LYNN — KIPP Academy held its seventh commencement ceremony Thursday evening at Manning Field, where diplomas were conferred to 118 students.
KIPP’s School Leader Shauna-Kaye Clarke started off the ceremony by expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to come together again, and thanked the faculty and families for their effort and commitment to the graduates during the pandemic.
Clarke said it was a privilege to be part of the Class of 2021’s legacy before wishing them luck on their future endeavours.
Mayor Thomas M. McGee congratulated all of the graduates and commended them for persevering through the pandemic, which altered the way the students learned and interacted.
“Life can be altered in a blink of an eye,” McGee said. “You all demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt to change.”
McGee said the city has long been a leader in innovation and social progress history, adding that each graduate has the ability to carry on Lynn’s legacy.
“Be the catalyst for positive change in our city, in our state and in our country,” McGee said.
Salutatorian Indy Rodriguez said it is “crazy” to think how far her class has come, but the reality of graduation is bittersweet.
“2021, we grew up together,” Rodriguez said. “We’ll continue to grow, but now we will be apart from each other.”
In acknowledgement of the pandemic’s effect on the country, Rodriguez held a moment of silence for those who lost loved ones to COVID-19. Rodriguez said her class has never faltered in being there for one another in spite of the challenges presented.
“Let us always remember the difference we made in facing this hardship, not alone, but together,” Rodriguez said.
Valedictorian Nena King congratulated her classmates on defying the odds, saying that her class has always used its voice.
Whether helping to build an engineering and football program, leading powerful and important discussions on race and identity or advocating for school-wide changes, every member of the Class of 2021 achieved success and made positive change, King said.
“We have all gone straight into the unknown with our heads held high, ready for whatever comes,” King said. “I know that we will handle this next chapter in our lives with grace and maturity.”
Class-elected speaker Kenneth Beato reflected on countless memories from middle and high school at KIPP, including being a member of the school’s first football team. He said his experiences brought him great friendships and gave him a sense of relief and optimism in life.
He said high school showed him the realities of the world, and he encouraged his classmates to surround themselves with people who will motivate and inspire them.
“You are the only person that determines your future,” Beato said. “If you want to achieve a dream, you have to put in the work.”
Going forward, Beato wished his fellow graduates luck with tears in his eyes. He said he holds love and appreciation for each person he graduated with, and reminded them that they are “all great human beings” who can achieve anything.
Class President Briana Alvarez led her class in the turning of the tassel, as KIPP-MA Executive Director Rhonda Nikki Barnes congratulated the Class of 2021 and wished them the best of luck.
