St. Mary’s graduates 131st class

LYNN – From cosmetology to mortuary school, to psychology, to engineering and everything in between, the 2013 graduating class of St. Mary’s High School will forge diverse and unique paths that will help them succeed in a changing and challenging world.That’s according to the students, educators, public officials and supporters who spoke at the school’s 131st commencement Thursday evening at Lynn Memorial Auditorium at Lynn City Hall.View photos on St. Mary’s Graduation Page”I find it hard to name a graduating class that has been such an absolute joy to work with,” said St. Mary’s Principal Carl DiMaiti, who in his last official role as principal gave the ceremony’s commencement speech.(On July 1, DiMaiti will become a special assistant to the head of school, where he will focus on advancing curriculum and enrollment.)In his speech, DiMaiti urged students to embrace being lifelong learners, because that is the only way they will have the flexibility to adapt to an “increasingly competitive career environment.””They won’t be able to get one job and stay in it,” he said.If any group of people is up to the challenge, it’s the 2013 class, said Grace Cotter Regan, St. Mary’s Head of School.Regan said the students grew up in one of the most dynamic times in recent memory, living through 9-11, the financial crisis, the election of America’s first black president, the social-media-entrepreneurial age, “unspeakable terrorism” in their own backyards and even the end of the world, as predicted in the ancient Mayan calendar.”This class is experiencing a world that is forever changing and there seems to be a new normal every day,” she said.And they have thrived, Regan said. The graduating class of 2013 contains a nationally ranked gymnast, a published author, a future Marine, a Civil War reenactor and many more talented students.Educators echoed Regan’s sentiments.”This is an exceptionally talented group of kids,” said Michele Durgin, the Dean of Students, in an interview before the commencement.And St. Mary’s students are excited to take on the world’s challenges.”I’m ready for a new start,” said senior Molly Durgin, who will be attending Salem State University in the fall and is interested in criminal justice.Other students are following their passions with zeal. Senior Brianna Lincoln will be heading to mortuary school in the fall, because, she said “I just think it’s interesting.” And senior Shannon Barrasso will attend cosmetology school, though she and her friends will be sad to leave St. Mary’s behind.”You always feel like you can fit in, there’s always someone to go to if you need help,” she said.No matter what path they choose, DiMaiti advised St. Mary’s students to always have goals to reach for – even as they celebrate reaching one.”Even though tonight is a milestone, a very important milestone, it’s just one checkpoint on the lifelong journey,” he said.The Daily Item will be covering about a dozen graduations on the North Shore. Read about all of them and view photos at itemlive.com/graduation/2013
Amber Parcher can be reached at [email protected].