Graduates toss their caps into the air after receiving their diplomas at Fairhaven High School’s graduation ceremony on 6/5/23. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven High School class of 2023, at 165 strong, stepped into the next chapter of their lives on Sunday, 6/8/23, with a ceremony outside under threatening skies. But the rain held out.
The struggles of the pandemic, that upended about half of their four years in high school, were prominent in the speeches. With everyone acknowledging that the students pulled through with resilience and strength.
Salutatorian Weslee Tyler told her classmates that they would remember the struggles and the good times.
The school has seen the “very best and worst of me,” she said, and told her classmates that they are not the same people they were four years ago. They are stronger and wiser, she said.
“We will never stop growing,” said Ms. Tyler. “Becoming better versions of ourselves.”
Alyssa Langevin gets a huge round of applause from her fellow graduates as she wipes away tears while walking back to her seat after receiving her diploma last because her name was inexplicably not called in order at Fairhaven High School’s graduation ceremony on 6/5/23. Photo by Beth David.
Alyssa Langevin, diploma in hand, and her dad, Michael, are all smiles just a few minutes after she was shocked when her name was inexplicably not called during the presentation of diplomas at Fairhaven High School’s graduation ceremony on 6/5/23. Photo by Beth David.
Valedictorian Kate Magalhaes said they not only overcame every obstacle, but they did it with grace. They remained focused, keeping their eyes on the prize.
She spoke about a teacher who taught her the valuable life skill of self advocacy.
She told her classmates to consider those who taught them valuable lessons.
Ms. Magalhaes said they were entering a world of “endless possibilities,” but told them to stay grounded.
She left them with an Edith Wharton quote, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
L-R: Ethan Nault, James Westgate, and Tobias Lawrence pose for photos after Fairhaven High School’s graduation ceremony on 6/5/23. Photo by Beth David.
Superintendent Tara Kohler said this was the first time she had a child graduating, so it was a bit different this year, after about 20 graduations and 12 speeches.
She told parents that this time, she actually really did know how they felt.
Ms. Kohler told students they knew what it was like when life gets shut down, literally, in ninth grade. But they picked themselves up.
Bad things happen in life, she said, as they know. And they handle it.
“Even when it’s hard, you look for the silver lining,” she said.
For some it was easy, for some it was hard. For some it was exceptionally hard. And some did not know if they would get there until as late as last week. But they did it.
They are all now alumni of Fairhaven High School. Some will go to jobs, college, military service, and it’s okay, she said, they did it.
This next part” will be all on your own,” she said.
“Be kind and keep that smile on your face,” said Ms. Kohler. “Try to see the bright side.”
Whatever part of the world they tough, she said, “Make a difference to someone.”
Then she gave the last announcement that they have all been waiting to hear: You will have no school tomorrow.
And the students let out some big hoots and hollers.
L-R: Cousins Lily and Pearl LaFountain pose for pictures after Lily received her diploma at Fairhaven High School’s graduation ceremony on 6/5/23. Photo by Beth David.
Principal Andrew Kulak told the graduates they were no longer students, but alumni “of this remarkable high school.”
He said nothing was normal for them, and we all struggle to identify what normal is now.
The job of educators, he said, is to teach them to think critically so they can make good decisions. He said they probably did not teach them everything, but they were challenged to and forced to make informed decisions. They also learned perseverance and developed the ability to overcome challenging obstacles.
“That is what will certainly help you to be successful,” said Mr. Kulak.
He joked about using AI for his speech (no, he did not), but noted that access to information has become quite easy.
“I believe it will be your generation that will be forced to make some of the most important, life changing, world changing, and even humanity changing decisions that any generation has every had to make. The world is a complicated place and it doesn’t seem to be getting any less complicated,” said Mr. Kulak. “It’s a bit ironic that we as educators were preparing you for the challenges of the world, and we as adults, essentially, created many of those challenges.”
He said he hoped the school did a good job preparing them to meet those challenges, and “all in all, I think we did.”
“The class of 2023 is ready to take on any challenge that the world puts in front of you,” said Mr. Kulak. “As you leave Fairhaven High School and travel your path, whatever challenge you face, remember to be safe, make good hard decisions, and wherever you end up, tell them that Fairhaven High School sent you.”
