HAVERHILL — Superintendent Maureen Lynch and Principal Chris Laganas are pleased to announce the graduation of 315 students from Whittier Tech.
“The Class of 2020 is full of extraordinary young people, and we could not be more proud to celebrate their achievements,” Superintendent Lynch said. “In these unprecedented times, this class has demonstrated resiliency and grit. They’ve persevered, and accomplished a great deal over their entire high school careers. Congratulations to each and every one of you.”
Whittier Tech held socially distanced commencement events this week, beginning on Wednesday, May 27, and ending on Friday, May 29. Over the course of the three days, the Class of 2020 was sorted into three separate groups alphabetically, and each group had the opportunity to drive up to Whittier Tech on their designated day with two guests in their vehicle. Students brought their diplomas, crossed the stage on the campus football field once their name was read and had their photo taken with their parents or guardians.
All participants were required to adhere to social distancing guidance for the duration of each event.
“Having this opportunity to celebrate our graduating class was truly special, and we’re thankful to have found a solution that allowed us to do so safely,” Principal Laganas said. “We’re going to miss the Class of 2020, and we wish each and every one of the newest Whittier Tech alumni the very best as they move forward. You each are capable of tremendous things, and we’re incredibly proud of all you’ve become over the last four years.”
The Class of 2020 Valedictorian is Jameson Bartholomew, a culinary arts student of Groveland.
“When I first started high school, I really just wanted to have good grades so I wouldn’t be disappointed in myself,” said Valedictorian Jameson Bartholomew. “Then I got all As, which then motivated me to continue to get all As.”
Bartholomew plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York this fall.
“All of my shop teachers have inspired me to continue in the culinary field,” he said. “My bosses at work and my parents have also inspired me to do what I love.”
The Salutatorian is Charles West, a computer-aided design (CAD) drafting student of Haverhill. West is still deciding which college or university he will attend in the fall.
A speech by Class President Isabelle Giunta of Newburyport, who studied medical assisting at Whittier Tech, will be given in a graduation video Whittier Tech will share with students and their families on Saturday. The video will feature student speeches and photos of students as they graduated, and a second video compilation of the three day commencement activities will also be shared in mid-June.
“Throughout our years at Whittier we not only learned about academics and our trades but life skills,” Giunta said. “We are now ready to take on the world and tackle every challenge that comes with it, and as we all know, there is quite a lot. We have good heads on our shoulders and strong opinions. We are quite aware of the road we have ahead of us but this should not scare or hold us back. It is finally our time to be heard and to be capable of making the changes we want to see in our world.”
Giunta is currently working as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home in Newburyport. She will attend Quinnipiac University as a nursing major this fall, and is interested in studying obstetrics and becoming a midwife.
Additional Class of 2020 officers include Vice President Alejandro Vega, of Haverhill, secretary Emma Dupre, of Haverhill, and Alan Tadiello, of Haverhill.
Academic Awards were additionally given to the following students in the following subjects:
- Math – Jameson J. Bartholomew, of Groveland
- English – Chantal M. Kelley, of Newburyport
- Science – Dalen L. Masters, of Haverhill
- Physical Education – Cody J. Hadley, of Haverhill
- Social Studies – Julia M. Taliaferro, of Haverhill
- World Language – Jared E. Recillas, of Haverhill
- Art – Zachary R. DePaolo, of Newburyport
- Music – Zachary R. DePaolo, of Newburyport
Vocational-Technical Awards were given to the following students in the following programs:
- Design & Visual Communications – Olivia M. Bunting, of Georgetown
- Graphics – Morgan S. Garlington, of Haverhill
- Carpentry – Cody J. Hadley, of Haverhill
- Electrical – Benjamin D. Blackmun, of Amesbury
- Engineering – Tiana M. Butler, of Haverhill
- Masonry – Matthew A. Nunez, of Haverhill
- Plumbing and Heating – Ethan J. Calderwood, of Merrimac
- HVAC – Edward A. Bucci, of Haverhill
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology – Michael A. Dondero, of Haverhill
- Metal Fabrication – Benjamin D. Carlson, of Byfield
- Cosmetology – Gina M. Jackson, of West Newbury
- Culinary Arts – Heather K. Twombly, of Haverhill
- Early Education & Care – Madison A. Herries, of Bradford
- Health Assisting – Sarah G. Rodrigues, of Haverhill
- Dental Assisting – Jazmary F. Sanchez, of Haverhill
- Medical Assisting – Brianna L. McCarthy, of Haverhill
- Hospitality & Tourism – Phineas O. Sparrow, of Haverhill
- Business Technology & Marketing – Meghan R. Jegorow, of Haverhill
- Drafting – Charles P. West, of Haverhill
- Electronics – Matthew C. Miller, of Amesbury
- Auto body – Andrew J. Robinson, of Groveland
- Automotive – Rachel S. McGrath, of Haverhill
Members of the Class of 2020 also achieved significant success and awards in numerous areas this school year, including earning certifications and apprenticeships in their career fields, being inducted into the National Vocational Technical Honor Society, SkillsUSA state and national medals, recognition at district and state DECA competitions and successful sports seasons.
During this school year, 164 seniors were also employed at co-op jobs. To read more about the Class of 2020, click here.
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