Silver Lake Regional High School awarded 261 diplomas at Friday evening’s ceremonies at Sirrico Athletic Field at the Silver Lake campus, the school’s 68th annual commencement.
Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance was played by the Silver Lake Band, as students filled the stadium, passing by the game shirt and photo of Aiden Ramsey, one of their classmates who lost his life to suicide last Dec. 28.
The Massachusetts Army National Guard Honor Guard placed the colors into their stanchions, as CTE Student of the Year Benjamin Harrison Carroll led the Salute to the Flag.
The National Anthem was performed by the Select Choir and Senior Band members, conducted by Theodore Madsen, followed by the Select Choir’s rendition of A New World, conducted by Ms. Kelley DePasqua. The Modern Band and Select Choir Seniors then performed Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart.
Carson Patrick Rose, President of the Class of 2023, introduced by Lily Grace Canniff, vice-president, recounted some of the challenges during their past four years, including the loss of a loved classmate. His message was you can learn something from everyone. “Graduates, ask your parents about balancing a checkbook or changing a tire, and parents, ask your child about changing a password and solving algebra equations. The truth is, you can learn something from everyone.”
Aislin Aki Dalyrmple, Class Treasurer, introduced the invited faculty speaker, Sean Donovan, AP psychology and sports psychology teacher, who told the audience, “We are in good hands. The young people you see in front of you, ‘they got this.’”
Salutatorian Ella Pamela Hughes was introduced by Adeline Grace Hamilton, Secretary, who proclaimed Hughes a “truly exceptional and extraordinary person.” Hughes spoke about her loss of her cousin Aiden Ramsey, or “Ramsey”, as he was known, and the challenges she and her class faced through the four years at Silver Lake, and how they all came together to overcome these times. “As we head toward the future, I will always remember my Silver Lake family.”
Class Historian Rosella Marie Hoffman introduced Valedictorian Sarah Patricia Thomas, as one of the most “remarkable, tenacious, and benevolent students to ever walk these halls.” Thomas asked the audience to remember the loss their dear friend Aiden Ramsey, his infectious passion, his radiant personality, and his unwavering care for others. “Our time as a class has certainly been a whirlwind of emotions, happy and sad moments, of fear and hope, of chaos and resilience.” Thomas concluded by saying, “There is nothing weak about rest and there is no shame in caring for yourself over all else. Our most brilliant triumphs begin in our minds and in our hearts, so take care of them.”
Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance was played by the Silver Lake Band, as students filled the stadium, passing by the game shirt and photo of Aiden Ramsey, one of their classmates who lost his life to suicide last Dec. 28.
The Massachusetts Army National Guard Honor Guard placed the colors into their stanchions, as CTE Student of the Year Benjamin Harrison Carroll led the Salute to the Flag.
The National Anthem was performed by the Select Choir and Senior Band members, conducted by Theodore Madsen, followed by the Select Choir’s rendition of A New World, conducted by Ms. Kelley DePasqua. The Modern Band and Select Choir Seniors then performed Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart.
Carson Patrick Rose, President of the Class of 2023, introduced by Lily Grace Canniff, vice-president, recounted some of the challenges during their past four years, including the loss of a loved classmate. His message was you can learn something from everyone. “Graduates, ask your parents about balancing a checkbook or changing a tire, and parents, ask your child about changing a password and solving algebra equations. The truth is, you can learn something from everyone.”
Aislin Aki Dalyrmple, Class Treasurer, introduced the invited faculty speaker, Sean Donovan, AP psychology and sports psychology teacher, who told the audience, “We are in good hands. The young people you see in front of you, ‘they got this.’”
Salutatorian Ella Pamela Hughes was introduced by Adeline Grace Hamilton, Secretary, who proclaimed Hughes a “truly exceptional and extraordinary person.” Hughes spoke about her loss of her cousin Aiden Ramsey, or “Ramsey”, as he was known, and the challenges she and her class faced through the four years at Silver Lake, and how they all came together to overcome these times. “As we head toward the future, I will always remember my Silver Lake family.”
Class Historian Rosella Marie Hoffman introduced Valedictorian Sarah Patricia Thomas, as one of the most “remarkable, tenacious, and benevolent students to ever walk these halls.” Thomas asked the audience to remember the loss their dear friend Aiden Ramsey, his infectious passion, his radiant personality, and his unwavering care for others. “Our time as a class has certainly been a whirlwind of emotions, happy and sad moments, of fear and hope, of chaos and resilience.” Thomas concluded by saying, “There is nothing weak about rest and there is no shame in caring for yourself over all else. Our most brilliant triumphs begin in our minds and in our hearts, so take care of them.”