reaching for the stars.”
Agawam High Shool
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
cheerleaders, and all grades are in attendance. The event was postponed until late March, not knowing what our future held. These setbacks can be seen as scars on their school experience. I know the Class of 2020 will not let these recent events stop them from reaching for the stars. I also know they are very disappointed in how their Agawam school experience is ending. After
many years of being an educator, and having experienced disappointments in my life, I found the most important thing is how will you handle these setbacks. I can only say, I have always looked at how to turn a negative situation into a positive. If I can pass on any advice to the Class of 2020, it is that it is OK to be disappointed as long as you don’t let it stop you from doing what you dream about doing. Take
these negatives and turn them into positives. Not one person can say they have not been affected by the COVID19 virus. Everyone has a story. We have all lost something. Class of 2020, although you may have a few scars to show on your educational journey, now is the time for you to leave your mark on the world. Congratulations and good luck. We are all in this together.
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AGAWAM HIGH
VALEDICTORIAN, DORINA KODREANU
Valedictorian, Dorina Kodreanu. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
High school has been a little rough, and not just because of the academic obligations we had to meet. We have also had to live through hurricanes, a change of leadership, the end of the Avengers, and now a global pandemic. I remember dreaming of this moment as a freshman, and even though this isn't exactly how we pictured our graduation would be, we still worked so hard to make it to this point in our lives. This year has been a whirlwind, to say the least. Remember when our biggest worry was that the pep rally was going to be
“There will be ups and downs in life, but we have proven that we can survive anything.” –Dorina Kodreanu
cancelled. Now it's whether or not we will be on campus for our first semester in college. But we have dealt with these situations in a positive manner, working together to
support one another and I have no doubt that we will come out of this stronger than ever. Our generation and the Class of 2020 has remained resilient during this time, helping out our struggling communities and supporting those around us, six feet a part of course. We have taken this time to learn more about ourselves and figure out who we really are. We will always remember the awkward Zoom calls, our lack of motivation to get work done, and our sleep schedules getting so messed up that to this day we have yet to re-
cover. But we will also remember the heartwarming gestures our teachers, administration, coaches, and families have done to help us get through this time. This difficult but historic moment in time will be one we will recount to our grandchildren; who knows maybe future AP students will have to write a history DBQ about these events. The people we met and the memories we made will be ones we never forget. First, the pep rallies at Agawam High School brought all the classes together and demonstrated Please see Kodreanu page 5
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AGAWAM HIGH KODREANU Continued from page 4
that orange and brown don’t clash. The junior/senior prom allowed us to dance and celebrate with our closest friends. The Junior Book Awards honored and recognized our hard work and accomplishments that we had already achieved on our way to being seniors. The endless games our sports teams played, showed how teamwork is essential, regardless of whether they won or lost. Finally, we will remember the moments shared with friends and those funny instances in class that will stay with us forever. This year we will be entering college, the military, and the workforce. We will be taking the next step in our lives and making important decisions for ourselves. It's crazy just how fast time has flown by. We need to remember to take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way and to make the most of every situation. There will be ups and downs in life, but we have proven that we can survive anything. This is the time in our lives to figure out what makes us happy and pursue that happiness. In high school, we learned more than just the core curriculum though, we learned how to make lifelong friends, how to plan and manage our lives, and how to function in society. Agawam High School has prepared us to enter the real world, but what we do with our knowledge is entirely up to us. Education is the great equalizer, it puts everyone
SALUTATORIAN, MICHAEL SANTORE
on the same playing field. Now it's up to us to take the next step. Throughout high school I have learned that everything is in our control. Every decision we make, every word we speak, every hope we have for the future is entirely in our own hands. In my own situation, I chose to do an internship at Robinson Park Elementary to help determine my career goals. I took dual enrollment classes at local institutions to further define my interest in various subjects. Lastly, I Salutatorian, took advantage of the amazMichael Santore. ing AP program at the high Reminder Publishing school, allowing me to dissubmitted photo tinguish myself from others. That's the beauty of life, Welcome family, everything is your own friends, and most imporchoice. So as we move on, tantly all my fellow graduremember that this is only the beginning and that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. And before I end my speech, I would like to take a moment to thank all of the people that got me here today. First, I want to thank my amazing parents and siblings who have stood by me through all my successes and failures and loved me for who I am. My supportive teachers, Mrs. Buklerewicz, Mrs. Fleury, and Mr. Trahan, who have helped pave my educational and career pathway and inspired my love for science and mathematics. And finally, my friends, you know who you are, who made me feel welcomed when I came to the high school and who have been by my side since. In closing, congratulations Class of 2020! And. as my father says, “Be the best of the best!”
“You’ve all had a great impact on shaping the person I am today and influencing my future self.”