Before Mr. Kulak spoke, after the presentation of diplomas, he apologized to Alyssa Langevin, whose name he neglected to call during the presentation of diplomas.
L-R: Kaylei Joseph and Sophia Murray pose for the local free sheet after receiving their diplomas at Fairhaven High School’s graduation ceremony on 6/5/23. Photo by Beth David.
Ms. Langevin, a bit teary-eyed, received her diploma at the end.
“One more memory from Fairhaven High School,” said Mr. Kulak.
Her fellow graduates gave her a huge and loud round of applause.
After the ceremony, Ms. Langevin was all smiles, no trace of the tears from just a few minutes before.
“No way did I not graduate,” said Ms. Langevin. “I was so scared.”
So, during the class song, she called her father, Michael, on his cellphone. Mr. Langevin told a staff member who somehow got work to Mr. Kulak.
“It’s a little last memory,” said Ms. Langevin. “I was so mad.”
Kaylei Joseph said she was sad, but excited to go to college. She will be attending Bridgewater State University majoring in Biology.
Sophia Murray said she was “very excited” to start the nursing program at Queens University in Canada.
Hunter Gibbs said he was “relieved” to have graduated. He will be joining his father’s roofing business full time.
Ethan Nault said it felt good to graduate.
“It’s been a long journey,” said Mr. Nault, adding he was happy to “finally be done with high school and move on.”
He will be going to Plymouth State University for meteorology, and be “one of those guys” who “point at things,” and tell you the weather.
He said he “just knew” the weather would hold out for the ceremony.
“Good, excited, and obviously said, too,” said Gretchen Kohler. She will be attending Mass. College of Pharmacology in the Dental Hygiene program.
“I’m a little numb. Because I do this year after year, and it’s a lot more special,” said Gretchen’s mom, Superintendent Tara Kohler.
“I’m excited,” said Ruthie Smith. “I think I’m really prepared to go on. I’m sad to leave, but I know I will see all these people again.”
She will be attending Emmanual College majoring in Secondary Education and Math.
“I’m excited,” said Samantha Cormier. “But sad that school’s over. But I’m excited to be starting something new.”
She will be attending Bridgewater State for Business Management.
FHS Graduates
Sydney C. Albrecht
Karina B. Almeida, Honors
Evan P. Amaral
Chandler P. Andrews
Aiden J. Arruda
William P. Aviza, Highest Honors
Jacque L. Bairos-Reid, Honors
Alexia J. Barillaro
Brayden J. Bassett
Maheen Begum, Highest Honors
Owen R. Benoit, Highest Honors
Raegan E. Berube, High Honors
Brooke A. Bolger, High Honors
Madison R. Botelho, Highest Honors
Tyler D. Botelho, Honors
Brooke E. Boucher, Highest Honors
Jack J. Boucher, Highest Honors
Chassidy J. Bowen
Nathan D. Branco, Honors
Alexie M. Brea
Sydney A. Burke, Highest Honors
Alexa N. Cabral, Highest Honors
Marcus C. Cahoon, Honors
Lauren E. Cardoza, Honors
Nathan B. Carroll, High Honors
Ali K. Chaberek
Tyler L. Chang, Honors
Westin A. Chase
Kara L. Choquette
Amare C. Colon
Samuel G. Colt, High Honors
Connor J. Constantino
Samantha A. Cormier, High Honors
Alyssa D. Costa, High Honors
Lauryn K. Costa, Highest Honors
Nicole P. Cote
Nathan M. Courville, Honors
Melandia M. Coutinho, High Honors
