LYNNFIELD — Cloudy skies and a threat of approaching thunderstorms did nothing to dampen the spirit at Lynnfield High School’s 66th commencement Friday at Pioneer Stadium.
The ceremony had a little bit of everything, from moments of laughter, to a few tears and overall, just a good solid dose of optimism about what lies ahead for the 137 graduates as they move on to the next chapter in their lives.
Class President Michael Murphy might have summed it best.
“Now look at us, going off to college, the trades, the military, and some just doing ‘a gap year’ in our mom’s basement,” he said. “Throughout high school, we were so focused on what was next — getting into the best colleges, chasing goals, planning for the future — that we sometimes forgot to enjoy how incredible the present was. To quote my dad’s favorite movie, ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’”
Under the direction of band director Eric Blackman, the LHS Concert Band kicked off the ceremony with Pomp and Circumstance during the processional. The LHS Chamber Singers, led by Director Douglas Hodgkins, played the National Anthem.
In her welcoming address, Principal Patricia Puglisi said, “It is with great joy and pride to be a part of this celebration today.”
She said a quote from Winnie the Pooh that was shared by five students in the yearbook stood out to her.
“‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’ On behalf of the faculty and staff, we have been lucky to have you as students. Fortunately, we do not have to say goodbye because you will always be a part of the Lynnfield High School community.”
Student Council President Ella Hayman said she and her classmates have spent much of their lives waiting. She encouraged them to “appreciate the moment.
“’I can’t wait’ may truly be the phrase we have said most these past four years. I can’t wait to be an upperclassman, I can’t wait to drive, I can’t wait for prom, I can’t wait for senior year, I can’t wait for graduation, I can’t wait for Ella to stop talking so I can get my diploma,” she joked. “It’s okay, I can’t wait either.”
She encouraged her peers “to not to live with one foot in the future … Every single person here is capable of incredible success. But as you work towards your success, do not get lost looking for the finish line. Enjoy every step in the journey.”
Valedictorian Rachel Lim said, “There’s nowhere for us to go but forward. I don’t think your younger self could’ve imagined that you would come this far and change and learn so much. We went from crying over scraped knees to enduring messy relationships and the stress of college application season. We’ve watched the world rage in brutal wars and invasions; witnessed our country engaging in polarized, divisive politics; and were forced to wait out a whole three-year pandemic.”
Lim said she looks forward to “finding out where everyone ends up.
“It’s time for us to go off and find what we’re truly passionate about, or to pursue the passions we’ve already found… I hope we can all recognize how important it is for us to take this grand opportunity to essentially make whatever we want out of our lives.”
Murphy said that all his classmates need to do to find “greatness” is to “look around. This isn’t just a graduating class—it’s a legacy in the making. And just as unforgettable are the thinkers, dreamers, friends, and glue guys — each leaving a mark no résumé can capture.”
He said perseverance is “one of the most important lessons we can take with us — in school, in life, and in work. If you give up when things get tough, you won’t get anywhere, and you could miss out on incredible opportunities like a championship.”
He recalled the final moments of the Pioneers’ boys soccer team’s 2023 state championship victory.
“That moment was electric, and it reminded all of us that the best things in life come when you refuse to give up,” he said. “As we move forward, we remember that hard work pays off, perseverance matters, and the little things mean the most. “
Following Superintendent Tom Geary’s certification of the class, Puglisi presented the diplomas assisted by graduates Hayman, Charlie Morgan, Lauren Lane, Emma Rose, Raffi Arkun and Murphy, who alternated reading the names. Puglisi then asked Lim to lead the class in turning their tassels, following which the graduates followed the longstanding tradition of tossing their caps in the air.
The band closed the ceremony with March from Cosi fan tutte.
