Kaynor Technical High School's Graduation

Scenes from the Kaynor Tech graduation at the Palace Theater Photos by Nancy Sasso Janis except the final one of Matthew Lyons by his family

Members of the Warren Fox Kaynor Technical High School Class of 2015 headed to Waterbury’s Palace Theater on Friday for their annual salute to the graduates. Kaynor Tech is part of the Connecticut Technical High School system where Nivea L. Torres is the superintendent. The graduates dressed in black caps and gowns, with some sporting gold and white cords around the necks indicating their achievement of high honors.

“Pomp and Circumstance” was the processional music as the graduates entered the theater already comfortably full of proud family and friends. Class co-president Aylin Dilone of the Culinary Arts department gave the welcome and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was sung by the Kaynor Chorus under the direction of music instructor Sarah Patel.

Principal David Telesca came to the podium to welcome to address both the students and their parents. To the parents he discussed the perception of contemporary teenagers. He described them as more tolerant than their elders. He assured us that they volunteer more and get along with each other better than previous generations...with the exception of the adults in the audience, of course. He told the parents that they should be very proud of this group of students. He told the students that he knew which one of them had repeatedly hit an administrator with a hacky sack. The principal also invited the ten members of the graduating class that will be joining the military to stand and be recognized.

Salutatorian Babie Brenda Turner addressed the next. The petite member of the Health Technology department, who admitted that she hasn’t grown at all during her four years in high school, spoke of patience and loyalty and managed to throw in a quote from ‘High School Musical.’ The valedictory address was given by Matthew J. DiBlanda who graduated from the Electronics Technology department. He shared that a love of learning is the secret to his success.

Before the presentation of the class of 2105 for graduation, the students and faculty planned a beautiful tribute to a Kaynor teacher who lost her battle with cancer during this school year. Donna Finn was a beloved music teacher and was awarded the honor of teacher of the year posthumously. Lawrence Carpentier, a Computer Aided Drafting and Design teacher at the high school, spoke from the heart about this talented teacher whose spirit will live on at Kaynor. She will be remembered for bringing her accordion to staff development, orchestrating flash mobs and teaching students the cup song. Then the Kaynor chorus and friends performed their rendition of “Finale B” from the musical ‘Rent’ that would have made Ms. Finn extremely proud.

The awarding of diplomas was facilitated by Mr. Telesca, CTHSS Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Wihbey, Education Consultant Raymond Mencio, Class of 2015 Advisors Greg Forte and Catherine Mahoney. The Trade/Technology Department Heads read the names of their graduates and shook their hands and gave many a hug. Staff members wore carnation corsages and many remained until the end of the commencement to march out of the theater with their students.

The farewell address was given by Dana Rose Blasi, the class co-president, from the Carpentry department. She asked for a moment of silence in memory of Ms. Finn and spoke about how much her life has changed because she decided to attend Kaynor Tech. The recessional was the song “Happy,” especially chosen in honor of Donna Finn.

Congratulations to all the Kaynor Tech graduates and especially to Naugatuck residents Arthur William Priest, a plumbing and heating student who recently appeared NBC30 with fellow graduate Cesar Antonio Quental, as well as National Honor Society member Matthew Tait Lyons, who graduated from the Precision Machining Technology department.

Special thanks to Mr. Telesca, his secretary Marie Christy Hernandez, and the supremely helpful staff at the Palace Theater for getting me into the graduation.