By Beth David, Editor
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School held its 46th graduation exercise at Jeffrey E. Riley Football Stadium on Friday, 6/2/23, at 6 p.m.
“A diploma has a date and credentials on it it has weight; however, the heart and mind is etched by the journey exacting eternal weight!” reads a quote by Principal Warley Williams in the program book. “Be driven by the journey. What is gained along the way is irreplaceable.”
The school sent 447 off into the world, with 40 from Fairhaven and the rest from New Bedford and Dartmouth.
Valedictorian Amber Hooda told her classmates that this is the evening they have all “anxiously anticipated.
“And it is hard to believe that it’s finally here,” she said.
Mia O’Donnell sang a heart-felt rendtion of the National Anthem.
Superintendent-Director Michael P. Watson began with his favorite quote: Day by day, not much changes, but when you look back everything is different.
Because of COVID, their high school experience was different and gave them many challenges. But they perservered, he said, and have all shown a desire to get the job done.
“Every day you have been a shining example of what Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech represents,” said Mr. Watson, adding they have shown resilience in an ever changning world.
“I hope your experience here is one that you cherish,” said Mr. Watson.
“I am 100% confident that the young men and women before me are going to contribute to our region, our state and our country, and we are very proud of each and every one of you,” he said, adding that as they leave for their jobs or school or military. “Do so with the knowledge that you are a highly skilled artisan, part of the Voc-Tech family, and the education you have will lead you into the future.”
Dartmouth Select Board Member Stanley Mickelson told students that their COVID experience was different and will become stories they will tell.
“Society worried about you,” he said, but they proved up the task.
He said it was a “truly fantastic time” to have graduated from Voc-Tech. Jobs are plentiful for them, their skills are needed everywhere.
The COVID difficulties will be forgotten, he said.
“You have so much promise and opportunity,” said Mr. Mickelson, telling students to choose to be optimists.
In her address, Ms. Hooda told her classmates that the past four years had molded her as though she were a piece of clay. Everything they experienced played a part in the creation of who they are.
“We all experienced the formation of ourselves,” said Ms. Hooda.
She said their hard work and ambition paid off and their class knows quite a pit about hard work and ambition.
She spoke about the obstacles from the pandemic and the normal challenges of high school.
“Our class has persevered,” said Ms. Hooda. “Those of us who made it here can be proud of where we are on this green field.”
“Our class is full of accomplishments,” she said, adding they have represented their school in many places.
She told them, “We have only started our journey of growth,” adding that the “monumental process goes throughout life.”
Ms. Hooda told her classmates to think of the great memories and “unforgettable experiences” that happened in high school, but not to dwell too much on the past, becauset they are beginning their future.
Salutatorian Kelsey Urel emceed.
The ceremony is available on demand at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX_IjzIEPfY
NB Voc-Tech Fairhaven graduates
Chloe Acevedo
Amari Aviles
Jonathan Baldo
Lucia Batista
Thalia Benique
Lyla Berg
Evan Carvalho
Adryana Cimbron
Jose Ciuro Santiago
Benjamin Clark
Aiden Costa
Owen Costa
Chandler Cummins
Tobe Cynar
Brady Enos
Dana Ferreira
Ethan Garcia
Deane Johansen
Michael Leonardo
Alexandria Luzzo
Natalie Mattos
Colton McEndarfer
Megan Medeiros
Mark Mills
Evan Nadeau
Eric Nunes
Julian Panek
Joshua Parker
Om Patel
Genevieve Picard
Analia Resende
Nathan Roderiques
Lurdes Romao
Adriano Silva
Courtney Souza
Brandon Terra
Noah Thomas
Norah Vollmer
Zackary Wotton
Shengru Zhang
•••
Click here to download the 6/8/23 issue: 06-08-23 Graduation
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