–Michael Santore
ates to our graduation. Welcome to the day we’ve all been waiting for but never really thought would come. Welcome to the day we actually never thought would come. But we’re here today; and I know this is
definitely not what we all pictured our graduation day would be like, but honestly, it doesn't matter. The real reason we’re here is to celebrate our achievements. We all know it would never have been possible to be here without the help of the entire Agawam High School faculty and staff as well as the support of our families and friends. Let me take a moment to thank anyone and everyone who has encouraged all of us throughout the past four years of high school, and especially the last few months through these crazy, unexpected times. I think I Please see Santore page 6
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AGAWAM HIGH SANTORE Continued from page 5
can speak for everyone here when I say we could not have possibly overcome four years worth of obstacles, both personal and academic, without the incredible support of our Agawam community. On a personal note, I first want to take a moment to thank my parents who have always motivated me to make the most of every opportunity that came my way. I also want to thank my sister, Liz, for being my number one fan, it’s definitely meant a lot to me. I’d also like to thank my teachers and coaches for their positive impact on my high
school experience, especially Mr. Trahan for putting up with me for three and a half years. Lastly, I want to thank the boys for always being there through both the good and bad times. You’ve all had a great impact on shaping the person I am today and influencing my future self. I was told to keep this speech a little shorter this year, and that made sense to me, as we did have a shorter school year. It also gives me less time up here to embarrass myself. However, when I sat down to write this speech, I thought to myself, “How do I fit a lifetime's worth of memories into a shortened version of an already short speech?” The only answer I
came up with is... I can’t. Every one of us has different memories and experiences that we’ll take with us forever. From normal days in the classroom to the lunch lines on chicken wrap day; to pep rallies we held to the Western Mass championships, we all have that one memory that made waking up everyday before sunrise worth it. Each and every one of us has contributed to the success of our class in some way. We will always be the Class of 2020. The class that faced challenges head on and came out on top. This year has definitely been a struggle. We were all prepared for one last season with our sports teams or just one last mo-
ment to be together as a class. We even had pep rally cancelled two different times, which has to be some kind of record. Not to mention, there’s just something about 2020 that looks really good on a poster at pep rally. However, we proved as a class that you don’t need bleachers to have school spirit. All jokes aside, I guess what I'm trying to say is that these past four years, and past few months in particular, have shown us that qualities such as patience, perseverance, and determination that we’ve all developed will stay with us long after this pandemic ends. While the world may seem uncertain now, we will definitely head into the future
with hope and excitement for the next chapter of our lives. While many of you will probably forget this speech, you’ll all remember the hard work, the late nights, and the friendships that led you to this very moment. It has been an honor to be by your side for the past four years, and to stand here in front of you all today. While right now, much of the future might seem like it’s out of our hands, you can always control your effort, attitude, and your mentality within, no matter what path you take. It’s been an unforgettable high school experience. Good luck Class of 2020, even though I don’t think you're going to need it.
CLASS PRESIDENT, ANGELINA SHAYDA
work, or how to turn off our cameras on Google Meets so we can sleep through classes. But seriously, we’ve all grown so much through these challenging times, becoming more independent and having to motivate ourselves to learn. I would say that even though we’ve been apart, we’ve all become closer this last year in high school. Having to deal Agawam High Shool Class President, Angelina Shayda with triple E and no bleachReminder Publishing ers in the beginning of the submitted photo year, to this abrupt end of Dear fellow classmates, our journey together, these Even though this isn’t how events have shown our abilwe imagined our senior year ity to persevere. Most of us started this to end, I think we’ve all journey in kindergarten at learned a lot through this exone of the great elementary perience: like learning how to avoid Google Classroom Please see Shayda page 7
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AGAWAM HIGH “Every event we missed may have crushed us a little, but we’ve all come out stronger.” –Angelina Shayda
SHAYDA Continued from page 6
schools in this district. We grew up together, spending our awkward years together in the middle school and junior high. We then made memories throughout our three and three-quarter years at Agawam High, whether it was having gym in the auditorium freshman year or having to evacuate because of burning popcorn. We’ve all probably heard the cliché, “the most important lessons in life cannot be taught in a classroom,” and it’s true… well partly. We weren’t taught how to fail and get back up again, we weren’t taught the importance of being patient or staying positive, but we’ve experienced these lessons as they were thrown at us. We have all grown so much because of Agawam High. You might’ve struggled to wake up in the morning and complained about going to school… which is the complete opposite of how most of us feel now, but your time in high school gave you the chance to learn more than just the curriculum. You might’ve found a true passion in your life. You might’ve made some lifelong friends. You might’ve even met a teacher who has become a mentor for you in years to come. Today is the day where we part on over 260 different paths, paved by the experi-
ences we’ve had during our time at Agawam High. We might’ve missed some fun events this year like pep rally, and had prom postponed, but we were able to put that behind us and still go to class everyday. We went to class at the kitchen table or on the front porch, just trying to find some privacy. We managed to do this with our laptops and Google Meets. We conquered this complex learning and finally made it to the end. Every event we missed may have crushed us a little, but we’ve all come out stronger. We’ve managed to understand what’s most important in our lives. We haven’t dwelled on our senior year not being exactly what we expected. We’ve adapted to our circumstances, making the most out of everything. One of the most memorable things to come out of this surreal experience was the amazing amount of love and support that came from our Agawam community. Through the Adopt-a-Senior program or the personalized painted rocks displayed so caringly at the school, I know my fellow graduates and I deeply appreciate everything that’s been done. I would also like to thank the administration and the school committee for giving us the graduation we deserve. To the Class of 2020, good luck in the future. It’s been a privilege.
