'Most Special' Weymouth HS Class of 2017 Says Goodbye

WEYMOUTH, MA — A most special class said their final goodbyes to Weymouth High School this weekend.

After hours in the classroom, in after-school activities, and around town doing community service, the Class of 2017 received their diplomas Saturday morning, closing the student’s most recent chapter as class President Cody Moran said.

“I may be bias but the Class of 2017 is one of the most special classes I have seen go through this school. Year after year, we have overcome many of the obstacles high school brings and still ended up stronger. When it looked like our nation was becoming more polarized, we only became more united and inclusive. I saw this class band together. Ideas such as acceptance, school spirit, and a sense of community are on full display at Weymouth High School and I felt that every day,” Moran said.

In a ceremony full of reflection and memories, Salutatorian Ciara Duggan asked her classmates to recall their younger years when they were asked what they wanted to be. Some of those choices included President of the United State, police officer, and librarian. While they have grown up, Duggan urged the class to hold on to a few aspect of their childhood selves.

“We should never let go of the curious nature we had at the start. While it may seem easy to be passive and, unquestioning and accepting of the things around us, we must ask questions like why or what could be, because there can be no change in the world without such questions,” Duggan said.

Valedictorian Winnie Nguy continued to urge the seniors to make the world around them better. Drawing inspiration from the book “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” she told her classmates to make the world they want it to be, recalling the food drives, charity walks, school spirit, and others things her grade is known for.

“We are already making the world what we think it should be, one purple crayon at the time. We persist, persevere, and perfect both as individuals and as a team and I don’t see that changing anytime soon,” Nguy said

In her first Weymouth High School graduation as superintendent, Jennifer Curtis-Whipple, also a graduate of the high school, said she began the year with the motto “Weymouth Proud,” adding that looking at everyone in the yellow and maroon gowns certainly made her Weymouth proud.

Highlighting the class’ achievements, she said they survived Snowmageddon, Saturday school, created the Weycathalon, held prom at the historic Emery Estate despite behind told it couldn’t happen and became more involved in global issues.

“You have done a great deal for others. From your community service hours and food drives, you have made a difference by thinking about others before yourself. You haven't just survived, but you have handled the unexpected graciously. Your activism, volunteerism, and resilience have made us not just proud, but Weymouth proud,” she said.

Reflecting on their capstone projects, Curtis-Whipple gave such examples as plans for a hotel and conference center at Union Point and a mammography van that can provide breast cancer screenings and preventative care.

"You saved lives. There are members of our community who will live longer, healthier lives because of what you did,” she said.

In his final graduation at Weymouth High School, Principal Peter Haviland thanked the community for his eight years at the school

“You’ve had an incredible impact on your school and your community and we appreciate what you’ve done. We have noticed the extraordinary work that you’ve done and you have the approval and appreciation of everyone here and everyone who knows what you’ve done to get in that seat,” he said.

The Class of 2017 is responsible for over 27,000 of community service. Collectively, the school performed over 100,000 hours.

Image via Weymouth Cable Access