Wellesley Parents, Students Celebrate Graduation

Family and friends of Wellesley High School's 296 graduates filled the bleachers at Hunnewell Field Friday for a commencement night filled with anticipation and excited celebrations.

As hundreds of people streamed onto the field from area parking lots, they were greeted at the gates by members of the National Honor Society, who passed out programs.

The family of Anthony DiBiase showed to watch the graduate receive his diploma. Anthony's grandparents, Pauline and Ed Oullet flanked Norma O'Reilly, Anthony's aunt. "It's wonderful," Pauline said of Anthony's impending graduation. "We're very proud of him," O'Reilly said, "It's nice to see him carrying on a family tradition at Wellesley High." She and Ed, she noted, along with Anthony's mom, Jeanette, are all WHS graduates.

Leon Russo, WHS Class of 2007, was there to see his brother, Nick Danger, graduate. "I'm really excited," Russo said, "It's always surprising in a way to see someone you always envisioned younger to be seen as an adult." Russo said. After graduation, Russo said, they planned to have dinner at home. "It's going to be delicious," he said.

Back at Wellesley High School's gym, where graduates were waiting before marching to the field for commencement, "Of course," said Susie Hinchui when asked if she was excited.  

Graduate Jeff Fine said his day had been pretty much spent waiting for graduation to start. "We had a long, arduous rehearsal," in the morning, he said with a smile, then he and his friends hung out waiting, getting burgers and making sure they were on time for commencement. "This is the main event," Fine said. He said he was kind of nervous.

"It's bittersweet," said graduate Joanna Ferriter.

"It's a new life, almost," said her friend, graduate Elise Gaines.

On the field, the family of Jack Fiskio were eagerly anticipating the graduate's appearance. Jack's grandmother, Barbara, aunt Lisa, mom Gail and dad Mark, all Fiskios, had a rare patch of seats under a tree. Fiskio will attend Loyola University of New Orleans in the fall, said Barbara. "I think he's ready," she said. The family planned to go out for dinner after graduation to celebrate, after which Jack was headed for the All Night Graduation Party back at the High School.

A short time later, the graduates marched onto the field.

Sunil Bhatt, class president, praised his classmates on their journey from awkward teens, "To confident men and women." This is their chance, Bhatt said, "…to take all that we have learned from our parents and teachers in Wellesley to find our place and seek our ideals."

WHS principal Andrew Keough spoke of his own trials as a student, when no one believed in his ability or potential, but also of his perseverance and success. "You too may believe that people may not believe in you," he told the graduates, but, "Good things will come your way. So stay calm and stay focused."

Adam Cluff praised the Class of 2010 for taking to heart Edmund Burke's warning that, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing,"  when they spoke out against racially charged grafitti  that was found at Wellesley High School in March. "Speak the truth about yourselves as you all just did before your English classes," Cluff told the graduates.

He also invoked the 1992 play, "Angels in America," telling graduates that while the world only spins forward, away from prejudice, they must also beware the undertow, evident in things like the graffiti. His speech drew a lot of applause.

"More than anything, I've learned that we've got to do the best, the most positive and the most fun things right now, because our lives could change at any moment. We can't waste a second. We can't hesitate to be ourselves," said Valedictorian Madeline Dean. She ended her speech with a rap, which was also very popular with the crowd.

"Class of 2010, to all you from me, this is the sickest class the school ever will see. Now, we're off to the word, first time flyin free, and up here rappin, it's Maddie Big D," Dean rapped.

When the ceremony was over a t about 7 p.m., graduates cheered, threw their caps in the air, and rushed to share hugs with each other and family.