Milford High grads lauded for upholding tradition, culture 'in face of pandemic'
MILFORD — As they prepared to depart Sunday's graduation, the 268 members of the class of 2022 were issued one last challenge from Principal Joshua Oltin: Create communities in the world like the one they’ve created at Milford.
To valedictorian Gianna Cacciola, the student body showed grit, tenacity and dedication — surviving online classes and problems with infrastructure on campus.
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“We were able to step up as school leaders and uphold tradition and cultures in the face of the pandemic,” Cacciola said.
Though conditions have been far from perfect, Otlin spoke of a community that is civil and supportive, despite differences in cultural and religious backgrounds. Milford High School is among the most diverse in Massachusetts, he said.
“I am confident you’re ready to face this challenge,” Otlin said.
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Moving back to Milford as a seventh grader was one of the best things that happened to him, class president John Newman said.
While he recognized a few faces, Newman said he was still the new kid. But when someone was there to help him after he spilled water onto a carpet while in class, that was when he knew things would be OK, he said.
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“Even if the school is slowly falling apart, I know regardless of where we go, we will forever be Scarlet Hawks,” Newman said.
Ending his speech with deep breaths, a shaky voice and some sniffles, he advised classmates to pave their own paths in life and choose happiness.
“Not every day is going to be a good day, but that’s what being human is all about,” Newman said. “Don’t be afraid to fail and make mistakes. You are stronger than you think — I promise.”
The pandemic stole so much from this graduating class, Otlin said. He thanked Newman for organizing "an amazing prom" when it was uncertain whether one would be allowed, and thanked his staff for making Sunday's graduation ceremony possible.
Students filed onto the high school football field in red caps and gowns. What was originally scheduled to be a noontime ceremony was pushed up to 10 a.m. to outrun a forecast that called for afternoon rain.
The cheering from guests in the bleachers didn’t stop until each student was seated.
“In 2018, we came into this school as greasy, voice-cracking pre-pubescents,” salutatorian Stephanie Wong said. “High school was a time of nerves and nauseous excitement.”
Now is the time when graduates get to reflect and make their own decisions about life, she said.
“I hope you know how proud I am to be graduating with you all,” Wong said. “In the end, time will age us in beautiful ways.”
This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Milford High grads stepped up as school leaders, valedictorian says
