“Panther Pride” was on full display last Friday evening during Johnston High School’s 54th commencement exercises held inside a nearly full Providence Performing Arts Center.
Graduation day for the class of 2016 will long be remembered for many reasons, including the excellent performances from the school’s award-winning chorus and band and the moving speeches from class president Gillian Melikian, valedictorian Joely Centracchio, and salutatorian Ibrahim Abaherah.
Mayor Joseph Polisena, School Committee Chair Janice Mele, Superintendent Dr. Bernard DiLullo, and Principal Zachary S. Farrell – along with proud parents, friends, and families – applauded the 231 graduates, who time and again during the two-hour ceremony showed just how close-knit they have become over the past four years on Cherry Hill.
Polisena said he was “truly humbled” to be a Johnston High alumnus – having graduated in 1972 – and encouraged the class of 2016 to “make changes that will benefit others in our community, in our state, and in our country.”
“Most importantly, strive to make a difference in this world with your intellect, your courage, and your passion to succeed,” he said.
The mayor went on: “You will be joining a special group of men and women in our community. You are now members of the 54th class of Johnston High School alumni. Always be grateful for the love and sacrifices made for you by your parents and family members.”
Polisena concluded: “Life is a fast and remarkable journey. Someday, as you get on in age, you may be feeling down, but if you just remember yours days at Johnston High School, no matter what your situation is, those memories will put a smile on your face. It works for me every time.”
Mele – said she has watched members of the class of 2016 complete class projects, pass exams, and fulfill all of the academic requirements for graduation – told the proud Panthers “to be proud of yourself,” and that “sometimes the simplest advice can speak volumes.”
DiLullo had a special message for the class of 2016.
“This is a major milestone in your life and one you will always remember,” he said. “You have put in significant effort, worked hard, strived to be and do your best, and have something to be proud of. Tonight is both your reward for your past and the gateway to your successful future.”
He added: “As you leave us, remember, the whole world is a classroom that will fill your mind with wonder and knowledge. Don’t miss out on any of it. Display patience, gratitude, and forgiveness. If the world is to be a better place, we must all live by these virtues. Also, please be thankful for the people who have been examples for you and strive to be a role model. We will miss you, but always remember that this is your home.”
Farrell, who presided over Friday night’s commencement ceremony, said: “Tonight we celebrate your accomplishments and look to the future for you to renew the excitement and zeal with which you first entered our walls four years ago. Your class has earned a special place in my heart. I have witnessed you mature from freshmen to the fine adults we see before us tonight. There could be no finer group than the class of 2016.”
Debra Smyth, the class of 2016’s advisor, delivered one of the most moving speeches of the night when she showered words of praise upon each and every graduate for their outstanding contributions to Johnston High.
Melikian, who will enroll at Providence College in September where she’ll major in pre-med, said: “While it is true that tonight is about rewarding us for the greatness we have achieved here at Johnston High School, I encourage you all to take a moment to appreciate and sincerely thank the people in your lives who have offered unconditional guidance and support.”
Centracchio, who is headed for Boston College to study psychology, told her classmates: “Remember, the colleges you are attending, the jobs you have, the places you live, are not all indicators of your success and happiness. Sure, they may lead to such, but is the drive and passion you put forth that will guide you. As I get older, I realize how important is to worry less about where I am and more about what it is that I am doing. With a will to succeed, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.”
Abaherah, who like Melikian is headed to Providence College and will enroll in the pre-med program, told his fellow graduates: “Look at things in a positive angle. This way, we can better understand each other and love one another. And then we’ll start to realize how very similar we actually are. And from the bottom of my heart, I wish everyone the very, very best.”
1
FAMILY GATHERING:
Jonathan Pingitore, one of 231 proud Panthers who graduated from Johnston High School last Friday, is joined by his father Joseph Pingitore and grandmother and grandfather, Lucille and Joseph, at the Providence Performing Arts Center. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine)
2
NIGHT OF CELEBRATION:
Erica Perkins, president of the Johnston High School Student Council, is joined by Domenic Loffredo and Mike Mardo before graduation. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine) 3
REASON TO SMILE:
Johnston High seniors Mackenzie Plouffe, Haley Hohlmaier, Kristina DiMascio, and Alejandra Faella enjoy a lighter moment prior to last Friday night’s graduation ceremony. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine) 4
CONGRATULATIONS:
Valedictorian Joely Centracchio receives congratulations from School Committee members Joseph Rotella and Robert LaFazia and Jean Picano, interim Student Council advisor. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine) 5
MAKING MEMORIES:
Allison DeCamp, Brianna Messa, and Samantha Paolucci enjoy a lighter moment prior to graduation. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine) 7
PERSONAL TOUCH:
Personalized caps like this were commonplace with graduates. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine) 8
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY:
Superintendent Dr. Bernard DiLullo joins some of the students he had four years ago when he was the principal at Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary School. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine) 9
ON THE MARQUEE:
The grand marquee at the Providence Performing Art Centers is aglow in celebration of the class of 2016’s graduation. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine)
chorus
VOICES RAISED:
The Johnston High School chorus performs during the graduation ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Maré Studios & Gallery)
colors
POSTING THE COLORS:
The Johnston Police Department Honor Guard takes part in the graduation ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Maré Studios & Gallery) ibrahim
SALUTATORIAN:
Ibrahim Abaherah addresses his peers during the graduation ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Maré Studios & Gallery) Joely
VALEDICTORIAN:
Joely Centracchio speaks during the graduation. (Photo courtesy of Maré Studios & Gallery) marquee
ON THE MARQUEE:
The grand marquee at the Providence Performing Art Centers is aglow in celebration of the class of 2016’s graduation. (Photo courtesy of Maré Studios & Gallery)
melikian
CLASS PRESIDENT:
Gillian Melikian gives her graduation address. (Photo courtesy of Maré Studios & Gallery)
scene
COMMUNITY SUPPORT:
Family members, friends, and members of the Johnston High community filled with Providence Performing Arts Center. Smyth perkins
EMOTIONAL MOMENT:
Debra Smyth, the class of 2016’s advisor, becomes emotional during the graduation ceremony. Looking on is Erica Perkins. (Photo courtesy of Maré Studios & Gallery)
Smith melikian
PANTHER PRIDE: Class advisor Debra Smyth shares a momeny with class president Gilliam Melikian. (Photo courtesy of Maré Studios & Gallery)
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here