With a wealth of scholastic achievement, Class of 20001 departs Stoneham High
Published on June 13th, 2001
STONEHAM, MA - Over the past four years, the Stoneham High School Class of 2001 has shared many memories together. Now, as their high school careers come to a close, this group of seniors know that no matter what the future has in store for them, these memories will always remain strong in their hearts.
On Friday, June 8, 177 Stoneham High School seniors gathered together on a picturesque night to partake in their graduation ceremonies. Many friends and relatives sat in the packed bleachers and cheered as the seniors marched down to the high school athletic field to ‘Pomp and Circumstance.’
Not only are these friends and relatives very proud of their seniors, but Principal Thomas F. Ryan, Jr. is proud of them as well. This class is memorable because of the variety of activities that they excelled in. “We had good athletics, wonderful drama, music, art and some exceptional students. I really think that they were very accomplished with every facet of school.”, Ryan said.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Class President Foley Ibidapo presented his speech of welcome to the crowd. “High school was one of the greatest experiences that we have ever had, and it has helped to shape the people that we are today. We came here as unknown freshman trying to find our place in the world. We came here in awe of how mature the seniors seemed. We leave here now as those mature seniors we once looked up to.”, Ibidapo said. Then Ibidapo asked all the graduating seniors to stand up, raise their right hands, and repeat his oath. The class stood up in front of him and happily repeated, “We the class of 2001 promise to treasure all the memories that we have kept.”
Shortly after Ibidapo’s speech, Valedictorian Eliz-abeth Francis presented her Honors Address to the crowd. Francis acknowledged the Class of 2001 as a remarkable group of people with diverse talents. She spoke about the incredible influence of mentors and teachers and wished her class the best of luck in the future.
In keeping with tradition, the graduation committee selected two musical numbers to be performed during the evening. First, seniors Jill Angelosanto and Jeannete Grossheim sang ‘In My Life’ by the Beatles, while senior Shaunna Stanton provided a wonderful accompaniment on the piano. Later in the ceremony, Victoria Mata provided the accompaniment for Elizabeth Francis, as she angelically sang Sanders and Seller’s ‘ I Hope You Dance.’
Many awards were also presented to the seniors during the ceremony. Wayne Fill-back, teacher of Social Studies, and Patricia Norelli, Program Supervisor of Languages, add-ressed the audience and explained the important background of the MacDonald Medals. These medals are given to the young man and young woman who has obtained the highest academic standing in their class and who has best reflected the five standards of Mr. MacDonald, Fillback said. The MacDonald Medals are named after James Wallace MacDonald, a former principal of Stoneham High School, and are currently the school’s highest honor. This year, the two recipients of this distinguished award were seniors Christopher Cummings and Shaunna Stanton.
The William M. Nadeau and Wendell W. Horton Memorial Awards were also awarded during the evening. These awards are awarded to a male and female member who has demonstrated citizenship, concern for others, service to community, and character during their high school years. The William M. Nadeau Memorial Award was awarded to Rachel Staub and the Wendall W. Horton Memorial Award was presented to Daniel J. Blanchard.
After all of the awards were presented, Rachel Staub, Class Vice President, presented landscape renovations to the front of the high school on behalf of her class.
Jeanne Craigie, School Committee Vice Chairperson, was given the honor of presenting the diplomas. One by one, the seniors walked across the stage and cheerfully accepted their diplomas. That one piece of paper in their hand symbolized all their hard work over the past four years. After all the names had been announced, everyone cheered as the seniors threw their caps into the air.
As friends and relatives filled the athletic field to embrace their graduates, the celebrations began and many gathered under a large canopy to enjoy a wonderful reception. As the graduates prepared to move on to their respective houses and graduation parties, a chapter in their lives officially came to a close. However, one thing is for sure, these Stoneham seniors will never forget the memories and friendships they have created with their fellow graduates.
Perhaps during the ceremony, Class President Foley Ibidapo said it best. “As we embark on this journey, we will all go into different directions. Some will be continuing on with their education, while others won’t. When we do embark on this journey, let us not forget the people we have spent the last four years with, Ibidapo said.
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