LYNN — Lynn English High School celebrated its 505 graduates this year at its commencement ceremony on Friday.
Class Vice President Carliana Mejia Ortiz gave the Class of 2024 advice about courage and resilience as the graduates open the next chapter of their lives.
In her speech, Mejia Ortiz used lyrics from songs by rapper J. Cole, such as “Love Yourz,” to advise students to take care of themselves after they graduate.
“People are drawn to those who are genuine,” Mejia Ortiz said, quoting J. Cole.
Mejia Ortiz also said that happiness and family are some of the most important aspects of life, and again used J. Cole’s lyrics to emphasize that having money alone is not enough.
Commencement speaker George Wilcox, a member of Lynn English’s Class of 1982, advised the graduates to remember where they came from and the lessons they have learned throughout their academic journey.
He encouraged them to overcome obstacles through empowerment, resilience, and personal growth while embracing their true identity and prioritizing self-awareness.
Wilcox said graduates should celebrate their unique qualities during all stages of their lives.
He also offered the some financial advice.
“If you spend just $5 a day on Starbucks coffee, after 20 years, you’ll spend more than $36,000, and that money is gone,” Wilcox said. “If instead, you took that $5 and invested into Starbucks stock, your investment would be worth $135,000.”
Wilcox emphasized the importance of listening to people and, like Mejia Ortiz, said it is important to be genuinely interested in others and what they have to teach.
George Alfaro, who graduated from Lynn English last year, said he attended the commencement ceremony to support all of his friends who were graduating.
“It’s a big step into the new world,” he said.
Raymiel Gonzalez, who attended to support his sister as she graduated, said that he was “so proud” of her.
He added that the 2-year-old girl he was holding was “proud of her auntie.”
