Lincoln High honors 117 grads
Lions seniors told to stay true to themselves
LINCOLN – What does graduating from Lincoln High School signify?
“You can do anything,” noted principal Kevin McNamara.
Family, friends, and community leaders packed the field house at the CCRI campus on Friday evening as the 177 graduates from LHS Class of 2017 received their diplomas. Speakers offered advice on not limiting oneself or being afraid to fail.
“The reality is that you can’t do everything,” said Kristine Donabedian, chairwoman of the Lincoln School Committee. “You’re all embarking on a journey of trial and error. Focus on what you’re good at and what motivates you.”
It had to be surreal knowing that once the Lincoln graduates walked across the bridge adorned with decorative bunting, the world that had become second nature to them would no longer exist.
“We’re 18 years old and you tell us good luck in the real world?” said Nicole Carpenter, president of the Lincoln student council. “This diploma means you grew up.”
Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond told the graduates “you are well prepared for the next phase of your life.” Almond also quoted a few lines from the poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis.
“Your graduation gives you newfound independence. I implore you to choose wisely and encourage you to follow your dreams,” Almond said.
In addressing what she dubbed, “the talented and versatile Class of 2017,” Superintendent Georgia Fortunato saluted the parents and guardians of the graduates.
“We know you all played a role in seeing them reach this tremendous achievement,” Fortunato said.
Fortunato believes the time the Class of 2017 has spent at Lincoln High has provided the graduates a sound foundation to combat the many curveballs that figure to get thrown their way as they enter the next phase. As she closed her remarks, she made two points.
“Number one, be true to yourself. Don’t sell out,” Fortunato said. “Number two, the best way to learn and lead is to listen.”
Four years ago, LHS Class of 2017 Salutatorian Matt Mardo viewed high school as just another stepping stone that was on the way to reaching the real world. Now that the end of the journey has arrived, the Harvard-bound Mardo told the audience that it’s hard to leave and say goodbye to a place where a lot of great moments unfolded.
“My four years led to me realize that high school was never about sitting through classes and arbitrary assignments. It was about forming precious memories and lasting relationships with friends and teachers all together as a community at LHS,” Mardo said. “Each of us has grown because of our time at Lincoln High School and we’re truly better people because of it. High school wasn’t always an easy ride, but as we enter the chapter of our lives, I ask that all of you never stop working toward achieving your goals.”
Armed with dash of humor, valedictorian Ross Lancaster began his speech by tearing up a few sheets of paper. Luckily, he brought two copies of his speech to CCRI.
“This speech won’t make you cry or reveal any great secrets about life,” said Lancaster, who will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall. “Let’s have a big round of applause for everyone in this room. I don’t care who you are. You had a role in getting someone to this spot today. That’s worth recognition.”
Lancaster said he was told to craft a speech that stressed “what’s next?” for his classmates.
“You can’t possibly know what’s out there. You can’t prepare for what’s to come, but you can choose the opportunities that come your way and create the best foundation for you for what’s to come,” Lancaster said. “The past four years at LHS have given us the knowledge that will help jump-start our lives. For that, I’m forever grateful.”
Tommy Beauchemin, a standout basketball player at Lincoln High who is heading to study and play hoops at Division III Lasell College in Boston, Mass., spoke before the graduation ceremony about the numerous goodbyes and farewells that awaited him and his classmates.
“It’s the last time we’re all going to be together,” Beauchemin said. “I’m so proud to be part of this class, but this is it for us.”