GREENFIELD — The Greater Commonwealth Virtual School is pleased to announce the academic achievements of members of the school’s recent graduating class.
The school’s graduation ceremony was held at the Ja’Duke Center for Performing Arts in Turners Falls on Friday, June 10, and was also streamed live on the GCVS Facebook page.
At the ceremony, GCVS recognized several students for their academic achievements including honoring two students with end-of-year awards.
The Susan D. Hollins Founder’s Award is presented in honor of the original founder and superintendent of the Greater Commonwealth Virtual School, given to a graduating senior who exemplifies the characteristics of courage, scholarship, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit. Members of the GCVS faculty nominate students and the administration selects the award recipient.
This year the Founder’s Award was awarded to graduating senior Laila Itemere of North Brookfield.
“Thank you to all my teachers for being there when I needed help and for always making classes such a great place to learn and a safe space to ask questions,” Itemere said during her graduation address. “Thank you for encouraging me and always being there for me. You saw something in me that I didn’t always see in myself.”
The second award, the Gauthier Memorial Scholarship, was established by GCVS in memory of Scott Gauthier, a beloved member of the GCVS school community. Scott worked directly with countless high school students as one of the guidance counselors and proudly served as a member of the United States Air Force and was the Veterans Affairs Agent for the town of Winchendon for over 20 years. This award is presented to a student who is either joining the service or continuing with their education after high school.
The Gauthier Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Ella Pierce of Greenfield.
Students were also honored for their academic achievement at the graduation ceremony, including members of the National Honor Society and recipients of the Adams scholarship.
Seniors Nathan Berrios of Lowell, Emily Clark of Winchendon and Carah Finn of East Bridgewater were announced as National Honor Society graduates. These students had to maintain a 3.0 unweighted GPA and uphold the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, service, leadership and character.
Students were also recognized for receiving the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. The scholarship provides a tuition waiver for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university. In order to receive this scholarship, students must score an advanced performance level on one of the three MCAS tests and at least proficient on the other two tests.
Adams Scholarship Recipients recognized included: Pablo Alvarado-Cruz of Springfield, Noah Arel of Barre, Brooke Brunelle of Attleboro, Krystal Brunelle of Attleboro, Taylor Brunelle of Attleboro, Cameron DiRusso of Mansfield, Carah Finn of East Bridgewater, Lydia Flagg of Shirley, Matt Gayle of Dorchester, Jayzon King of Westford, Kaylee Lee of Beverly, Caitlin Moran of Belchertown, Danielle Poole of East Weymouth and Joelyne Reyes of Holyoke.
The Greater Commonwealth Virtual School congratulates each of the school’s scholarship and award recipients for their accomplishments during their time at GCVS and encourages them to remain a part of the school community following graduation.
“Always focus on progress over perfection in life. Be okay with your imperfections,” GCVS Vice Principal Dr. Jodi Drury said to close out the graduation ceremony. “Call us. Reach out. We are there to still help. We don’t cut the tie once you graduate.”
To view the GCVS graduation ceremony, visit the school’s Facebook page here.
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