Shea R. Cripps, High Honors
Jack O. Cunha, Honors
Tenley G. Dakin, Highest Honors
Brianna DeMedeiros, Highest Honors
Connor W. DeMello, Honors
Orion S. Demers
Shealynn C. Dorschied, Highest Honors
Stella O. Dubois
Camden J. DuCharme
Elise A. Duphily, Honors
Hay-Lee C. Faria
Luke A. Ferland
Catia S. Fernandes, High Honors
Jolie P. Ferro
Natalia I. Fitzgerald
Kate M. Flannery, Highest Honors
Payton R. Fletcher, Honors
Jordyn C. Gagnon, Honors
Hunter M. Germano
Hunter D. Gibbs
Luke A. Gomes, Honors
Zack R. Goodwin
Cadence E. Harris, Highest Honors
Jyzair M. J. Hart
Aiden M. Hassey, High Honors
Brenna E. Haworth
Adele L. Hellstrom, Highest Honors
Melany A. Hernandez Alvizures
Ella T. Horan, High Honors
Laura C. Hubert, High Honors
Samuel P. Hubert, Highest Honors
Nate G. Hutchens, Highest Honors
Emma A. Johnson
Trinity A. Jose
Donald A. Joseph III, Honors
Kaylei E. Joseph, Highest Honors
Matthew B. Kitchen
Joshua J. Knodel Baier
Gretchen J. Kohler
Lilly D. LaFountain, High Honors
Thomas L. Lague
Faith L. Landreville, High Honors
Alyssa V. Langevin
Tobias J. Lawrence
Talen J. LeBlanc, High Honors
Sara E. Leclair Honors
Jacob D. Leonard
Caden L. LeTendre, High Honors
Joshua J. Lewis
Allyssa M. Longchamp, High Honors
Abbey L. Lopes, Highest Honors
Fernando E. Lux
Marina A. D. Macie, Honors
Kate V. Magalhaes, Valedictorian
Maxwell S. Marchessault
Kyra R. Martens
Alyssa M. Martins
Leah L. Martins
Zachary L. Matton
Matthew T. Maura
Isabella R. M. McAleer
Maya Medeiros, Highest Honors
Olivia I. Medeiros
Jaren J. Megan, High Honors
Riley G. Miller, Highest Honors
Emerson L. Milton, Honors
Kylie A. Molina
Adin R. Monroe, Highest Honors
Cayla M. Moraux, Honors
Gabrielle A. Moreau
Kevin R. Moura, Honors
Kylie A. Murac, Honors
Paige M. Murphy
Sophia R. Murray, Highest Honors
Ethan G. Nault, Honors
Gianna K. Nightlinger, Highest Honors
Maggie L. Ostiguy, High Honors
Colin M. Pacheco, Highest Honors
Elizabeth A. Pereira, Highest Honors
Isaac A. Petruski, Highest Honors
Karyssa A. Picard
Liza R. Pinette, Highest Honors
Kaydin L. Pinto, High Honors
Owen D. Place
Brady J. Poirier, Honors
Benjamin C. Proulx
Summer S. Ramos, Highest Honors
Sara L. Reis
Steven M. Reis
Carissa E. Remington, Highest Honors
Dylan R. Roderiques
Tyler J. Rosario
Tyler J. Rose Mahon
Jason Ruan Highest, Honors
Julian T. Ryan, High Honors
Brooke M. Santo, Honors
Cadence D. Santos
Cassidy M. Saucier, High Honors
Noelle S. Schryver
Lydiannah L. Shea, Highest Honors
Dylan R. Sherman, High Honors
Zachary J. Silva
Chance E. Silveira
Ruthie E. Smith, High Honors
Connor T. Sorelle, Honors
Andrew J. Souza, Honors
Brayden R. Souza
Natalia Z. Stern
Cashlyn R. Surprenant
Maison B. Sweet
Hayden M. Sylvia, High Honors
Abigail E. Thomas, Highest Honors
Sean Travis Jr.
Jadynn E. Tucker, Highest Honors
Nicolas J. Turgeon, High Honors
Ella C. Tveit, Highest Honors
Weslee J. Tyler, Salutatorian
Annett D. Valera-Moran, High Honors
Ethan M. Vieira
Tyler A. Viera, Honors
Kylie G. Walmsley, Highest Honors
Daniel Wang, Honors
Joy E. Wesoly
James R. Westgate
Regina J. White, High Honors
Dakotah L. Wieghmink, High Honors
Min Y. Wu, High Honors
Electra A. Xifaras , High Honors
•••
Click here to download the 6/8/23 issue: 06-08-23 Graduation
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