Agawam High Shool, Student Class officers. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
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AGAWAM HIGH
Memphis Xavier Acosta Isabella Ariel Adorno Abigail Evelyn Agron Shkurte Ahmeti Arianna Isabella Albano Mia Marissa Albano Sydney Denise Anderson Nataly Arbelaez Joseph Richard Arcelaschi A Gabriella Marie Badura Kaleb Iovanni Baez Kylie Josephine v David Baranov O Imani Alexis Barbour Emily Michelle Bazanchuk Michael William Beaudry Madison Breana Beaulieu
William Joseph Bedore Conor Michael Begley Brianna Pauline Benjamin Cameron John Benoit Michael George Berthiaume Michael Jason Beyette A Cassidy Nicole Bishop Alana Marie Black Lauren Flora Blanchard Maxwell Harchenko Blanton Jacob Gene Bode Emily Linda Bonfiglio Elizabeth Marie Bousquet Gianna Rose-Marie Boyle Mackenzie Lee Boyle
Nicholas Conlon Brady Allison Elizabeth Breton Jason Mitchell Breton Sofia Bubuza Nicholas Joseph Buonagurio Deanna Aleksandra Burlachenko Jordan James Campelo Vincent James Campion Thomas Michael Caracciolo Vincent Anthony Castro Jamie-Lyn Cavallon Jacob Liam Cavanaugh Aidan Chi-Ho Chan Ruby Sakura Chenevert Cassidy Lynn Clarke
David Michael Clarke Nathan James Conant Shane Matthew Connor Kiera Erin Cooley Russell Gerald Cooper III Benjamin Raymond Corriveau Emily Lynn Cote Riley Rae Coughlin Breanna Maria Couture Erika Scott Couture Megan Marie Crawford Owen Matthew Cross Samaris Karla Cruz Timothy Patrick Curran Kyle Joseph D'Angelis Robert Nathan D'Angelo Adam John Dabkowski Emma Jacqueline Davilli Cedric Alonzo Davis Alexander Brian DeForest Alexander Nick Denisenko Hailey Lynn Desrosiers Sidy Lamine Dieng Sydney August Dietrich Meadow Alise Dion Dylan Joel Doncell Acuna Arianna Lee Donovan Mackenzie Therese Douglas CT Drake Parker Allen Mitchell Bernard Drewnowski Jack James Dunn Megan Patrica Dunphy Amaya Lee Durand Katherine Lora Dustin Madison Souhala Elias Michael Patrick Ellis Hailey Elaine Emmons Erin Elizabeth Ewing Maxwell Xavier Felix Brayden Christopher Felton Anthony Liam Ferraro Connor Patrick Feyre Jaliyah Alexia Figueroa Tessa Kathryn Thomas
Fitzgerald Matthew Charles Flagg Emily Larissa Fontaine McKenzie Lynne Forfa Bradley Jacob Forgette Phoenix Mercedes Francis Jack Philip Frogameni Olivia Riet Frogameni Daryl Andrew Gagne Emma Colleen Gale Peter William Gamelli David Alejandro Garavito Tamayo Patrick Brian Gauthier Sierra Catherine Gauthier Karlie Catherine Germain Nadia Grace Ghareeb Lindsey Ann Ghidoni Zao Von Gill Katelyn Louise Gingras Nizaiah Sebastian Goncalves Mia Rose Gonyer Matthew Thomas Gorman Edward Pavel Grigorchuk Siyuan Hallowell Matthew William Harrington Alissa Marie Heim Amanda Marie Hervieux Jaylee Elizabeth Hiersche Rhiannon Sarah Hodovanec Matthew James Hotaling Emily Faith Houle Andrea Lee Hunt Kaylish Elizabeth Ingham Heather Nichole Iserman Mariel Vitaliya Izoita Ally Nicole Jabry Mark Earl Jackson Dong Hyun Kang Alexander Victor v Mia Laurene Kelley Nastasia Kirik Cole Richard Klafeta Dorina Kristina Kodreanu V
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AGAWAM HIGH
Anthony Joseph Krzykowski Rukiye Kiymet Kumas Allessa Lynne Ladue Noah Ryley Lafountain Kristen Mary Langevin Ryan Anthony Laudato Ethan Joseph Lavoie Nickolas Igorvich Lavrenchuk Payton Rachael Lemke Samuil Yuriyovych Levchuk Angelique Kathleen Lis Josiah Matthew Lis Matthew Joseph Long Joseph Anthony Longo Evan Michael Lyne McKenzie Grace Lyne Godfrey Ilac Macadangdang Ryan James MacDonald Abbey Elizabeth Majka John Gavin Manale Merna Said Mandour Madison Rae Manser Jessica Elizabeth Marino Tate William Mason Daniel Rydan Massicotte A Nathan Francisco Mateus Summer Ann Matos Matthew Joseph McDonald A Cortney Ann McDonnell Kirsten Jean McDonnell Eric Melnik
Harrison John Mendrala Jarrett Michael Merriam Paul Joseph Michalak A Dinu Mita Madeline Mary Mizanoglu Zachary Steven Moccio CS Zol Mohammad Zugar Mohammad Connor James Montagna Ethan Joseph Moon Cody James Ryan Moquin Anthony Rocco Mulka Jonathan Blaine Scott Murray Sarafina Ann v Eric Nesen Nicole Denise Newingham Shawn Allen Newsome Andy Van Nguyen Reynaldo Nieves Paul Lawrence Ober Jr. Emelie Marie Oberheim CVP Ashley Marie Oczkowski Alexandra Marie Oldenburg Jailene Ortiz Suzanne Elizabeth Page Gianna Lin Paone Mansi Vrijeshkumar Patel Prem Dinesh Patel Kaia Rain Pfeffer Mason Charles Phillips
