PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
The family of graduate Ruben Ruiz lend their very enthusiastic support.
By THOMAS GRILLO
LYNN — In his commencement address to Lynn Classical High School graduates Friday, Boston Globe sports columnist Christopher Gasper said the start of a news story is not unlike the student’s start on their new life.
“I’ve written thousands of stories, but they all start the same way: with a blinking cursor and a blank screen,” said the 1997 Classical graduate. “That moment is exhilarating and terrifying…it’s a moment where anything is possible, but nothing is certain…As graduates, you face that same moment right now…your story is waiting to be written.”
Principal Gene Constantino praised the 349 graduates for almost always doing the right thing. Aside from Senior Skip Day, he said, the class has been very cooperative.
“You lead by example, by making good decisions, for the most part,” he said. “You never failed to help your fellow classmates or others when needed.”
He encouraged graduates to find a career they love.
“That’s the key to happiness, find a vocation you enjoy and embrace that job,” he said. “I found that happiness, I love my job, find yours.”
Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham said more than 60 percent of employment opportunities are tied to a high school diploma.
“High school graduates are more likely to be employed, be financially secure, and have their children be at least as well educated, if not more. ”
She encouraged the 2017 class to keep an open mind as they make their way to the next phase of their lives.
“Take chances, continue to educate yourselves, pepper your professional and personal lives with acts of kindness, they are never forgotten,” Latham said. “Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people, it’s infectious.”
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said she was wearing two hats on this graduation day.
“The first is that of mayor and on behalf of the city of Lynn we offer our sincere congratulations to the parents and graduates,” she said. “The other hat I’m wearing is that of a Ram who graduated in 1980. I welcome you into the proud and close family of Lynn Classical alumni.”
Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) invoked the name of President John F. Kennedy who would have celebrated his 100th birthday in May.
“In his inaugural address he talked about passing the torch to a new generation of leaders,” he said. “As you leave here today, you are becoming leaders as part of your future. President Kennedy said one person can make a difference and every person should try.”
Calvin Cheung, Classical’s salutatorian, thanked his family for their support and gave a shout out to his mother.
“Your love and endless support has always kept my spirits up whenever they are low and your kind and inspiring words brought light into moments where I felt disappointed,” he said.
Cheung, who was a member of the winning Northeast Conference Boys Tennis Team, quoted Mark Twain.
“The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why,” he said. “Today, could be day number two.”
Valedictorian Emily Lao, soon to be a biochemistry major, said graduates should be very proud of their accomplishments.
“We did it,” she said. “We finally made it.”
Thomas Grillo can be reached at tgrillo@itemlive.com.