BY JESSIE NOCELLA
SALEM — A sea of black gowns filled the gymnasium with nervous smiles, waves and dangling tassels as North Shore Community College arrived for graduation day.
Soloist Kevin Evangelista of the Class of 2016, launched Thursday night’s ceremony at the O’Keefe Center with the national anthem that brought everyone to their feet.
“Each and every one of you has a unique story and path to tonight’s success,” said Patricia Gentile, NSCC president. “You worked diligently to achieve your hopes and your dreams. Most of you have overcome significant challenges to be here tonight.”
She told the 1,000 graduates of the importance of first-generation students and praised their efforts through the struggle.
“Many North Shore Community College students are the first in their families to attend college,” she said. “Providing a terrific example to others that the hard work and challenge of college is one of the best ways to realize the personal American dream.”
She then asked the students who are the first in their family to graduate college to rise. Nearly half of the graduates stood, waving their hands in celebration.
State Secretary of Education James Peyser greeted the class and thanked the faculty and families who supported the students. He highlighted the benefits of community college for everyone, no matter what background you come from or what education you’ve had.
Salem resident and commencement speaker Nathaniel Montero told classmates of the unity and pride that makes them individuals.
“You see, what makes us exceptional is not the color of our skin or the origins of our last names or the faith we practice,” he said. “What makes us great, is this NSCC pride. Our diversity, our tolerance, our love and support for one another. Our future goals might be different but our cause is the same.”
Montero told his story of success and achievement through the college and how the school is a place to discover dreams and obtain a quality education.
“North Shore Community College is a foundation, it’s a home, it’s a place where we discover ourselves,” he said. “Now, it’s time for a new chapter of our lives.”
The commencement speaker was Massachusetts First Lady, Lauren Baker. She applauded the graduates and stressed the importance of learning to gain success through failure.
“You all have faced so many challenges to earn your degree,” she said. “You struggled, you got knocked down by a circumstance or hard times or life, but what sets you apart is that each of you persevered.”
