LYNN — Fecteau-Leary Junior/Senior High School’s graduation ceremony was a day of firsts on Thursday.
A quarter of the students in the Class of 2024 are the first people in their families to receive a high-school diploma, Fecteau-Leary Principal Maura Durgin-Scully said.
“I would like to say how proud I am for each one of you. Many of you have overcome many adversities and challenges to reach this awesome milestone,” Durgin-Scully said during her speech.
Durgin-Scully added that a third of the graduates are headed to college.
Justyn De Leon, one of the 39 graduating students, said he was very excited to experience a new chapter of his life.
“I went to KIPP Academy Lynn and then I transferred to Fecteau when the pandemic ended. The transition was a little rough, but I’m glad I transitioned, it was better for me and my mental health,” De Leon added.
Durgin-Scully said alternative school is not only a different path for education, but also a place for students to find their voice and individuality.
“It never mattered what brought you to Fecteau-Leary, what mattered is that you found a safe space and success,” Durgin-Scully said.
On the importance of high school’s life lessons, Deputy Superintendent Maricel Goris said that “boundaries and limits are important and necessary to reach your goals.”
In her closing statement, Durgin-Scully once again expressed how proud she was for the students who graduated.
“Remember that things may happen to you, people may come and go, but no one can ever take this piece of paper and education away from you,” Durgin-Scully said.
After the ceremony, Yeida Valle, one of the graduating students, took pictures with her family. They were holding a photograph of her grandmother, who died before she was able to see Valle graduate.
“Grandma would always say, ‘Yeida, you can do this.’ She finally did it,” Rafael Valle, Yeida Valle’s father, said.
Durgin-Scully a hug after receiving his diploma.
Fecteau-Leary Junior/Senior High School.
graduation ceremony on Thursday.
