Swampscott High School’s graduating class of 2030 heard their names called on Wednesday as they walked across the school’s stage to celebrate the end of their four-year journey through middle school and the start of the four-year journey in high school they will embark on in the fall.
Parents, siblings, grandparents and other relatives packed into the high school auditorium for the ceremony on the eve of the students’ last day at Swampscott Middle School.
Also honored was Anita Pappas, who is retiring after the school year after teaching for 28 years at Swampscott Middle School.
“Standing here today is incredibly special to me,” said Assistant Principal Jason Knowles. “My mind keeps flashing back to 2017, watching some of you as tiny, energetic kindergarteners running around the playground at Hadley Elementary. Back then your biggest worries were mastering recess and tying your shoes. Today you sit here as mature, capable young adults ready to conquer the world.”
Principal Jessica Minter also took to the stage to offer a few words of advice for the departing eighth grade class, urging them to be kind.
“People won’t remember what grade you got in geometry or what your stats were on the field,” said Minter. “They will remember how you made them feel.”
Minter asked students to take a look around at the teachers and staff of the middle school, and not forget about the work and time they spent helping students on their respective journeys.
“Whether it’s in the classroom, on the robotics or math team, on the basketball court or softball field or whatever path you choose, do your absolute best,” Minter said to the students. “If you are going to dedicate your time to something, make it worth it. Study hard, practice hard and work hard because no one is going to knock on your door and do the work for you.”
Two students, Johan Standal and Sang Tong, were chosen by classmates to speak at the ceremony.
Standal and Tong both thanked teachers and custodial staff of the school for their hard work.
“Everyone sitting here was a part of making sure that we not only got an education and that we made friends, but that we all had fun throughout these four exciting years,” said Tong.
Tong said teachers put in a lot of effort 180 days each year to make school a fun and memorable experience for students.
“I’ve spent all four years as a student at the middle school and I’ve always been treated with nothing but respect,” said Standal. “I’ve made new friends, forged great bonds with teachers and grown as a person. I don’t want to speak for everyone here, but I’m sure they all feel the same way.”
After the speeches, students were called one-by-one across the stage to receive certificates. Thunderous rounds of applause and cheers followed after each name was called.
