SAUGUS — Family and friends gathered at Christie Serino Jr. Memorial Stadium to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2025.
The senior class president, Hannah Duong, was the first to speak, welcoming all those who came to support the class. She also thanked the teachers and staff who helped the students succeed.
“To the Class of 2025, today marks the end of one chapter, but more importantly, the beginning of another. Our wise advisor once said, ‘Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.’ These words remind us to make the most out of every moment because the future is never guaranteed, so hold your memories close but don’t be afraid to chase what’s ahead,” Duong said.
Next to speak was Salutatorian Anowar Mahabub, who started his speech by expressing his gratitude to those who made this day possible. He also expressed his gratitude to the custodial staff who keep the school clean.
“To be honest, when I first realized that I had to give a speech, I didn’t think much of it. It was the third quarter of my senior year, and it didn’t feel real,” Mahabub said.
He continued, “Somewhere between that panic and me speaking here today, I realized something important. Growth doesn’t come from comfort. If I had turned down this opportunity, I would have missed the chance to push my limits and prove to myself that I’m more capable than I thought.”
He told the class to live life with intention, lean into the unknown, and don’t be afraid to stumble.
Valedictorian Victor Phan spoke next, congratulating his fellow graduates. Phan also thanked the teachers, faculty, and custodians.
“Class of 2025, we did it. We finally made it to the finish line. … I want to talk a little bit about perspective. More specifically, our unique perspective on life and what we bring to the table. We all experience our fair share, both good and bad, and most of us might want to suppress those bad moments of our lives and focus only on the good.
“But every memory is an integral part of your perspective. Every laugh, every bit of emotion, every tear plays a role in how you treat others, approach life, and ultimately how you carry yourself as a person,” Phan said.
He left the class with one piece of advice: “Take pride in your unique perspective as that is what makes up your identity. … Nobody can be you except for you, so be proud of that. … Be proud of your identity and perspective.”
School Committee Chair Vincent Serino spoke next.
“It is my privilege as chairman of the School Committee to stand here before you today to celebrate this milestone. … To our graduates today is more than a ceremony, it’s a turning point. … You have shown resilience, creativity, and determination, qualities the world desperately needs,” Serino said.
He told the class to go forward boldly and never stop learning.
Superintendent Michael Hashem then addressed the graduates, telling the students his goal was to leave them with important words of advice.
“Every year I try to be profound or profess some sort of great wisdom, but it never seems to go exactly as planned… Nothing is ever typical or easy, but that doesn’t matter because as you all will see soon, life always throws curveballs,” Hashem said.
He told a story about a bear climbing over a mountain, only to find another mountain. He told the students that they are all the bear climbing over the mountain and that they’ve reached the peak but not the ultimate summit.
“The summit is a long, long way to go. Moving forward, you’ll need to continue to climb, overcoming obstacles and challenges. While you do, try to enjoy the hike and do not overlook the small successes. Those are always the greatest moments. Carry on, carry over, carry forward,” Hashem said.
Last to speak was Principal Dr. Carla Scuzzarella.
She first recognized two students who had made the decision to enlist in the armed forces after graduation, Cody Munafo and Nyha Similien
Scuzzarella then quoted the “Wizard of Oz,” saying, “‘Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.’ These were Dorothy Gale’s first words as she walked out into the world of Oz and started on her journey. … I feel a little like Dorothy right now. To be a graduate of this school and be here tonight as the principal feels unreal and like I’m home.”
She talked about the lessons learned during the story of the “Wizard of Oz” and then moved on to the musical, “Wicked.”
“We learn that just because someone is called a witch, it doesn’t mean they’re bad. Elphaba teaches us something very important: don’t let anyone else define your story. It’s OK to be different, to speak your mind, and to question the system, even when it’s not popular,” Scuzzarella said.
She then told the students that everyone has a little Glinda in them, too.
“Glinda teaches us that kindness and confidence can go together, and yes, that life is better with a little glitter. … Class of 2025, you’ve survived your own journey, maybe your tornado was English 12, maybe it was Algebra 2, or AP Biology. Maybe it was realizing that growing is just Googling how to do everything. But here you are. You made it,” she said.
She left the class with these final words: “You are the author now. So make it funny, make it bold, and if you’re feeling a little rebellious, good. Some of the best people out there fit that mold. And if you ever find yourself doubting your path, just channel your inner Elphaba and remember it’s time to defy gravity.”
