Dedham High Class of 2016 Told to be Bold Like Beyonce

DEDHAM, MA - 13 years after jumping on the bus to kindergarten, a chapter has ended for the 180 students that make up the Dedham High School Class of 2016.

The school held their annual commencement ceremony Saturday, during which the achievements of the senior class was recognized, along with some advice.

“Throughout my first year (as principal), I kept hearing what a great group it was. They lived up to and exceed all those expectations. They have been leaders and achieved so much in four years. They have improved their school community and I am proud to be their principal,” Dedham High School Principal Ron McCarthy said.

Superintendent Michael Welch provided the graduates with some advice handed down to him from his father - don’t complain and hang around people who inspire you.

“My dad said you have no right to complain about something you can influence. There are many times you will want to blame others. Take control of the situation by taking action,” Welch said.

“Learn from those who leave you motivated and excited after their interactions. My dad use to say you can learn something from every person you’ve ever met. Use these lessons to become a better person.”

This year’s guest speaker was Dedham graduate Lee Anne Callahan-Longo, who most notably worked as a member of Beyonce’s management team. Callahan-Longo, who started out in radio before transitioning to management, told the seniors that it’s ok not to have life figured out.

“I’m here to tell you life is a journey, not a destination. While we spend a great deal of time working and building a career, it’s family and friends that matters,” Callahan-Longo said.

“Be bold, be like Beyonce, she’s the most magnificent artist I’ve seen and most beautiful person I know, inside and out. She’s shown me if you have faith, work hard, and put everything into everything you do, you can dream big,” she added.

Among the student speakers were class president Kyle Fonseca, valedictorian Michelle Carty, and the two salutatorians Noah Littman and John Dowling. The four reflected on their time at Dedham High School, recalling achievement, memories, friends and teachers they’ll never forget.

“Many of these teachers became more than teachers not just to me but to all of us. They were friends, soon to be Facebook friends, class advisors, mentors, advice givers and a hiding spot sometimes,” Fonseca said.

In her speech, Carty challenged her classmates to be who they want to be.

“I want you to promise that you’ll never squeeze into the molds other people make for you. Don’t allow the expectations of others to shape you,” Carty said.

In the final speeches of the day, Littman and Dowling touched on the bittersweet feeling that is graduation. With the end of school comes a new chapter and time in the lives of the young adults that are Dedham’s newest graduates.

“I know I’m not one for changes but they say you can never go back and it’s probably a good thing, After all, to go forward is progress and isn’t that what (life’s) all about?” Littman said.

“You should not be sad because the end of high school is a new beginning,” Dowling said. “You have the potential to do great things. Instead of expressing sorrow at the end of your time here, take advantage of the opportunity to make more memories.“

Image Credit: Dedham High School