Lynn students recognized at NSCC commencement

SALEM – U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton was the commencement speaker at North Shore Community College’s 49th commencement Thursday at Salem State’s Rockett Arena, where approximately 1,000 associate degrees and certificates were presented.The student speaker was Lynn’s Polina DeSantis, who shared her nontraditional path to college success and urged her fellow graduates to follow their dreams, fight for what they believe in, and take joy in their accomplishments.DeSantis made the dean’s list every semester, and is a member of NSCC’s Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She has earned these distinctions while working full-time and raising four children.DeSantis received her associate degree in criminal justice and plans on a career in forensic psychology.Lynn resident Jose Palma, a 2011 graduate of NSCC’s paralegal program, received the NSCC Alumni Association’s 2015 Distinguished Alumnus Award, which is presented annually to a graduate whose professional and personal achievements bring honor to themselves and the college.Candidates are chosen on the basis of integrity, character, professional accomplishments, and college or community service.Palma is continuing his studies at UMass Boston, where he is majoring in labor studies while he is also working as a lead political organizer for Neighbor to Neighbor.”Commencement is always a wonderful time for us, but this year is particularly memorable as the college is celebrating its 50th Anniversary,” said College President Patricia A. Gentile. “This is a highlight in the midst of a yearlong observance, and it is incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come and to be proud of the nearly 35,000 alumni we’ve helped produce over the years.”