On Thursday, a class of 266 young men and women gathered at SNHU Arena with their friends, families, and teachers to celebrate a major accomplishment in their lives: graduation from high school and the completion of the childhood portion of their lives.
For a class that had been through so much adversity, beginning their high school careers in the 2020-21 school year that saw a hybrid learning model turned into a fully remote learning model for upwards of two months, and then a return to hybrid learning before returning to the classroom full-time in April thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, their moment had finally come-graduation day at last.
While there were a few students and faculty members who were allowed to speak at the commencement ceremony, few stood out as much as Alvirne Principal Steven Beals who reminded the class of 2024 of some of his biggest pieces of advice moving forward including to always be on time and to “never let a bad day be an excuse for bad behavior”.
Six students were awarded the Principal’s Award by Mr. Beals for their “dedicated and unwavering leadership in making Alvirne a more inclusive and welcoming community for all” – Victoria Tilley, Kendra Zagzoug, Ivanna Melendez, Nazmeen Mohammed-Sidi, and Anishka Shah.
Salutatorian Lindsay Normand opened with a speech reminding her friends and classmates that there is always a story to tell in life and that everyone has their own story and to remember “little you” is always looking forward to being where you are now. She also reminded her classmates always to remember where they came from and who has their backs in life.
Valedictorian Jodi Watterson was next to speak. She reminded her classmates that it was time to enter the real world and reminded her classmates to be responsible even when it came as simple as folding their laundry, communicating, and being curious. “Don’t peak in high school,” she added. She reminded her friends to leave the world better than they found it and to form groups to make sure that this happens.
Jack Mallet, Alvirne’s senior class president, was next to speak, and he spoke about how skilled he and his classmates are through the CTE program and that all of his classmates are an inspiration to him and should be an inspiration to others. He reminded his classmates that as a whole, they saved over $70,000 in college tuition through AP classes and dual enrollment. He also reminded his classmates of all the things that they lost to COVID-19 but looked at the positives of what they missed. “You’d think we were superheroes with how many times we are knocked down and we get back up,” he said as he wrapped up his remarks.
Congratulations to the Alvirne High School class of 2024 and may your future bring you joy and prosperity. Be the change you wish to see in the world.