Coventry graduates celebrate ability to adapt

Michelle France, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·4 min read

Jun. 12—COVENTRY — Quoting Charles Darwin, Coventry High School Principal Joseph Blake told the Class of 2021 on Saturday that it's not the strongest of a species that survives, nor the most intelligent, it is the one most adaptable to change.

And this class has shown just that.

"Graduates, throughout this time you've shown incredible resilience and flexibility," Blake said. "After 12 years in public schools the rules changed, learning changed, and you changed right along with it. ... Always keep the idea of adaptation and change in your mind at every endeavor and every crossroad in your life."

The graduation ceremony was held on school grounds at the Larry A. Pietrantonio Athletic Field Complex. Speakers included School Superintendent David Petrone, Assistant Principal Stephen Merlino, and Board of Education Chairwoman Jennifer Beausoleil.

Class officers presented the class gift, which included a lending library, the planting of a willow tree, and a $1,000 donation to Project Graduation.

Coventry graduate Jaden Ellis, 18, said it felt incredible to finish senior year and overcome 15 months of a pandemic.

"We've really been through some really crazy stuff that nobody else has really experienced before," Ellis said. "Knowing that we did that I feel a greater sense of pride."

Ellis said he plans to study film and will begin a mentorship program soon.

Unlike numerous schools around the state who bounced from hybrid to in-person learning due to COVID-19 throughout the year, Coventry schools maintained a full in-person schedule since Sept. 28.

Graduate Lydia Chmielowiec said she started the year in-person but switched to remote learning, which she found easier. It helped that many of her friends were also learning remotely, she said.

"I was really glad that I had that opportunity. It was way better than I thought," Chmielowiec said. "I think Coventry did a lot for us."

Chmielowiec will be studying health science at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, in the fall.

"I'm glad this is actually happening; I've always dreamed of this," graduate Paul Robucci said, adding that the year brought some struggles but he was proud to redeem himself and be at graduation.

Robucci said he plans to study a trade, likely construction.

School officials highlighted the diverse careers that graduates will be entering, including political science, engineering, biology, business, financial management, education, marine biology, forensic science, nursing, pre-med, economics, law enforcement, and more. Some students will be entering a branch of the military.

Over the years, Blake said he's made many graduation speeches praising students for their dedication and academic achievement.

"This year, you've all shown that same dedication but you've done it in an extremely difficult year. ... You have endured shifting schedules and limited activities with many losses and hardships and still you are looking forward to a bright future," Blake said.

"On behalf of all the staff of Coventry High School, I wish you all success and happiness in wherever life may take you," Blake added.

These students graduated from Coventry High School on June 12.

Bridget Ackroyd, Moesha Aguilar, Noah Almeida, Jaxon Arn, Haley Baker, Cayla Batz, Sydney Blanchard, Makayla Boisvert, Allie Boucher, Konnor Boucher, Sara Boulay, Abigail Boya, Lorna Brown, Anthony Brzozowski, Madeline Buske.

Brianna Calve, Aaron Caro, Nolan Charette, Lydia Chmielowiec, William Conner, Evan Cook, Kyle Corrigan, Ethan Covell, Hannah Cramer, Nicholas D'Agostino, Brody Danielson, Brenna Darcey, Rylie DuBois.

Jaden Ellis, Arielle Ferreira, Dillon Forte, Tristan Franchere, Alec Freschlin, Lynn Garay, Caleb Genovese, Stevie Gholston, Logan Gilbert, Cooper Goshdigian, Brianna Green, Lilith Griswold, Abby Gudzunas.

Aaron Haggerty, Jessica Hanrath, Megan Hardy, Brae Hargett, Delaney Harrington, Nathaniel Hayes, Jada Hendel, Joslyn Hoang, Darcy Hopkins, Ellie Houk, Ciaran Kennedy, Benjamin Kuzenka.

Grace LaBella, Lindsey LaHouse, Joseph LaPre, Ryan Layman, Ethan Lezotte, Garrett Lezotte, Elijah Linarez.

Ryan Mahoney, Sean Mahoney, Joanna Malapetsas, Joshua Malcolm, Joseph Mansella, Elizabeth McHugo, Mia Merluzzo, Hailey Minor, Alexander Mirante, Timothy Morris, Emma Murphy.

Samuel Neff, Elijah Negron, Mason Newton, Hailey Parsons, Adrianna Peterson, Karl Peterson, Jack Poland, Stasia Porter, Brendan Power, Carly Prentiss, Matthew Prior.

Kyle Reed, Ella Reilly, Olivia Reynolds-Breen, Paul Robucci, Lea Rodrigues, Noah Rudenauer, Zachary Rychling, Nina Sarles, Taylor Sefner, Bridgid Sheades, Casandra Smith, Scott St. Germain, Janet Steponaitis, Cameron Stickles, Michael Sullivan, Colin Sward.

Lane Tingey, Caleb Waite, Megan Wall, Callista White, Madison Wielock, Maryjane Williams,, Adrianna Wills, Olivia Wojnilo, Anneliese Woods, Makayla Young, Thomas Young, Julia Zapor.

For updates on the towns of Coventry and Tolland, follow Michelle France on Twitter: @MFranceReport, Facebook: Michelle France, and Instagram: @MFranceReport.