Joseph Edward Piccoli Emma-Lee Sue Pickett Lucas Pires Dias Pinto Samuel Walter Polley Brendan Michael Poole Ian William Poulin Geta Preniqi Getuar Preniqi Elshama Sergio Privedenyuk Zachary Austin Quick Loredana Mia Randazzo Ashley Shea Reagan Cassie Eleanor Reed Summer Angelina Reigles Lucas Kerry Reopel Denniangely Evelyn Richiez Olivia Morgan Rising Brody Aaron Robbins Jeffrey-Alexander Robbins Abigail Suzan Rodriguez Danixa Marie Rodriguez Jonathan Alexander Rolon Mechayla' Ashley Rosa Sarah Ann Rose Anna Mattea Russo Antonio Giovanni Russo Joseph Vincent Russo, Jr. Diana Rybnikov Dzmitry Leonid Ryhal Abigail Marie Sanchez Natalie Rae Sanschagrin
Joseph Raphael Santiago Michael David Santore S Gavin John Scannapieco Angelina Marie Shayda CP Jordan Matthew Shea Lydia Alyce Shean A Jack Mitchell Shepard Anna Tatiana Shlemanov Irina Katherine Shostak Nicholas Peter Sibilia Dylan John Sliech Emily Rose Smidt Mikayla Sole Brady Robert Spaulding Caitlyn Amber Sprague Sienna Marie Stefanik Esther Stepchuk Jeian Tyrese Stewart Jihan Fajr Stone Brenna Rose Suchenicz Gabrielle Elizabeth Suffriti Faisal Abbas Kazmi Syed Waqar Abbas Kazmi Syed Brooke Theresa Szafran Amanda Jean Szczepanek Iman Tahir Robert Thomas Taylor II Rhiannon Elizabeth Thibeault Emma Elizabeth Thomson Nicholas James Thomson Ethan James Timms Ahmet Ilgar Topcuoglu
Humberto Emmanuel Torres Sydney Rose Trigilio James Robert Typrowicz Kayleah Elizabeth Unglaub Brianna Rose Viens Donovan Riley Villareal Ryan Christopher Wargo Mason Morton Wesley Danielle Elizabeth Widmer Zack Robert Wieners Devin A Williams Amanda Lynn Woodford Marykate Erin Wysocki Gianna Crispina Yacovone Ruvim Aleksandrovich Yukhimets Jessica Zhao Eric Zheng Kyle Joseph Zollner
Notes: A- Absentia CT- Class Treasurer V- Valedictorian CS- Class Secretary CVP- Class Vice President S- Salutatorian CP-Class President
“Congratulations, Class of 2020! Keep driving forward and succeeding!” –Agawam Principal Thomas Schnepp
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Reminder Publishing submitted photos
AGAWAM HIGH
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WEST SPRINGFIELD PRINCIPAL, DR. VITO PERRONE West Side Class of ’20: Resilience and Compassion in a Time of Turmoil
The Class of 2020 was enjoying their senior year. Like their peers across Massachusetts and the U.S., they were competing and performing, studying and working, socializing and playing. They were also preparing for significant rites of passage: Prom, Class Night, final exams and Commencement. Then their West Side world and indeed the entire planet was abruptly disrupted and undeniably altered. In a matter of days they were cut off from their friends, separated from their school, and denied the activities and events which they had earned after four years of hard work. It was heartbreaking and devastating; however, they were expected to endure it with equanimity and to overcome it with stoicism. The life they had known was over. The events they anticipated were cancelled. The supports they enjoyed were gone. Their response was immediate. I received questions and ideas, suggestions and thoughts,
West Springfield High School Principal Dr. Vito J. Perrone. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
encouragement and advice. I was impressed with their maturity and self-advocacy, and with support from Mayor Reichelt and Superintendent Connor we collaborated with the leadership of the Class of 2020 to create a plan. It celebrates their successes, commemorates their losses, and memorializes their time as West Side Terriers! I could not be more proud of these young ladies and gentlemen, and I know that they will represent West Springfield well as they move on to college and career, service and work, and life in the “new normal.” GO TERRIERS!
