SAUGUS — Members of the Class of 2024 at Saugus High School donned their caps and gowns to accept their diplomas during the graduation ceremony at the Christie Serino Jr. Memorial Stadium on Friday evening.
Principal Brendon Sullivan encouraged the 176 graduating students to commit to whatever they choose to do in life, and said he has no doubts they will do so.
“As a class, you have consistently impressed me… you have led the school with enthusiasm and dignity,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan ended his speech with a reminder to the students.
“Continue to be shining examples of what true Sachems are,” he said.
School Committee Chair Vincent Serino told the students that as they enter a new chapter in their lives, they should not rely on luck.
Serino also urged the graduates to trust their instincts.
“You control your future,” Serino said in conclusion. “Welcome to Sachem Nation.”
Superintendent Michael Hashem said that he wanted to congratulate all of the graduates, but added that the moment is bittersweet.
“We are both proud of your accomplishments, and sad to see such wonderful young adults leaving us,” Hashem said.
Hashem added that the Class of 2024 will forever hold a special place in his heart, as it was the last class he served as principal for during the students’ freshman year.
“Your path… has truly prepared you for greatness,” Hashem said. “I want to wish you the best.”
Class Vice President Madilyn Femino took the podium to address her classmates, saying that it was hard to believe the day of their graduation had finally come.
Femino said that most graduates get asked what they’re going to do next, but that the real important question is who they are going to be.
She encouraged the members of the class to make mistakes.
“Make as many mistakes as you can, because mistakes shape who you are,” she said.
The graduates turned back from their seats to face the crowd of their loved ones at the behest of Femino, and gave them all a rapturous applause in appreciation of their hard work for helping them reach this milestone.
Student Council President Grace Fiore also addressed her classmates, saying that high school is all about experience and growth.
Fiore wished the members of the class the best of luck in their future endeavors.
“01906 will always have a special place in my heart,” she said.
Salutatorian Gabriella Huber said that in the last four years, the seniors have all said that they couldn’t wait to leave high school.
“Soon, we will be facing reality, and more responsibility than we could ever imagine… After all those deadlines, essays, and tests — it was all worth it,” Huber said.
“We only get one life, so go make the most of it, and do what makes you happy,” she added.
Valedictorian Sarah Dorielan kicked off her address with a quip.
“I’ve heard that the greatest speeches are the shortest, so I’ll try to make this quick, so we can all graduate sooner,” she said to laughter from the audience.
Dorielan said that while the first few chapters of the students’ lives have been written by their parents, teachers, and environment, they have to start writing their own chapters now.
“We must pick up our pens and write ourselves with passion and perseverance,” she said.
Class President Jessica Bremberg thanked her friends and family, and asked her fellow graduates to do the same.
“Today, we are together for one final gathering,” Bremberg said. “To celebrate our accomplishments in tribute to all of our hard work.”
Quoting Ferris Bueller from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” Bremberg told her classmates to remember to take life in.
“The future is not something to wait for,” Bremberg said. “It’s something to create.”
