LYNN — The friends and family of 282 graduating students at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute celebrated the class of 2025 commencement at a ceremony on Manning Field Thursday afternoon.
“My dream is to own my own business and a house,” Cheyli Villalta said upon walking the stage.
Another student, Armani Arzola, said he feels “bittersweet” about graduating as he stood in line waiting to proceed onto the field.
“This could be the last time seeing my friends, knowing I might never see them again,” but “I’m happy about going to college and being able to support my family,” Arzola said.
Stephanie Gonzalez said she is “super excited” to attend Boston College in the fall to major in finance and accounting.
She added her favorite memories in high school were “hanging out with these baddies right here,” gesturing to her friends standing on each side of her.
Yudith Gomez said she feels “surprised and at the same time hard to process” upon graduating from high school.
With a smile, she said she is excited about joining the Carpenters Union.
Mayor Jared Nicholson greeted the soon-to-be graduates at the start of the ceremony by commenting on the common phrase about graduates “going into the real world” after leaving high school.
“Like a lot of those well worn stories, they don’t really capture the whole truth, because you all have been in the real world the entire time, and it’s an increasingly challenging, trying world, and I think that just speaks to the demonstrated resiliency that you’ve shown to be here today and earn your diploma,” Nicholson said.
“The idea of you now embarking on the real world is particularly not a good fit for LynnTech, because your education has specifically been in the real world, you’ve been out on Co-Op, getting your work experience. You’ve learned a trade; you’re succeeding in the real world already, and we’re so proud of what you’re doing, what you’ve done, and where you’re going,” he added.
Superintendent Evonne Alvarez echoed Nicholson’s sentiment, adding, “Class of 2025, today, we celebrate more than your graduation. We celebrate your voice, your growth, and your place in this world. You’ve earned a seat at the table, and now the question is, what will you do with that?”
Principal of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, Fred Gallo, said that the class of 2025 was especially important to him because he began his tenure when the class were freshmen.
“What we do here – your teachers, the staff – it’s really about you, and the changes we see in your life are powerful to us,” Gallo said.
Valedictorian Rachel Leiva and Salutatorian Emily De Leon Ovalle’s speeches mirrored each other, as they were best friends throughout their time in high school. Both echoed the message that the small moments are what make the best memories.
2025 Class President Jhostin Barboza’s speech talked about the importance of never giving up.
“It’s about getting back up after you failed, trying, failing, and trying again- it’s about believing in yourself,” he said.
Commencement Speaker and Deputy Superintendent Deb Ruggiero said, “I am here to tell you that no matter what your internal dialog is today, if you set your mind to what you want, you can achieve it.”
Ava Acevedo was in attendance at the graduation ceremony in support of her boyfriend, Juan Carrasquillo.
“I am proud of him for making it,” Acevedo said. “I love you and I wish the best for you in your future.”
Parents and grandparents also showed up and showed out for their graduates.
Carla Walton, mother of graduate Mariah Lee, said she is very proud of her daughter.
“She has done a lot throughout the school year, from being on student council to being a pre-grad student at Endicott College,” Walton said.
Lee’s grandfather, James Lee, said, “This time has flown by! It’s good to see her all grown up.”
Brian Grunst, father of graduate Dylan Grunst, said, “his family is very proud of him.”
Jessica Serino, mother of Christian Serino, said, “We are so happy and proud of him, and we are excited to see all the success he will have in the future.”