West Springfield High School.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
SUPERINTENDENT, TIMOTHY CONNOR find hope amidst desperation, challenged to search for the beauty in the world around us and challenged to overcome the chaos of these unprecedented times with compassion. I find myself constantly asking, what is my role in this situation? What part do I have to play as I support the people who are West Side? You see, these WSHS Superintendent questions are not unique; Timothy J. Connor. they confront the young Reminder Publishing and old, wealthy and poor, submitted photo and everyone in between, Dear Terriers of the across the entirety of our Class of 2020: beautifully diverse world. Congratulations!!! We Class of ‘20, you are are at a point in history at special, and you have which all are being chalbeen challenged to overlenged: challenged to be come daunting adversity. resilient, challenged to be I cannot be more proud of kinder to our family and you and your strength in neighbors, challenged to
dealing with a situation that no other class in the history of public education has ever faced. You accepted the challenge and persevered with dignity and grace; however, because I know you are West Side Strong, I have more challenges for you:
1. Surround yourself with people who support and believe in you; 2. Pause, breathe, and think before you act;
3. Love, laugh, and find what really matters in life and then never forget it; 4. Understand that good things come from hard work; 5. Be positive agents of change; Please see Connor page 13
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CONNOR Continued from page 12
CLASS PRESIDENT, GABRIELLE DALEY
6. Help those in need; and 7. Never underestimate your internal strength to persevere and to overcome any obstacle!!
Class of 2020, we certainly will never forget you. Once a Terrier always a Terrier!!! We love you. Now go and make an impact on this world greater than any other class in history because YOU got this!!!
We Will Persist -The True Lessons of the Class of 2020
Class President, Gabrielle Daley.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned throughout high school, it’s that you can’t take anything for granted. The laughs, the complaining about homework, the late-night drives, the handing back of papers, the track races, the games, the Friday Night lights… you can’t take any of it for granted. You can’t even take your friends, your family and the people you love the most for granted. Because one day you might wake
up and they won’t be there. Even events that you thought we set in stone, events you’ve been waiting for your whole life, might not ever come. I think that we’ve all realized this. It’s an important lesson to learn. From this point forward our lives are forever changed. Basic get-togethers and parties, sporting events and even the movie theaters will just hit us differently. We won’t expect people to be there, so we’ll hold each other close.
high-school journey as we planned, we have to realize that it really comes down to what you remember. We may not have a prom or get cheered on at graduation, but in reality, does that in-the-moment euphoria matter? What really matters is the people around you who know what you’ve accomplished and all the work that you put in… not the applause and hugs of strangers and classmates that you may never see again.
I couldn’t be more thankful to have been a
Although we aren’t Please see Daley page 14 celebrating the end of our
CLASS OF 2020
JOB WELL DONE! Here’s to your exciting new future and all the happiness that comes with it. FROM ALL OF US AT
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Continued from page 13
part of the Class of 2020. Because we are strong; we always have been. I was born three weeks after 9/11 and now I’m graduating during a global pandemic. I have learned to count my blessings and see the world as an everchanging and unpredictable force. Nothing is certain, and sometimes we might be walking on eggshells. Therefore we must make the most of the moment, stand up for what we believe in, demand action and change the world. I’ve realized that you don’t have to be a super-
hero to change a person’s life or even his or her day for the better. Sometimes a story, or even just talking to someone you wouldn’t normally talk to, can change the course of a person’s life. I’ve spent four years writing and editing articles for the school newspaper. Furthermore, in West Springfield, students come from all around the world, many overcoming detrimental circumstances to get here. I’ve had the honor of listening to and writing about some of their stories. My advice: listen to what the rest of the world isn’t hearing. Opening our minds and arms to those who surround us is a powerful thing. If we can all
learn to appreciate and help one another, we will make progress. Thank you, West Springfield High School, the facility, coaches, teachers and students, for shaping me into who I am today. I’ve learned to appreciate everyone’s differences and also I’ve learned that during adversity, we are still capable of anything. Class of 2020, our senior year didn’t end the way we expected, but remember everything West Springfield High School has taught us throughout these years. Live life like there’s no tomorrow, love those around you, and stand up for what you believe in.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
Social-distancing campfire – WSHS seniors (left to right) Katie Beliveau, Julia Maiolo, Meghan Lever and Elise Paier show how social distancing is done at their celebratory campfire on April 25. The balloons in the background are West Side blue and white.
