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The Class of 2024 saw their high school graduation not only as a recognition of graduating after four years, but as a belated acknowledgement of graduating middle school in 2020 during the pandemic.
“We’re here not to celebrate just the last four years, but the last seven,” Class President Nora Dunn said during the June 7 ceremony at Knowlton Field. “COVID took a lot from us. Coming back from it, we decided to support each other. We missed each other and when we came back, we decided what we wanted to be. We wanted to be together and that’s what defines us. Activities showed who we are as a group.”
She called the middle school graduation a drive-by graduation during which students were handed diplomas as they were driven by the school.
“It was better than nothing, but this is our first time getting to celebrate a graduation together,” she noted.
Dunn recalled trips to support WHS sports teams and a class Jeopardy night as positive experiences while enjoying high school.
“I had a great experience here,” said Class Vice President Eireann Walsh, while graduates were gathering at the high school for the traditional walk to the McCall Middle School through downtown. “I’m so proud of what we were able to do.”
Grad Max Griffin agreed.
“Social distancing was difficult and it’s nice to be together,” he said. “I made friends and lived every moment to the fullest.”
His father Rick called being the father of a high school graduate “surreal because it’s our first child,” referring to himself and Max’s mother Carla Cucinatti.
“I made a lot of friends here and we miss them, but am excited to move on,” Robert Beau Spignesi commented.
In remarks delivered together, Student Council Presidents Georgia Keeler and Jason Lepore thanked families, teachers, administrators and the WHS cafeteria and custodial staffs for their work.
Lepore said the administration went “above and beyond” to make Student Council events run well.
The Winchester High School Class of 2024 graduates on June 7. WINCHESTER NEWS STAFF PHOTOS/NEIL ZOLOT
Keeler said being on the Student Council gave her “the opportunity to represent the student body in efforts to improve our school.”
“The Winchester Public Schools allowed us to grow into the people we are,” said National Honor Society President Emily Houllahan. "Let’s make Winchester as proud as we can.”
She also encouraged her classmates to “dream big.”
“I wish you hope and joy beyond measure,” said science teacher David Benedetto, who was chosen by the class to give the Faculty Address.
He also told graduates they are “entering a world that needs your knowledge.”
“Use your knowledge wisely and with compassion,” Benedetto said. “Stay informed and be involved.”
He also spoke about how teachers benefit from their experiences with students.
“You are why we are here and we are better because of it,” he said.
Principal Dennis Mahoney noted the enthusiasm the class showed at games and other events.
“The energy you showed was greater than it had been,” he told the class before calling on 2015 graduate and motivational speaker Davis Clarke to speak.
“You have the potential to live your dreams,” Clarke said. “WHS has prepared you well, so be confident. Seize your opportunities. Life will throw us new obstacles in the future, but meet the challenge.”
Clarke, who played football and baseball at WHS, helps coach the football team, works in finance and has a large following on social media. After the ceremony, he was besieged by students to take pictures.
Rain or shine
Given the morning fog and possibilities of rain, the idea of moving the ceremony to the high school gym was considered, but the sun came out in the afternoon and, despite dark clouds that evening, the rain held off.
“The sky tells me it’s the right decision,” Vice Principal John Dupuis said before the proceedings.
Teachers said they were happy to be celebrating the day.
“They’re a great class,” history teacher Christina Costas, class advisor along with Spanish teacher Betsy Kean, said before the ceremony.
“It’s been a great year and a pleasure to watch them grow,” Dupuis agreed.
He also had the last word at the Knowlton Field, being called upon by Mahoney to declare the students had met all requirements for graduation.
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