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06/21/2024 11:04 AMWestbrook High School seniors were blessed with one last Friday together as the Class of 2024 crossed the stage and received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony on June 14.
Unfortunately, due to on-and-off rain throughout the day, the seniors and their guests were forced to have graduation in the gym, but the rain did nothing to dampen the mood of the day. The members of the senior class donned their caps and gowns and took their seats to sit patiently through one last round of speeches before saying goodbye to one another.
Class representative Trevor Jones welcomed attendees and told his fellow graduates he would remember them fondly.
“I’m grateful to have gone through high school with all of you,” Jones told the class at the end of his speech.
Principal Tara Winch reminded the class of the lives they’ve touched already and asked that they bring that positive effect into the world.
“Remember to understand your strengths and talents. Focus on your hopes and dreams and aspirations, and cultivate a positive mindset so that you can take the deliberate steps to become the best version of yourself. In that endeavor, I wish you success,” Winch said.
In his speech, Salutatorian Muhammad Arsalan Zaheer told his classmates while they might not remember every test or class they had together, they would remember the people who helped them get through the difficult times or celebrated the good times with and focus on those relationships.
Later in his speech Zaheer encouraged the grads to continue growing as a person through life.
“At any given moment, we have two options. To step forward into growth or to step back into safety. We must always choose to step forward and make our impact on the world and those around us,” Zaheer said.
In her valedictorian speech, Leticia Pires quoted Phoebe Bridgers and encouraged the class to keep in touch when she said, “Don’t be a stranger; whether it be in two days or two years or 20 years, please hit me up whenever. Invite me out to coffee, invite me to your wedding, honestly, invite me to your funeral, just don’t become a person that I used to go to high school with.”
“Overall, I’m proud to say I went to high school with all of you but I’m even prouder to call you all a friend. I wish you the best of luck in your lives in the future regardless of what path you choose today. We got here today together and we’ll leave together. Now without further ado let’s get our diplomas together,” Pires said to loud applause.
Board of Education Chair Dr. Kim Walker took a moment to ask the students to thank the parents, teachers, coaches, and peers who helped support them during their time as students.
“Class of 2024, you are remarkable, and your achievements have set you apart. Your graduation is not just the end but a powerful beginning. We have no doubt that you will go on to do great things. And we eagerly await stories of that success and the impact you’ll make on this world. On behalf of the Board of Education, we are incredibly proud of you, and we wish you all the best,” Walker said.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristina Martineau also shared remarks before the graduates were handed diplomas.
Finally, shortly after Pieres crossed the stage and received her diploma, it was time for the moment that the students had worked so hard for over so many years.
Winch proclaimed the graduates the official Class of 2024, and the gym was filled with flying caps and echoing applause.