After a West Springfield High School Drama Club performance of Almost, Maine in December, Dr. Vito Perrone poses with four members of the troupe. Left to right: Annie Lapointe, a former WSHS student; junior Avery MacGrath; senior and Drama Club President Mia Sbalbi; and junior Gillian Gray.
Senior-class members of WSHS’s Via Veritas chapter of the National Honor Society with their faculty advisor. Front row (left to right): Alisha Ghoussein, Pia Mendoza, Haley Nelson, Alina Tran, mathematics teacher Ms. Ramona Teodorescu. Second row (left to right): Antonia Perakis, Annabella Whalen, Brianne Crowley, Gabrielle Daley, Sophie Coyne, Lauren Bolduc. Back row (left to right): Keegan Kearney, John Nekitopoulos III.
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WEST SPRINGFIELD Clockwise from top left, the athletes are Gabrielle Daley, Julia Gavel and four-year varsity team member Brianne Crowley posing with coach Matthew Griffin.
WSHS’s 2019-2020 varsity hockey team. The team was among the Berry Division finalists and won the Chicopee Winter Classic Championship. They also participated in the Brian Arsenault Memorial game at Algonquin High School, collecting and donating funds to honor Arsenault, an Algonquin alum who joined the Army and was killed in action during a combat mission in Afghanistan.
Senior Julia Gavel with her lawn sign. Teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors and administrators from the West Springfield Public Schools placed a sign at the home of every member of the Class of 2020 on May 4. The sign project was the brainchild of the principal, Dr. Vito J. Perrone; school counseling chairperson Shamis A. White coordinated the delivery routes and worked with art teachers Rachel Lepine and Andy Bell to design the signs.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
The Terriers 2019 Boys Varsity Soccer team featured no fewer than 10 seniors. Back row: Nicolas “Nicky” Centracchio, Badr Abdraba, Trevor Gearty, Paul Malinoski, Younus Neamah, Max Amsden and the late Kyle Thibodeau, who was killed in an automobile crash in the fall. Front row: Jacob Balboni, Devin Svec and John “Jack” Somers. Balboni and Gearty were selected for the Senior All-Star Game and Balboni won the Four-Year Award. As a whole, their team was strong, defeating defending State Champion Ludlow High School 2-1.
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Congratulations C
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lass of 2020!
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Badr H Abdraba Ikram Abdulla Erona Ademi Murouj Ahmed Hasip Ahmeti Sera Al Bakaa Adhraa Hussein Ali Al Gburi Abdullah Al Janabi Saad Khalid Taan Al Jashaami Daniah Ammar Al Sammarraie Jonathan Milo Alvarado Hannah Grace Amsden Maxwell Mackinnon Amsden Paige Elizabeth Amsden Riley Christopher Aronson Erkan Can Arslan Steven Mark Aubin Kalle Alicia Avant Kaitlin Siobhan Bailey Jacob Matthew Balboni Luis Daniel Barbosa Reyes Katherine Margaret Bargalla Alexis Haley Barrett Daria Barysheva Chrysta Dawn Basham Kathleen Rose Beliveau Jonathan James Belle-Isle Rosie Denise Beltran Eric Christopher Bergeron Joseph Evan Bienia Dane Aster Jaydian Bird Mychal Ryan Blaney Jacob Michael Bogacz Lauren Grace Bolduc Cierra Lena Boniface Daniela Botezat Evan Michael Boutet Lauren Alexandra Brassil Leigh Anna Renee Brayton Casey Robert Bridges Brogan Scott Brodsky Alexandria Samantha Bui-Henry
