PEABODY — Calls for social justice, change and a kinder, gentler America were the main messages delivered Saturday at Peabody High’s long-awaited Class of 2020 graduation exercises.
The ceremony, the 50th held at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, was attended by more than 300 graduates and their families, who sat together in groups of three on the football field.
“I couldn’t be happier with today’s graduation ceremony,” said Peabody School Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala. “I’m thrilled that the graduates and their families had the opportunity to come together and celebrate one last time. There was a great sense of pride and happiness that filled the stadium today. We are so grateful that we were able to bring those feelings back to the community.”
Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt said the class accomplished something “truly special” in spite of a year full of grief, loss and the uncertainty and disappointment brought on by COVID-19.
“You stayed focused on your goals,” he said. “By facing adversity head on, you are stronger and better prepared for what lies ahead. We are all rooting for you to make a positive difference in our world.”
Class Co-President Jean-Edward Moise called for a moment of silence for three victims of racism and police brutality, Ahmaud Arbury, Breanna Taylor and George Floyd. He urged his classmates to “take time to question your beliefs, take time to question who you serve, take time to call out injustice when you see it, take time to understand the struggles of others. Use your time wisely even if it makes you uncomfortable.”
Co-President Colleen Crotty announced the class gift will be a donation to the Peabody Education Foundation in memory of former Superintendent Cara Murtagh and Vice-Principal Judith Maniatis, whose sudden deaths within a three-day span in late November shocked the city.
Crotty said their losses, and the pandemic, have taught her to never take anything for granted, adding that she will carry the lessons she learned as a three-sport athlete with her into the future.
“Sports teach you that not everything comes easy,” she said. “You have to train, you get hurt, you push yourself past breaking, you get knocked down, but you have to get up because your team is counting on you.”
Senior essayist Diana Le and Salutatorian Alexandra Turco reminded their classmates to be kind, stand up for their beliefs and always be willing to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Valedictorian Rebecca Truong wrapped up the speaking portion of the program with a sobering message.
“The next phase of our lives we will be facing a society still struggling in the national pandemic, the ongoing fight for equality for all, our first election and climate change just to name a few,” she said. “The future is very, very daunting.”
Truong noted that, while the class has responded to the pandemic with resilience, determination, persistence and grit, there will be more difficult challenges on the road ahead.
“We are Gen Z, the new caretakers, educators, researchers of this day and age.
Z is the last letter of the alphabet, but we can be the beginning of a new era of change and betterment. Change won’t be easy, but I’m convinced that we are ready for the challenge
“We’ve already proved to everyone in Peabody that we are ready to take on life’s challenges and change our community. Now is time to get out there and take on bigger, better and more difficult challenges and change the world.”
After the ceremony, Bettencourt noted how important it was for everyone to come together as a community.
“It’s been a difficult year and with everything this class went through,they deserved this wonderful moment,” he said. “They have been through so much, but always acted with dignity, honor and integrity. They have been a wonderful group.”
