SOUTHINGTON — Adapting to alter and adversity have been central themes for the Southington Excessive College graduating class of 2022 on Friday.
However in an uncommon twist, college and directors additionally thanked the scholars for displaying them resilience and fortitude throughout the faculty shutdowns, hybrid studying, and quarantining throughout the previous two years.
“You will by no means know the impression you had on us seeing you on the opposite facet of Google meets,” mentioned Instructor of the 12 months Tina Riccio. “These are the instances whenever you made these moments for us.”
About 550 college students wearing blue and white robes crossed the SHS turf discipline to gather diplomas below a breezy, blue sky.
“Our class had an expertise like no different,” mentioned Valedictorian Amber Kohl. “However we made it and needs to be pleased with ourselves. We needed to overcome a big quantity of change in our 4 years and adapt.”
Kohl and different audio system recalled the primary soccer sport after re-emerging from the pandemic. The category purchased and embellished white T-shirts from the native WalMart.
“That night time, we have been related,” Kohl mentioned.
College Superintendent Steven Madancy ceded his speech to offer former Southington Excessive College principal, now Assistant Superintendent Frank Pepe, the chance to handle the category he is aware of so nicely. Pepe learn a letter addressed to your complete class.
“In case you are in tough instances, block out all the encircling noise and hearken to that little voice in your heads. It is the end result of your ache, tears and experiences. When one thing would not really feel proper belief it. Irrespective of the place you might be on this journey, Southington is with you. You may all the time come house.”
Board of Training member Colleen Clark advised the category that they had confirmed that they had the talents wanted to deal with the highway forward.
“Whereas on the Covid-19 rollercoaster, you have been in a position to make and maintain mates, do homework, and social media and part-time jobs,” Clark mentioned. “You have got completed what it’s worthwhile to do to get right here as we speak, and that’s the definition of resilience.”
One of many class historians, Christopher Dolan, was wanting ahead to commencement and his continued research on the College of Rhode Island within the fall.
“I am type of nervous and excited to maneuver on to the long run,” Dolan mentioned. “However I’ll miss this.”
Reporter Mary Ellen Godin might be reached at [email protected].