ITEM PHOTO BY SPENSER HASAK
Soon-to-be Lynn English graduates cram into a selfie with state Rep. Daniel Cahill.
By ADAM SWIFT
LYNN — It was the end of one journey and the beginning of another for the graduates of Lynn English High School Friday.
Decades from now, it won’t be the speeches from the principals and politicians, or even ‘97 English graduate and state Rep. Dan Cahill’s (D-Lynn) first Instagram photo, that are remembered, but the bonds forged between students.
“When we talk about this ceremony, there are traditions that continue to live on,” said Christopher Cole, the senior class president and de facto host of the morning’s event. “But you will not be judged by your numbers, your GPA or your test scores, when you walk across this stage and your name is mentioned, that is the only thing that will be remembered … it’s you guys who will share the memories and keep them going.”
Cole told the 356 graduates that the road ahead would not be easy, but that he has seen what can happen when his fellow students have pulled together and that he expected them to continue to thrive in the years ahead.
Valedictorian Lily Vu and salutatorian Taylor Sullivan also offered up some words of wisdom for their fellow graduates.
“I can honestly say that I feel more prepared for college than I ever thought I would be, but I’m not prepared to leave Lynn English,” said Sullivan.
Vu said she would never stop showing her Bulldog pride.
“All of us have worked so hard,” she said. “I’m honored to be a part of the class of 2017.”
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For their part, the school and city officials knew the value of playing it short and sweet as they talked about their pride in the students.
“The only thing standing between you and a diploma is the people on this stage,” said Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy. “I wish you all so much success and happiness in life, congratulations Bulldogs class of ‘17.”
State Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) noted that the one hundredth anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s birth recently passed.
“In his inaugural address, he talked about passing the torch to a new generation of leaders,” said McGee. “He also said that just one person can make a difference, but that everyone should try. You are the leaders for today. You can be the person who meets that challenge for a better world.”
Superintendent Dr. Catherine Latham spoke about the benefits of earning a high school diploma and encouraged the graduates to never stop learning.
“As you go through the next phase of life, be open to new ideas, take chances, and continue to educate yourselves,” she said.
Cahill was the keynote speaker, and during his commencement speech he spoke of the unique challenges and opportunities the students will face.
Before the students crossed the English stage to get their diplomas and enter into the next phases of their lives, Cahill had one last favor to ask.
“Apparently, I’m on Instagram, but I don’t know how to Instagram; I want this to be my first Instagram,” the state representative said as he snapped a shot on stage with the graduating class behind him. “We live in a wild time. Best of luck, and please go change the world.”