Lynn Tech gave seniors the tools for the future

LYNN – “What makes this country so great is that we have the opportunity to become successful, no matter our starting point or where we came from.”Those were the words of state Rep. Leah Cole, of Peabody, a 2007 graduate of Lynn Tech and the commencement speaker at the school?s graduation Thursday evening in the Thomas J. “T” O?Connor Fieldhouse.Cole said that even if students aren?t at the top of their class, the rest of their lives is still theirs to define. She said that contrary to popular belief, she wasn?t an A+ student.Cole advised graduates to stay in touch with their shop teachers, who she said have their best interests at heart, and that she considers them loyal friends, even after eight years.However, Cole urged graduates to savor the moment of their graduations.?For today, don?t worry too much about the future,” Cole said from a podium that was decked out in school colors and with American flags. “Enjoy this accomplishment. Be proud of yourselves.”Valedictorian Monica Salmeron, who plans to attend Centre College in Danville, Ky., as a Posse Scholar, gave similar words of advice to her fellow graduates during her farewell address.?You are the driver of your own future,” Salmeron, who became emotional when she thanked her parents, said. “Surround yourself with positivity, and you?ll go very far in life.”Parents and family members, many of them holding flowers, balloons, and teddy bears, brought along digital cameras and recorded the ceremony on their cellphones from the bleachers.Salmeron reminisced on interesting and offbeat memories she and her class shared together, such as when “Jessica” ripped her pants during the National Honor Society induction ceremony; crossing multiple Lynn Tech buildings through rain, snow and the cold; and having a conversation about turkey witches in English class.She also reflected on a fonder memory of when she and her class surpassed their goal of $5,000 and raised more than $8,000 for the Greater Boston Food Bank by bringing more than 25,500 meals to Massachusetts residents.Also placing a focus on the future, salutatorian Emily Guzman, who plans to attend UMass-Amherst, announced to her fellow graduating seniors that they?re a family of tigers (the school?s mascot), ready for the outside world during her welcome address.?One person can do a million things, and this – right now – is the first step in that direction,” Guzman said. “Class of 2015 graduates, congratulations. The world is waiting.”Guzman asked everyone, including audience members, to close their eyes and take a long deep breath to have it all sink in.She spoiled a secret that spurred a round of applause.?Don?t tell the other classes, but we were the best,” Guzman said, reminiscing on times when she screamed with her classmates on the bleachers to show which class had more school spirit.Like Salmeron, Guzman also teared up when she thanked her parents for their support.Class president Kevin Gomes, also a Posse scholar who plans to enroll at Denison University, said his class is the best class to ever walk the halls of Lynn Tech, hoping that Cole doesn?t take his bias too personally. Cole later agreed the Class of 2015 was impressive.Gomes, who gave a round of applause for the speeches who preceded his, also reflected on the future like many of his peers during his presidential address.?We have given back to the school what it has given to us – a future,” Gomes said. “A future filled with bright and promising young men and women, who will come back, give back, and take back the title Lynn Tech deserves as the best school in the city of Lynn.”Principal Robert Buontempo, who class treasurer Samantha Rand and Salmeron presented with a class gift for his first year in the job, said graduation isn?t an ending but rather a new beginning.As the class assembled for the last time, Buontempo asked graduates to always remain true to themselves and to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone.?To put it in baseball terms, you can