CHS bids farewell to ‘unique’ Class of 2024

Valedictorian Mercia Kolokithas addresses her classmates. (Mike Tureski photo)

A journey that began in isolation in the midst of a global pandemic culminated on Saturday in a “sea of green” as the 205 members of the Canton High School Class of 2024 came together on the CHS turf field to receive their diplomas.

For CHS Principal Jeff Sperling, seeing them all together in their caps and gowns was a sight to behold.

“The symbolism of wearing your school colors while retaining your individuality is at the heart of this event,” noted Sperling, adding that the color green “represents many ideals, including growth, harmony, renewal and hope.”

“I cannot think of a better list of qualities to represent this event and you, the Class of 2024.”

To Class President Lucas Massih, theirs was a “unique” and “wonderful” class, with an “aura that cannot and will not be matched.”

Together, they achieved greatness, said Massih, highlighting a long list of accomplishments on the playing fields, in the classroom, and as performers and artists. He singled out one classmate in particular — fellow student council member Mekhala Costello — for not only exemplifying that greatness but for capturing it in photographs so they could “remember and enjoy [their] amazing achievements.”

Concluding his speech, Massih advised his classmates to “block out the noise” and go after their goals. “Go out in the world, follow your dreams, and don’t let anyone or anything get in your path,” he said.

Class Valedictorian Mercia Kolokithas, like Massih, also had high praise for this year’s seniors, calling them one of the “most talented, kindest, hardworking, and academically gifted classes to graduate from Canton High School.”

Drawing inspiration from a project she did in fifth grade, Kolokithas centered her remarks on the two “most crucial things that money couldn’t buy” — memories and family.

While recognizing that high school was just a “small fraction” of their lives, she urged the graduates to cherish the time they shared together and to use the lessons learned to guide them in their next chapter.

“While it is important to live in the present and savor every moment of our lives, reflecting on our treasured memories and experiences is equally crucial,” she said. “These memories help inform both our present and our future selves.”

Kolokithas also reminded the graduates to cherish and appreciate their families, who she said is the “foundation” of their success and will serve as a “cornerstone in your journey ahead.” And family, she said, includes not just relatives but the “communities you are a part of.”

“As we move into the future, I know we will find new communities to engage with and embrace,” she said, “but always remember our Canton family will be there to support us.”

In addition to the memories made and the relationships forged during their time in the Canton schools, salutatorian Hannah Isaac focused on the lessons and skills that they learned that should serve them well in their future endeavors.

“From K through 12,” she said, “we were working on how best to study, how to make ourselves stop procrastinating, figuring out whether we are an auditory or visual learner … whether we are the organized one, or the one who takes initiative, or mediator, or just struggles in a group setting. If we are speech-givers, if we like to be the MVP on the field, if we’d rather take our credit offstage or on. Who are our people, how to find them and how to hold onto them.”

“While we must abandon notions of life being anything like high school,” said Isaac, “we have in fact learned how to learn for the future.”

Also addressing the Class of 2024 at Saturday’s commencement were Select Board Chair Mike Loughran, who encouraged the graduates to “be adventurous; tackle big problems with thoughtful resolutions; be mindful of the challenges that others may face and understand that it is more than okay to fail,” and School Committee Chair Kendall O’Halloran, who urged the seniors to “capture this moment” and to appreciate their hard-earned achievement.

O’Halloran reminded the graduates that they will always be a part of the Canton school community and urged them to lean on their support system when life gets challenging. She also emphasized the importance of prioritizing one’s mental health. “We care about each of you and want you to be emotionally balanced at all times,” she said. “There is no shame in this whatsoever. In fact, this is the wise choice. Be a balanced Bulldog.”

Superintendent of Schools Derek Folan offered advice to the graduates that was inspired by conversations he’s had with his mom over tea.

“My hope for you is this: May you have someone in your life who sits across from you and gives you undivided attention, and asks a lot of questions and listens,” said Folan. “My guess is they are here with you today.”

He urged the graduates to be “great listeners” but also to listen to their own voice and to trust their instincts. “Your knowledge and experiences will guide you,” he said. “You have a moral compass and inherent goodness that will lead to greatness and success.”

In addition to the speeches and awarding of diplomas, Saturday’s ceremony also featured a solo performance by senior Hennessy Castillo, performances by the Canton High School band, and the annual presentation of the Paul Matthews Cup, which went to Mekhala Costello and Bradley Perlman in recognition of their excellence in the areas of scholarship, athletics and community service.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Jun 7 2024. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.