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06/15/2022 07:00 AMWestbrook High School seniors were blessed with one last sunshine-filled Friday together as they crossed the stage and received their diplomas during a graduation ceremony on June 10.
On a pleasantly warm evening, the 53 members of the senior class donned their caps and gowns at Westbrook High School and headed outside to patiently sit through one last round of speeches before saying goodbye.
After Class President Gregory Araya welcomed Principal Tara Winch, she reminded attendees to remember the journey they took no matter if it was smooth sailing or a bumpy ride.
“Regardless of how one arrives you made it with the love, support and encouragement of everyone around you,” said Winch. “Each of you has placed a footprint on the collective whole of this class, and each of you has placed a footprint on my heart as well.”
In his speech, Salutatorian Samuel Freeman reminded his classmates to “think about the joy in your journey” and all the shared experiences from kindergarten to middle school to high school.
“As you all take your next step, I urge you to find the joy in your own journey. We are all following different paths in the next few years, so whether you are more introverted or extroverted, venture outside your comfort zone—meet new people, try new things, and truly embrace what the world has to offer, as that is how you truly create memories that you will never forget,” said Freeman.
In her valedictory speech, Julia Farnoli touched on what she called “The Oath”—a mantra repeated before each game by members of some of the sports teams at the school since it was created in 1999 by teacher Mark McCray.
“Now, I understand we are not all athletes and not all Westbrook sports use The Oath; however, I hope you can take away the vital messages my tennis team and I clung to for the past four years,” said Farnoli before reading the oath. “As I prepare to compete, I vow, out of respect for myself, for my team, and for those who played before me, to compete to my fullest capability, and, to above all, honor the game of tennis. And to make very clear in all attendance, my pride in Westbrook athletics.”
Farnoli urged her classmates to make oaths to themselves to pursue their passions and never forget that they are in this together.
“Finally, take pride in everything you leave your mark on. We are not the same bright-eyed kids that entered Westbrook High School four years ago. We are the future and we are ready for it,” said Farnoli.
Board of Education Chair Dr. Kim Walker and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristina Martineau also shared remarks before the graduates were handed diplomas.
Finally, shortly after the last student crossed the stage and received her diploma it was time for the moment that the students had worked so hard over so many years for: Winch proclaimed the graduates the official Class of 2022 and the air was filled with flying caps and cheers.