Graduates in the School of Rock prepare to serenade the gathering. See more photos here.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Drury High School graduates on Thursday were told they will face challenges but also have the determination to achieve their dreams.
"As we look back at our time in high school, we're reminded of the goals we set and the ones we actually reached," valedictorian Brooke Bishop said. "Whether you were going to have academic achievement, greatness in sports or even being on time for class, every goal was important."
Her own goals, which she'd written to herself, was "you better have a best friend and be valedictorian."
Setting those goals was more than just defining what they wanted to be, they were setting up the steps to make them a reality, she said.
"We have the potential to shape the future remarkable ways we have leaders and innovators who are smart and passionate by striving to achieve our goals we can make our dreams a reality."
The 61 members of the class of 2024 entered the high school auditorium to "Pomp and Circumstance" played by the band and took their places on stage before the crowded room.
Class co-President Abigail Percy welcomed the gathering and graduate Abigail Merrick directed the band playing the national anthem. The School of Rock chorus sang "More Than a Band" and Jacinta Felix made the yearbook dedication to teacher Andrew Boudreau.
"As we reflect on our journey, we remember the challenges we've faced and the triumphs we've celebrated. Each obstacle taught us resilience, every success reminded us of our potential," said salutatorian Ferris Miksic.
"Today is not an end but a beginning. The world awaits our contributions, our innovations and our compassion. As we step into this new phase, let's carry forward the spirit of curiosity, the courage to challenge the status quo and the commitment to making a positive impact."
This class's high school experience had started off in the midst of a pandemic and a lot had been asked of them, said Superintendent Barbara Malkas. "You helped us to navigate the storm of COVID-19 and, hopefully, along the way you also learned a few that will inform you as you go on to the next chapter of your life."
She told them that life's ups and downs are temporary, and that technology is no substitute for positive interaction, as they learned from the pandemic. But that experience also demonstrated how adaptable they could be, she said.
"People always say how much they hate change, but life is changeable and changing all the time," she said. Being able to adapt to whatever life may throw your way is a hallmark of resilience and perseverance."
Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who presented the diplomas with Malkas and Principal Stephanie Kopala, remembered her own graduation 33 years prior.
She thought she knew everything then, she said, asking the graduates — and their parents — if they knew everything. There were some yeses in response.
"Then I started my life and it started to evolve. And I realized I learned a lot at Drury High School, but it grounded me. The great education and experiences that I had helped me navigate life's experiences as an adult," the mayor said, and read Sandra Magsamen's children's storybook "You" to them about exploring and questioning life.
"The experiences and life choices you make from this day forward will define you," she said. "You are in control of your destiny and each day you should work to define what your destiny will be whatever. It may not be the same chapter and may be different than what you think today but that's OK. Because you're going to do 'you.' So today class of 2020 for your teachers, parents mentor have given you the tools for success. Now it's time to use those tools in your toolbox."
The ceremony ended with the moving of tassels, the explosion of confetti and the singing of the alma mater "Mother Drury on the Hill."
Kopala told the graduates that they would face hardship and unkindness in the years to come but to remember the most important opinion is their own.
"Staying true to your convictions is a path of resilience. Challenges will test your grit and your principles will be put to the test," she said. "Remember, it's in these moments that your true strengths will shine. Let your convictions to lift you up."
She told them to have the courage to change what isn't working. History is filled with those who, armed with their convictions, changed the course of their lives and communities.
"Your belief will be tested but your perseverance will carry you through," said Kopola. The journey may be long and challenging but the view from the top is worth the climb. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, stay true to your convictions, be courageous, be kind and steadfast in your vision, embrace chaos and handle 'hard' better. The world awaits your unique contributions."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Letter: On Timberspeak in North Adams
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
Like every other resident of North Adams, I was until very recently unaware of a sneaky logging plan for a patch of pristine public lands on the south side of Mount Greylock called Notch Woods.
Excuse me, it's not a logging plan, it's a forest management plan, or is it a forest stewardship plan? Whatever obfuscating rhetoric you choose, the timber industry is about to rip 70 acres of iconic public land to shreds, and on that razed ground build back what might be their crowning achievement in euphemism, wait for it, a "climate resilient forest."
You can almost hear the snickering timber industry executives. What we need instead is a forest seemingly impossible to come by, one resilient to human intervention.
Although the city of North Adams unfortunately fell for the "climate resilient forest" pitch over two years ago, our civic leadership withheld the cutting plan from its citizens so we now have almost no time to organize and disrupt the imminent sound of mechanical treatments, scheduled to begin in a couple of months. ("Mechanical treatment" is timberspeak for "sawblades gouging into wood," FYI.)
"So what's the big deal," you might ask? "70 acres doesn't sound so bad. Quit crying, lumber has to come from somewhere, why not North Adams?"
Here's why:
We're only the pilot program. Notch Woods is home to the Bellows Pipe trail, voted by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 25 hikes in the country on which to enjoy fall foliage, and in an obscene example of irony, the trail walked by perhaps nature's most eloquent advocate, Henry David Thoreau, as he summitted the tallest peak in Massachusetts. If the timber industry can pull off this swindle on a historically recognized piece of public land, the precedent will be set for its ability to target public land anywhere.
"Hello, are you concerned about climate change? You are?? So are we!!! I knew we'd have a lot in common. Good news is that we've got a fantastic solution for you and your community ... ."
Sound cool?
Maybe you'll be as lucky as we are in North Adams to enjoy the privilege of getting your very own brand-new "climate resilient forest" delivered at no cost by the benevolent hands of the timber industry.
The only catch is that they have to cut down all your trees before they can begin to rebuild.
Nora Schoeny, Gianna Love and Elyssa Scrimo Sunday led the Lenox girls cross country team to a narrow victory in the Division 2 race at the Western Massachusetts Championships at Stanley Park. click for more
The City Council endorsed the Northern Tier Passenger Rail plan on Tuesday, adding to a chorus of support from officials and community leaders along the proposed route. click for more
Tutwiler joined Superintendent James Brosnan, Darin Almeida of Laureyns United Heating & Cooling Inc., and Moran to highlight the opening of the school's new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning laboratory, which was made possible by a $3.1 million state Skills Capital grant. click for more