REVERE — With the biggest number of graduates in almost a decade, the Revere class of 2018 was advised to rise up and “set the world on fire.”
“I am optimistic about your generation and I believe you will fill the breach of leadership because you are a new generation of leaders unafraid to connect and unite for a cause,” said Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo. “Rise, and let nothing hold you down.”
More than 470 graduating seniors filed into the Harry Della Russo Stadium in preparation for one of the most memorable nights of their lives. The theme within the ceremonial speeches was unified diversity throughout the graduating class and the belief that these kids are going to be the change that the world needs.
“Go forth and set the world on fire,” class president Megan Nguyen told her peers during her speech.
Nguyen, who will be attending Georgetown University this fall, also gave thanks to Deputy Principal Jonathan Mitchell and Assistant Principal for the class of 2018 Janel Kennedy. Both Mitchell and Kennedy are leaving Revere High School after this school year and seeking other employment. At the end of her speech, Nguyen welcomed both beloved administrators to the stage and gave them each a handful of gifts.
“You are both embodiments of what it means to be a true Patriot,” said Nguyen.
Every year the Revere High graduating class votes for a teacher or faculty member to give the final commencement speech before handing out the diplomas. This year, Kennedy was unanimously voted in by the seniors. She has been with the class of 2018 since their freshmen year, and as she acknowledged her new job at Garfield Middle School starting this fall, she bid an emotional farewell to her students.
“You all have taught me that I am the Grinch,” said Kennedy. “Not the Grinch at the beginning of the book, but the Grinch at the end of the book, and you are all my Whoville.”
Patrick Adolphus, the class valedictorian, ended the ceremonial part of the night with some laughs from the jam-packed stadium during his speech.
“Up until yesterday morning, I had no idea what I’d share with you,” said Adolphus, who will be attending Harvard University in the fall. “Sure, I’m a nerd, but that doesn’t mean I’m a preacher.”
The evening started with some clouds and a bitter wind, but toward the end of the ceremony, the sun came out and the wind calmed down, just in time for the diplomas to be handed out. Laughs were heard throughout the crowd and emotions shown during speeches as students and faculty shared their memories from the last four years and embraced their new chapter.
“Wherever you go and whatever you do, you are forever the Revere High School class of 2018,” said Arrigo.
