Off and running!
Members of Class of 2018 savor graduation
PROVIDENCE — A three-time state champion in track & field events, Chris Choquette is used to going places in a hurry.
For a change of pace, he wanted to take things slow and savor the moment that was to come.
At Cumberland High School, it’s customary for the soon-to-be graduates to walk across the Mendon Road bridge that connects the campus to the Tucker Field athletic surfaces before boarding school buses that would be taking them to the ceremony. The entire scene can be chalked up to a rite of passage that’s to be savored and enjoyed.
“People took their time, especially the girls who were wearing heels,” smiled Choquette, twice a champion in the indoor track 55-meter hurdles and winner of this spring’s outdoor track 100-meter hurdles. “It’s pretty special. I wanted to live out one of the few remaining high school times with my friends.”
Nearly 45 minutes after Choquette spoke about the bridge of fond farewells, he and the rest of Cumberland’s Class of 2018 marched into the Providence Performing Arts Center, where friends and family gathered between the gold-plated walls to
celebrate 256 graduates on Monday night.
After the young men and women of the hour took their seats, interim principal Dr. Susan T. Cote told the audience to hold their applause until after all the dignitaries and special guests were introduced.
After the first person’s name was rattled off, cheers sounded. The same course of action repeated itself, prompting Cote to say, “They just don’t want to behave tonight.”
Valedictorian Dev Ramesh earned a lengthy ovation after conveying a strong sense of humor in his speech. He opened by poking fun of his first name and how he still got questions about it even up until his final days at CHS. A fan of meditating, Ramesh told his classmates about the need to go outside your comfort zone to find out something about yourself and the world.
“You wouldn’t see a caveman pull out his Galaxy Notebook. He would have to hunt. This need to do something, to succeed and to live, has propelled our race to improve over time,” Ramesh said. “In the current day, technology provides all the answers. But it’s essentially hindered our creativity. It’s human nature to take the quickest route, isn’t it? Technology offers a good platform to do that, but I challenge you to take the unconventional path. I challenge you to never stick to one method in order to get to a certain point.”
In a similar vein, Salutatorian Caroline Squizzero said that while today’s generation might be addicted to smart phones and Chromebooks, “We have proven that young people deserve to be heard.” She was referencing how the Class of 2018 was the driving force behind the creation of a peace capsule at Cumberland High and taking a stand against violence in schools when a walkout was staged earlier this year.
In brief remarks, School Committee Chairperson Raymond Salvatore advised the students to author their own personal journey with confidence and conviction. “The rigors of high school are now complete. There are many more chapters to tell. Start a fire within your soul.”
Superintendent Robert Mitchell said the graduates should feel good as they walk across the stage upon receiving their diploma. “Do what will make you happy,” he said, “but make sure to take care of yourself.”
Since Cote’s time around the Cum- berland students was short, a decision was made to select a student nominated speaker who best represents the high school. Mark Primiano, an English teacher who in 1996 wore a white cap and gown that signified his graduation from CHS, was deputized and said that he learned plenty about this year’s class from reading the countless essays the seniors needed to write in order to fulfill their requirements.
“There were stories of persistence, strength, and courage. They offered me perspective,” Primiano said.
Before sitting back down, Primiano gave the graduates some advice. “Be fully present. Be fully engaged.”
In addition to the speeches, Cote presented the 50th anniversary diploma Denise Hefner, Class of 1968. The Clef Singers performed a moving rendition of “In My Life” while the band was on point with its performance of “Oceanscapes.”
Before the degrees were conferred, a moment of silence was observed for two students who would have graduated with this year’s class, which chose to honor their memory by wearing purple ribbons.