Aidan Daniel Calhoun Marina Jordan Callahan Taylor Roxanne Camossi Steven Kingsley Carpenter Irma Vanessa Castillo Jack Thomas Castor Griffin Michael Cauley Brian James Cecchetelli Nicolas David Centracchio Sedat Eren Cerkez Kylie Sheridan Chaput Shadev Chhetri Abishak Chhetri Xavier Jose Cintron Ryan Andrew Clark Sampson Ben Cohen Brian Anthony Cola Ryan Brady Colbert Jacob Robert Colson Dallas Joseph Comi Savannah Elene Comstock Emanuela Condorachi Hannah Ellen Conway Aidan Thomas Copella Emma Cay Counter Sophie Catherine Coyne Favio Enrique Crespo Gonzalez Brianna Galley Croteau Brianne Angela Crowley Jaslery Taina Cruz Ryan Hunter Cunningham Calvin Taylor Curtis Yamuna Dahal Gabrielle Siobhan Daley Tyler OBrian DeGray Brayden Thomas DellaCroce Diana Derevyanchuk Angel Juan Diaz Garcia Vilgelm Dirx Gregory Robert Donovan Wyll Thomas Drewnowski Darrik Jamie Drollett Laila Rae Duffy Nicholas Joseph Duquette
Natalya Tanya Dzhenzherukha Eric Mathew Eastham Jr Yaren Eker Adam Ahmed Elmogy Usra Mahir Elssir Madisen Sheeha Faucher Sierra Marie Fenton Maryia Nikolayevna Filistovich Siobhan Ruth Marie Findlay Jadalynn Flucker Rosemary Elizabeth Fontaine Alexander John Foote Max John Forgette Joseph Daniel Franco Andrew Jermaine Frazer Lindsey Marie Frosch Jenna Lia Fuentes Bradley Michael Gallacher Kaylee Marie Garcia Valentina Garcia Julia Nickolay Gavel Trevor Xavier Gearty Alisha Maroun Ghoussein Jake Roy Gloster Joseph Daniel Godbout Nicole Ivette Gonzalez Gabrielle Gonzalez Nolan Michael Gormley Tyler Joseph Gosselin Zachary Donovan James Grant Benjamin Nathaniel Green Ellie Paige Grenier Angela Colleen Griffin Samantha Margaret Grunden Zebo A Guseynova Mark Gut Jafar Abbas Hamdan Victoria Madison Harden Samantha Rose Hartman Kauye Abdirahman Hassani Jacqueline Jade Hebert Garcia
JUNE 25, 2020 | CONGRATS 2020 GRADS
| AW17 |
THEREMINDER.COM
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Natalie Michelle Hernandez Justine Elizabeth Hickey Keyshawn Nathan Hill Chelsea Christina Hoey Kaleb Vincent Hogan Jayden Edward Holder Debbie Ann Pabayo Holloway Katie Huang Mohamed Adil Ibrahim Kristine Denise James Nakari Jimenez Jason Michael Johnson Manirakiza Joice Keith Caleb Christian Jones
Pearl Kalhotra Abdulrahman Mutar Karhab Keegan Patrick Kearney Michael Joseph Kehoe Joshua Dean Kennett Zachary Parker Kennett Taimoor Khan Gobindha Khatiwada Tariq Beruki Kikwala Alex Jeffrey Klein Jared Richard Korzeniowski Hayden Richard Kostanski Mikayla Rae Kudron Sofia Marie Laboranti
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
Chandler Elizabeth LaBranche Sara Elizabeth LaFrance Phyllis Rose Lander Standley Megan Elizabeth Lane Nathaniel Ruel Lapointe Jelani Nevaeh Latham John William Lefeave Emily Pearl Letendre Meghan Aileen Lever Jakob Alexander Littlejohn Zavier DeWitt Littmon Veronika Liventsov Cole Christopher Lozinski Joseph Robert Lynch
Ahmed Mohanad Mahdi Ali Mohanad Mahdi Julia Marie Maiolo Mwangaza Makala Paul Zachary Malinoski Amy Alexandra Marquez Brenden William Martin Thomas David Matlock Kenneth Charles DAmario Mayer Taggart Alan McCormick Christopher James McMahon Alexander Jaden Meccariello
Congrats to the Class of 2020!!! HOLYOKE DENTAL ASSOCIATES 610 South Street, Holyoke, MA (Convenient to 91 and 391)
• Preventive & Restorative Care • Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry • State of the Art Laser Dentistry Call for Appointment Mon.-Fri.
413-533-8378
www.holyokedentalassociates.com Pia Mei Mendoza (left) and Natalya Dzhenzherukha. Dzhenzherukha, who was named Team MVP, also won the Polina Batranciuc Coaches’ Award.
