Valedictorian Lucas Mandola addresses his fellow graduates at Williamstown High on June 19.
Parents, family and friends packed the Williamstown High School football field bleachers on a hot and sunny June 19 to congratulate and celebrate the Class of 2025.
As the more than 450 students wearing caps and gowns filed into the stadium as “Pomp and Circumstance” played, the crowd roared.
“Graduates, welcome to your cmmencement exercises,” Principal Angelo DeStefano said before calling on class secretary Madison McKillop to lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance with the members of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program presenting the colors.
Six graduates – Chloe Lathrop, Mia Montenegro, Amalia Moolamkuzhy, Precious Oledimma, Zoe Phillips and Madison Solla – belted out the national anthem. The crowd, and the graduates, roared again.
After everyone sat down, DeStefano welcomed families, friends and staff.
“Whatever your future plans are, remember your roots,” he advised the graduates. “You are always a Brave. Be brave enough to own your story and tell your story. Step out into the world and represent all of us well.
“Congratulations, Class of 2025.”
DeStefano then introduced class vice president Katie Bellows, who looked to the bleachers and thanked “the people who were always there for us.” The crowd cheered again.
Salutatorian Olla Sobeid remarked, “Today marks the end of one chapter of our lives. We are ready for the next chapter. Some of our best lessons happened outside of the classroom.
“The journey wasn’t always easy, but we’re here because we showed up.”
“Thanks to all the teachers, staff and secretaries,” noted valedictorian Lucan Mandola. “You make this all possible.”
Addressing his classmates, Mandola continued, “You may feel fear and dread about what’s next. All of you will thrive in the future. Don’t take life so seriously, but have fun. We are still young and should enjoy this time.
“Stay true to yourself and start writing your own story.”
Up next was Samantha DiGenova, who sang a version of “Landslide,” followed by class treasurer Dylan Saber, who read his poem, “The Dub,” as a tribute to the class of 2025.
DeStefano, Acting Superintendent Dr. Brian McBride and class advisors Heather DeHaas and Tamara Zimmerman then awarded diplomas to the graduates, before class president Delaney Harbison also addessed the crowd.
The commencement ended with the school’s chamber choir singing “Alma Mater,” followed by 469 young graduates walking out of the stadium.
