PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Graduates of St. Mary’s High School throw their caps in the air on the steps of Lynn City Hall at the end of the ceremony.
BY GAYLA CAWLEY
LYNN — St. Mary’s High School graduated 98 students on Thursday who were encouraged to continue being their authentic self.
Grace Cotter Regan, head of the school, opened St. Mary’s 134th commencement exercise with praise for the graduates.
“They are authentic,” she said. “Our students are not afraid to take risks or try something new.”
The class of 2016 is organically diverse and includes artists, thespians, scientists, athletes and leaders, she added.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said she visited the school earlier in the year and was met with a sign that read “Be Yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” She couldn’t think of any better advice to give the graduates.
“Please always know that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is so proud of your achievements,” said City Council President and State Rep. Dan Cahill (D-Lynn).
William S. Mosakowski, chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, told graduates to never forget where they came from. He said researchers recognize grit and resilience as important attributes for success, something that he said they have.
“To those who possess grit and resilience, they gain a tremendous competitive advantage,” Mosakowski said.
Valedictorian Christina Marie Hallisey talked about how success comes through sacrifice. She said that could mean only going out every other weekend in college to focus on studying. Success is nearly impossible to define because it differs for each person, Hallisey added.
“Today, I am happy to say we have all succeeded,” she said.
Salutatorian Aislinn Flaherty McCormack said she was supposed to be a nerd, but as St. Mary’s is a small school, it is scientifically impossible to get stuck in a stereotype while finding “your authentic self.” She said her class is full of survivors, starting off strong as lowly freshmen.
“You’ve shown every person in this room that you’re a survivor,” McCormack said. “And now you have to show everyone in the world that you can thrive.”
Also honored were members of the Class of 1966 for their Golden Jubilarian 50th Class Reunion.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.