• Badri Z. Debian D.M.D. • John P. Griffin, D.D.S. • Louis A. Rigali D.D.S. • Robert J. Liptak D.M.D. Cara M. Seidel, D.M.D. Care Credit Financing Available and Most Credit Cards and Dental Plans Accepted
Sebastian Abraham Melendez Erin Elizabeth Melvin Pia Mei Dator Mendoza Hunan Mian Tyler Andrew Moon Jaylen Deshaun Moran Ibrahim Ali Mousa Moises Dillon Muniz Dearborn Emil Serverovich Muradov Ismira Ismailovna Mustafayeva Ali Naji Alexandria Myracle Narvaez
JUNE 25, 2020 | CONGRATS 2020 GRADS
| AW18 |
THEREMINDER.COM
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Bradley James Naslund Lateefah Shareef Neamah Younus Shareef Neamah John Christy Nekitopoulos III Haley Eileen Nelson Gulmira Islamovna Niyazova Buse Ongun Desiree Beyonce Otero Velez Elif Ozdemir Jose Alfredo Pabon Jr Shanaya Ashanty Padilla Jashira Anail Pagan Morales Elise Anita Paier Nicholas Matthew Pardave Tyler Nicholas Parent Abigail Rane Parker Curtis Paul Patnaude Kali Elizabeth Patridge Makenzie Ruth Paulo Antonia Kay Perakis
Paulo Junior Perna Naves Erica Maria Peterson Pavel Grigoryevich Petrov Kasey Alyssa Pitoniak Kira Lee Poloski Destiny Secret Maria Powers Benjamin Isaah Rackliffe Samjaunta Rai Monika Rai Everest Alexander Rainville Kelvin Luis Ramos Mikaela Kacy Rankin Christopher Joseph Reardon Branden Lee James Reed Bryanna Margaret Reynolds Meghan Riley Riberdy Haley Nicole Riddles Tharen Johnathon Ring Jhared Marie Rivera
Desaray Marie Rivera Jocelyn Michelle Rivera Cody George Rochefort Ariana Danielle Rodriguez Josmar Marie Rodriguez Natalia Aimej Rodriguez Michael Paul Russell Kenneth Sam Miguel Sanchez Noah Jay Santiago Mohamad Zuhir Sawan Mia Blake Sbalbi Grace Lilith Schelb Allyson Rose Schempp Daniel Avion Schlicher Kseniya Sergeyevich Senchenko Jorge Luis Sepulveda Jr Diana Anatolyevna Sergeychik Daniel Sajjan Sharma Pramit Sharma Ashley Morgan Shea Harrison Cooper Corey Sloat
Bailey Michael Smith Caitlin Isabel Smith Payton Elise Smith Madison Kayley Sniezak Luke Gabriel Soffen Jacob Adam Soja John Gregory Somers Tyshauna Raelynn Spencer Liya Stepchuk Karyna Oleksandrivna Stets Haven Sky Stiles Eric Kenneth Stone Alyssa Ann Stowers Antonio Joseph Strain Devin Thomas Svec Abdullah Abdulsattar Swadi Robert Samuel Szela Maxim Taganov Anu Tamang Dawa Tamang Shelby Marie Tetreault Yole Cathy Tiangbe Pavel Konstantinovich Timofeev
Nicholas Giuseppe Toma Hao That Ton Ethan Victor Toro Alina Minh Tran Laura Tran Thanh Vi Tran Parkha Usman Milton Esau Torres Vasquez Renzo Jose Vasquez Stefani Angellina Velez Derek Kyle Ventulett Lauren Margaret Vila Eddie Ilais Vives Danijel Vrankovic Eric John Walz Pwe Pyo Way Annabella Mae Whalen Monei Desiree Wilson Matthew Vinh Wong Eniya Yanina Inglyana Yanibett Yard Lia M Yurashko Anna Elena Yuzefovich Maya Grace Zadie Ivan Sergeyevich Zubik
MISSION The underlying mission of the district was, and always has been, to provide all students with the best possible education to enable them to experience the joy of reaching their full potential. A collaborative approach to educating the whole child is at the forefront of this undertaking. We strive to ensure that each student: · comes to school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle; · learns in an intellectually challenging environment that is physically and emotionally safe; · is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community; · has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults; and · is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment in a global environment. By providing our graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise, we commit to preparing them to thrive in this global 21st-century economy. Among the essential skills for success are critical thinking and problem-solving; creativity and innovation; and communication and collaboration. Further, we promote an understanding of academic content at a much higher level by weaving global awareness; financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy; and civic, health and environmental literacy into core subjects.
JUNE 25, 2020 | CONGRATS 2020 GRADS
AGAWAM HIGH SCHOOL
You did it!
Ally Jabry !
You did it. We are proud of you. Love Mom and Dad.
| AW19 |
WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Congrats Grad!
Mychal Ryan Blaney!
WEST SPRINGFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
Congratulations!
Jacob Colson!
We are all very proud of you! So proud of you! Love, Mom, Meg, Nana & Nono
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Heather Iserman!
Mikaela Kacy Rankin!
We love you! Love, Dad, Mom & Matt
My all your dreams come true. Love, Dad, Becca ,Emalee, and Justin
Congratulations!
So proud of you!
Abby Parker!
Kylie Banspach!
We love you! Granny and Stu We are sooo proud of you! Love Papa & Mamma
Congratulations!
Conor Begley!
Way to Go! We are so proud of you! Love Mom, Grandma, Ian and Scotty
Steven Carpenter!
Congratulations! Love, Mom Dad Grammy and your family
Congrats Grads!
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JUNE 25, 2020 | CONGRATS 2020 GRADS
| AW20 |
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