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This article was published 1 year(s) and 1 month(s) ago
Members of the Class of 2024 wave to family and friends as they file in. (Emma Fringuelli) Purchase this photo

Peabody graduates 320

Benjamin Pierce

June 7, 2024 by Benjamin Pierce

PEABODY — The skies cleared over Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday evening as Peabody Veterans Memorial High School’s Class of 2024 marched onto the field.

The 320 graduates were met with thunderous applause and cheers from their families and friends as their entrance was complemented with the school concert band’s rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Class of 2024 Co-Presidents Kathryn Amico and Ryan Faltera began the ceremony with a brief greeting, in which they honored classmates Ella O’Donnell and Jackson Frechette, who died before they were able to graduate.

“We miss you so much, Ella and Jackson,” Faltera said. “Not a day goes by where we don’t.”

Principal Brooke Randall then took to the microphone as the first of many speakers to congratulate the graduates. Having assumed her role in 2022, Randall spent two school years as the Class of 2024’s principal. She encouraged the graduates to remain confident in themselves as they enter the next phase of their lives.

“When your family drops you off at college, or the first time you step into that job on a full-time basis, or about to board the flight taking you to basic training, let yourself recognize and feel each emotion,” Randall said. “But, also remind yourself that you are prepared for this. You are ready.”

Mayor Ted Bettencourt alluded to the success of previous graduating classes and said that he is confident the Class of 2024 will be no different.

“You stayed focused on your goals and accomplished something truly special,” Bettencourt said. “We are all rooting for you to make a positive difference in our world.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Josh Vadala introduced the Class of 2024’s commencement speaker, Lauren Blodgett. Blodgett graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 2007 and has gone on to have a successful career as a human-rights and immigration attorney. She is the founder of the Brave House, a nonprofit that supports immigrant and refugee children.

Blodgett gave colorful tips to the graduates, including to not take it too personally if it appears that people do not like them.

“You can be the juiciest peach on the farm, and honey, some people just don’t like peaches,” Blodgett said.

She also said the graduates should seek to be “cockroaches,” which she defined as people who stay committed to their goals and maintain connections with those who can help advance their careers.

After the top eight scholars of the graduating class were awarded with George Peabody Medals, Abigail Bettencourt, the senior essayist, described how she feels ready and prepared for the next phase of her life thanks to the resources high school has given her.

Salutatorian Vanessa Kolani spoke on the strong bond her class formed throughout its four years, using humorous examples.

“We functioned as a conjoined unit, like when we tried to distract Mr. Picanso by talking about mathematicians,” Kolani said. “The unique quirks of our school that we always complained about was what bonded us so deeply.”

Valedictorian Theodosia Kourtelidis quoted Charles Dickens’ 19th-century novel “A Tale of Two Cities,” as she felt one of its most well-known phrases summed up her and her peers’ high-school experience.

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” Kourtelidis said. “It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.”

After each student received their diploma, the tassels were turned and the caps were thrown.

Members of the Class of 2024 wave to family and friends as they file in.
Karalyn Arias Capellan waves to people in the crowd.
Two seats with caps, gowns, and photographs honor two members of the class of 2024 who passed before graduation, Ella O’Donnell and Jackson Frechette.
Co-presidents Ryan Faletra and Kathryn Amico walk away from the memorial seats after laying down flowers.
Co-presidents Ryan Faletra and Kathryn Amico welcome their class and the crowd to graduation.
PVMHS Principal Brooke Randall congratulates the class of 2024.
Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt praises the achievements of the class of 2024.
Commencement speaker Lauren Blodgett, class of 2007, gives the graduates five pieces of advice.
A rogue beach ball makes its way onto the field and rolls in front of the graduates.
Abby Bettencourt reads her essay to her fellow graduates.
Salutatorian Vanessa Kolani makes a heart with her hands as she thanks her family.
Members of the class of 2024 clap after one of the speakers.
Theodosia Kourtelidis delivers the Valedictory Address.
Abby Bettencourt and the class officers laugh as Valedictorian Theodosia Kourtelidis takes a friendly jab at Vanessa Kolani, left. Both will be attending Harvard University.
Graduates join the Chorale and Full House A Cappella for the last time.
Class Co-president Kathryn Amico waves as she walks to get her diploma.
Daniel Delima’s family cheers and holds up a giant picture of him as his name is called.
Theodosia Kourtelidis receives her diploma from Mayor Ted Bettencourt.
Ian Nguyen’s supporters hold up photos of his face and balloons which spell out his name.
Kasandra and Jakob Pinheiro walk to get their diplomas, arms linked.
Taranpreet Singh receives a George Peabody Medal.
Nyah Dodd clasps her hot pink phone as she walks to get her diploma.
Hannington Senfuma daps up his friends before getting his diploma.
Hannington Senfuma is showered in confetti as he raises up his diploma.
Members of the class of 2024 move their tassles to the other side of their caps.
Jacob Perreault’s supporters cheer him on as he receives his diploma.
Members of the class of 2024 take videos and photos as they move their tassles to the other side of their caps.
The newly graduated class of 2024 throw their caps into the air.
Edwin Lopez Soto takes a photo with his fmaily.
  • Benjamin Pierce

    Ben Pierce is the Item's Swampscott and Nahant reporter. He graduated Cum Laude from Marist College in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Sports Journalism. He also has experience covering Marblehead and Peabody for the Item. Ben is an avid Boston sports fan and in his free time enjoys video games, swimming, golfing, and watching Tom Brady highlights.

    View all posts

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