Over 160 seniors graduated from Swampscott High School at the Blocksidge Field on Friday. They were cheered on from the bleachers by family and friends, who were holding flowers, balloons and cardboard face cutouts.
“Today is a day of celebration,” said High School Principal Dennis Kohut, speaking at his final graduation in the position.
The Class of 2025 includes 163 students, with 92% planning to continue their education after graduating from Swampscott High School. This year’s graduates were accepted to 221 colleges and universities, and they will attend 72 different schools. According to School Counselor Rachel Sturma, two students will join the military, and six plan to enter the workforce or take a gap year. An additional four students will pursue vocational training.
The graduation was kicked off by senior Alexander Shilo singing the national anthem.
Superintendent of Schools Pamela Angelakis, who also was speaking at graduation for her last time in the position, followed Shilo. She lectured the class on failure. Angelakis said that it is not failure that will shape the outcome of the seniors’ lives but their response to it. Angelakis pointed out that famous individuals who had also had failed but persevered to become the success stories they are today.
“It is highly likely that you will fail at some point,” said Angelakis. “We can only hope your rebound is comparable to J.K. (Rowling), Michael (Jordan) or Oprah (Winfrey)”
Class President Olivia Barletta spoke next, acknowledging the class for the “1 million minutes” that got them to the end of high school. She also expressed her excitement for what is next.
“Time for you to become the person you’ve always wanted to be or never even met yet,” said Barletta.
Following Barletta was an address by the class vice president and valedictorian, Liora Ragozin. Ragozin began her speech referencing a research study that found that the majority of young people these days are pessimistic about the future.
“What the survey respondents failed to consider is that we control the future,” Ragozin said. “The future is ours and we have the power to shape it.”
Ragozin concluded the ceremony by instructing her peers to move their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left. The audience cheered and clapped as graduates threw their caps into the air in celebration, accompanied by the sounds of the Swampscott High School Band.
“It’s just such a special day and such a special occasion and we’re just so proud of her,” said Corinn Chadwell about her daughter, Emma Chadwell, who will be attending Syracuse University in the fall.
The field quickly filled with students running into each other’s arms, tearfully saying goodbye to a school filled with friends and memories.
“I love just being able to finish with all of my best friends, and the community in Swampscott has just been fantastic,” senior Brian Shekhel said. “I’m so sad obviously to be finished and not see them as much, but they’re always going to be really special to me.”
