Amid heat wave, Lynn Tech grads celebrate

LYNN – It was a heat wave in the gymnasium at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, but no one seemed to be overly concern about that. The 2011 class graduated yesterday as onlookers fanned themselves a little bit of relief with the graduation?s program.The message from multiple speakers was consistent – the graduating class had become a family over the past four years.?We are more than classmates,” Salutatorian Meybelin Salmeron said. “We are a big family.”Salmeron began to choke up as she thanked everyone who has helped the graduating class. “Thank you to all the teachers that helped us. Thank you to our family who never gave up on us,” Salmeron said. The salutatorian was the captain of the girl?s basketball team and will be attending the University of Massachusetts – Boston in the fall.While graduating was bittersweet moment for most, Salmeron reflected on what most of the seniors would not miss. “No more cafeteria food,” rejoiced Salmeron.Graphic design student Nikkie Corzo was the class valedictorian. “Sure there has been a lot of drama but that is high school, isn?t it,” Corzo joked. The valedictorian admitted that writing her speech made her emotional. “There were so many things I wanted to say. My emotions were all mixed up,” Corzo said. “At the end of writing the speech I wasn?t sad anymore.”Corzo encouraged her classmates to be adventurous in their post-high school lives. “We need to take risks, big or small, academic or social,” Corzo said. “If you fail don?t worry about it. You will learn from your mistakes.”?Look to your left and to your right. Look in front of you and behind you,” Corzo said. “These people have been with you for four years. They have been your family. Don?t forget this family.”Corzo will be attending the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in the fall. After the graduation ceremony, she revealed her nerves about her big speech. “I was so nervous,” she said. “I thought it went well, though.”Class of 2000 Lynn Tech alumnus Andres Tejeda was the commencement speaker for the evening. “I was so excited and honored to be your speaker,” Tejeda said. “Then I thought, ?What have I gotten myself into? What can I possibly say to you? What can I say to inspire hope for your future??”Tejeda studied computer technology during his time at Lynn Tech and went on to graduate from Northeastern University. Since then he has been working as a Systems, Applications and Products developer at Instrumentation Laboratory in Bedford.?It is your responsibly to be successful,” Tejeda told the graduates. “You have the responsibly to make something of yourselves.”Tejeda recently just started a scholarship that will go to a senior in the computer programming technology program at Lynn Tech. Senior Heather Foster received this year?s scholarship.?Be extraordinary,” said Tejeda. “Don?t let your knowledge go to waste.”The non-profit organization Voices For Change did a stirring musical tribute to the graduates. “You are friends but more than that you are family,” the lead singer told the audience. Voices For Change performed “Lean on Me.” At one point during the performance, all the graduates stood up and clapped along with the band.The sky started to open up as the graduates received their diplomas. However, a little thunder and lightening couldn?t damper the spirits of the graduates.?Oh my god, it?s over,” Corzo said. “Thank god!”The sense of relief about graduating was contagious. “It feels awesome,” senior Paoly Galvez said. Galvez plans on attending North Shore Community in the fall. The best thing about graduating??No more high school,” said Galvez with a smile on her face.