WEYMOUTH– Superintendent Jennifer Curtis-Whipple and High School Principal Alan Strauss are pleased to announce the graduation of 440 students from Weymouth High School following a virtual ceremony.
On Saturday, June 6, Weymouth High School celebrated the graduating seniors with a virtual commencement ceremony in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nothing could have prepared these students for the senior year they experienced, yet against all odds they still managed to graduate during a global health crisis,” said Principal Strauss. “This group of young adults are exceptional individuals who can face and conquer any adversity that may disrupt their future paths. I’m extremely proud of every graduate, and I look forward to the possibility of celebrating with them all in person at a later date.”
During the graduation on June 6, graduates’ pictures and names were read aloud to mimic the awarding of diplomas. The ceremony also featured a musical rendition of “I Believe” by Weymouth High School’s music group and band, and a slide show showing every senior and their “e”path — employment, enlistment, education or exploring options.
“I was very upset when I first heard our graduation would be a virtual event since I had been looking forward to sitting on the turf with my classmates for the past four years. However, the virtual ceremony certainly surpassed my expectations,” graduating senior Collin DiFabio said. “I loved how the ceremony included pictures of each student and their post-graduation plans when their names were called. Overall the virtual ceremony was a major success and I am so glad to know that our school administration cared about us so much that they went out of their way to make sure our graduation was still special.”
WHS teachers presented a slide show for the seniors during the ceremony and a senior video, created by senior class officer Erin Doyle, was shown as well.
Typical graduation addresses from the valedictorian, salutatorian, class presidents, Senior Dean, Superintendent Curtis-Whipple and Principal Strauss also occurred throughout the ceremony. Guest speakers included WHS alumni and Bruins player Charlie Coyle, Hollywood actors and directors Nate and Rob Coddry and HGTV designer Tanya Nigel.
“When we found out our daughter Eva was losing her in-person graduation ceremony as well as her senior prom and events, we were really heartbroken for her. As a parent I was bitter about a virtual graduation which I honestly knew nothing about,” said Patricia Fossi, mother of WHS Class of 2020 graduate Eva Fossi. “The virtual graduation was much better than what I expected it to be. Being able to see the people giving their speeches on the TV screen and Principal Strauss’ reading of the poem during a virtual visit back into the high school one last time was very special. Overall, it was a happy day and we thank the Weymouth School District for making every effort to present the best virtual ceremony they could given the circumstances.”
Additionally, to commemorate the graduating Class of 2020, the Fore River Bridge in Weymouth was lit up in maroon and gold.
“Despite the very challenging times we are living in and the disappointment all the graduates and families have endured, the WHS principal, administration, staff and the whole Weymouth Community really rallied around these kids and turned this very difficult situation into a time of celebration,” said Maryellen Barrett, mother of WHS Class of 2020 graduate Maeve Barrett. “Principal Strauss and all WHS community members exceeded expectations with such a thoughtful, thought-filled and memorable virtual commencement. The whole program was fantastic and the WHS choir was just incredible! After the graduation we, like so many other families, went to WHS to take pictures in their cap and gowns with all the awesome banners and name signs.”
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