On a sunny afternoon at Lynnfield High School’s football field, 149 students in the Class of 2024 graduated on Friday.
Student Council President Keely Briggs thanked Principal Patricia Puglisi, interim Superintendent Thomas Geary, the School Committee, staff, teachers, and janitors who contributed to the students’ success in finishing high school.
“But most of all, I would like to thank my fellow members of the Class of 2024 for the countless memories and to congratulate everyone for this huge accomplishment,” Briggs said. “We made it.”
Valedictorian Russell Kasdon encouraged both his fellow graduates who plan on challenging themselves in college and their parents who want their children to excel academically to find balance.
“I’ve had to put in a lot of effort and build a strong work ethic, but there are times when I wish I could balance my time differently,” Kasdon said. “Spending time with friends and for yourself can be just as important as spending time on work.”
Senior Class President Max Halsey talked about how the Class of 2024 faced the unique situation of entering school during a period of uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a class, we have weathered many storms together, both as a group and as individuals,” Halsey said. “And maybe because of this, our class has formed a uniquely strong bond.”
Halsey also took the time to thank the teachers students have had not just at the high school, but also since elementary school.
“From the earliest days at Huckleberry Hill and Summer Street all the way to our senior teachers, you have had an impact on all of us,” Halsey said.
Puglisi gave the welcoming and closing remarks, Geary certified the Class of 2024, and Geary and School Committee Chair Kate DePrizio presented the diplomas to the graduates.
