LYNNFIELD — The pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to students of all ages, especially high school seniors, who missed out on many things they had come to take for granted, such as graduations, proms and sports.
Last year’s seniors scrambled to salvage as many graduation customs as possible. In the process, they found a silver lining that is sure to become a new tradition for generations to come — the Parade of Destinations, a rolling rally that celebrates the class’s college destinations.
“It’s great to see everyone here today to show their support for the graduating seniors,” Assistant Principal Brian Bates said Saturday at the high school.. “These kids have really never complained throughout the last year and a half. We’ve always stressed kindness, which has been so important in getting to where we are today.”
Principal Bob Cleary gave credit to students, families and the community for helping to make the best of a bad situation.
“This has been a community effort with so many volunteering to do what they can for these kids,” Cleary said. “They all want to know what they can do to make days like today.”
Last year’s parade was the school’s solution to replacing the annual May Day tradition of students wearing their college T-shirts and sweatshirts to school.
This year’s parade included approximately 150 vehicles decorated with college logos, signs and colors. From Dartmouth green to Duke blue to Holy Cross purple, every color of the rainbow was represented. The accomplishments of the Class of 2021 were undeniable with students heading to some very selective schools, among them being Dartmouth, Duke, Tufts, Boston College, Villanova, Providence, UMass Amherst, Northeastern and Syracuse.
“Every class is an accomplished class,” said Cleary. “The school you go to isn’t that important. Yes, this class is impressive and the kids did get into some great schools, but it’s only great if you match up with the right one.”
Class Valedictorian Anthony Zhang said he’s known since middle school where he was going to college.
“I’m a big Duke basketball fan and have known since seventh grade I wanted to go there,” said Zhang. “I had looked at some Ivys and USC, but took them all off the table to go early decision, so I was lucky.”
For now, Zhang’s focus is on tennis, playing doubles for the undefeated 5-0 Pioneers.
“We’ve already beaten the best team in the league (Hamilton-Wenham). So far, things are going well.”
Chris Dasilva said familiarity and location were major factors in his decision to commute to Merrimack.
“I wanted to stay close to home and also have a lot of friends there, so you might say it will be a reunion of sorts for me,” he said.
Twins Ashley and Lauren Mitchell will be attending Holy Cross.
“We knew we wanted to go to the same school, but once we are there, we plan to find our own way,” said Lauren.
“This is our chance to be together, but still be independent,” said Ashley.
April Luders plans on studying criminology or pre-law at Villanova. A school record holder in hurdles, Luders said her focus will be on academics.
“I think that’s more important, but who knows, I may end up running club track,” said Luders.
Several students are headed to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, including Julia Colucci, who verbally committed last year to play soccer.
“I want to go into the stem-related field, and WPI was the best choice as it has an extremely strong program,” she said.
Chloe Shapleigh will also be continuing her athletic career in college. She committed last fall to play ice hockey and softball at Endicott College, one of the most popular destinations for Lynnfield graduates in recent years.
“I always wanted to play something and knew I didn’t want to give anything up just yet,” said Shapleigh, who has led the Pioneers to a 5-1 start. Last week she became only the second Pioneer to hit a home run at Pioneer field.
Jack Ross will also attend Endicott. He was chauffeured in style with older sister Aex driving their SUV, which was decorated with the Gulls’ trademark blue and green.
“It’s the perfect match for me,” said Jack, who plans to major in environmental science. “It’s close to home, it’s on the beach and it has a great program, so I expect Endicott will be my home for the next four years.”
Kiran Lampert rode on the back of a sports car, waving an oversized Syracuse flag. Her father, Sean, got in on the fun wearing a big, clown-like orange wig.
“I’ve always known that Syracuse is the place where I belonged,” said Lampert, who plans to major in biology.
