LYNN — The 509 graduates of Lynn English High School were told at their commencement ceremony Thursday afternoon that they are the “generation of adaptability” and a “generation of survivors,” after navigating more than half of their high school experience amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have lived through … a time of virtual, hybrid pandemic learning,” said Senior Class President Yariel Tejeda, who wore the flag of the Dominican Republic over his gown. “We are the generation of survivors. We are surviving a pandemic … when the hope of humanity was threatened, we persevered.”
Principal John Braga, echoed Tejeda’s remarks, praising the class’s ability to adapt to several different modes of learning.
“You may not know this, but you are the generation of adaptability, you have been able to adapt and change as an education throughout your high school career,” Braga told the crowd of graduates, who wore maroon caps and gowns. “Your sophomore year was cut short due to the start of the COVID pandemic, then you spent the majority of your junior year studying remotely. You missed so many events that a typical junior would experience. And this year, you began the year wearing masks [and] using QR codes.”
“It’s scary yet fascinating to see when you’ve experienced the most challenging time in our society and you’re only in high school,” Braga continued.
The ceremony, which lasted roughly two hours, was held at Manning Field on a gloomy afternoon. Graduates sat in rows across the field, looking ahead at a stage situated in between field goal posts.
The commencement speech was delivered by Caroline Palavicino-Maggio, a neuroscientist and research fellow in the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School. Palavicino-Maggio said she was “humbled” when asked to speak at the ceremony.
“This is the greatest honor any research scientist can achieve in their life. There is no study or something that you can publish or discover and no titles that can be awarded that can top the opportunity to acknowledge your accomplishments and celebrate the journey that you have been through,” she said.
Palavicino-Maggio praised the graduates for persevering through the pandemic and coming out of it with a “newfound determination,” and encouraged the students to give themselves a standing ovation — an opportunity the Class of 2022 did not pass up.
Graduates were also urged to remember that overcoming adversity is a key part of life — and a key part of being successful.
“Turning our tragedies into a driving force for accomplishments like today’s celebration is what makes you all unique,” Palavicino-Maggio said. “Remember that success in life is not determined by the times when everything is going right. Your ability to rise up courageously after a trying event is what makes you the champion. The day after a hard day is where success is made. Never entertain the naysayers.”
“The world is yours, Class of 2022,” she concluded.
Valedictorian Mohammed Uddin, who is attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall, concluded his speech by offering advice to his fellow Bulldogs.
“Please believe in yourselves, try your best, and never give up when you are facing any obstacles in your life,” said Uddin, who moved to Lynn from Bangladesh when he was a child. “You have your families, your friends, your teachers, your counselors, and everyone else who supports you at your side. When you are in need, they will provide full support.”
“I would not have made it this far without [them],” he said.
The ceremony closed with each of the 509 graduates’ names being read as they crossed the stage and received their diplomas, many receiving loud cheers from sections of the crowd, most of whom carried balloons or flowers. One woman even brought an airhorn.
After the presentation of diplomas, Braga took the stage once again and the class of 2022 received a standing ovation from the packed bleachers at Manning Field.
Charlie McKenna can be reached at [email protected].
