PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Revere Mayor Brian M. Arrigo takes a selfie with the graduating class before giving his speech.
BY MICHELE DURGIN
REVERE — Revere High School’s Class of 2016 was celebrated and declared high school graduates as they received their diplomas at the Harry Della Russo Stadium on Thursday evening
The bleachers were packed full with hundreds of family and friends who were in attendance to honor and congratulate them and their accomplishments.
Diplomas were awarded by members of the Revere School Committee and Mayor Brian Arrigo delivered greetings and best wishes on behalf of the city.
Class Vice President Eduardo Viera credited his classmates with having heart and told them that was what pushed them towards their goals and brought something special to the school.
Alicia Barry, who is the Class of 2016’s Valedictorian, and will attend Georgetown University in the fall, reminded her fellow graduates that risk taking can be a good thing.
“Stop counting the minutes and hours, because there is something beautiful about allowing yourself to breath and think about nothing but the present,” she said.
Graduate Kayla Gullage, 18, is heading to Tufts University, on full scholarship, in the fall.
“Congratulations to my classmates,” Gullage said. “I am proud of each of you and I would also like to say thank you to Mr. Fellowes, my world history teacher. He has been a great help to so many of us.”
Teacher Amber Storer expressed sadness about saying goodbye to this class.
“This is a spirited group,” she said. “They overcame many obstacles and persevered to get to this moment. I will really miss them, and I wish them great success.”
Gerald Lemus, 18, is filled with gratitude for his family and said he is happy to call himself a high school graduate. He is looking forward to being a freshman at Salem State University in September.
And Deputy vice-principal, Jonathan Mitchell , wrapped up his 19 years in education, and talked about the mixed feelings that such events bring.
“The years go by so quickly and before you know it, they’re moving on,” he said. “This has been a great group to work with. They have a lot of character.”
