Seniors Say 'Adios, Goodbye, I Love You' on Graduation Day

Mt. Hope High School's 2011 graduation ceremony was filled with hope, empowerment and love on Saturday afternoon. 

Before the  that lined the bleachers near the stage were handed their diplomas, Emily Cambrola made her Salutatory Address (see video), reminiscing about her good memories in school and inspiring her classmates to embrace the future. Michelle Farias, the 2011 valedictorian, also made her , noting that without support, she and her classmates may not be where they are today. She thanked everyone who helped her along the way.

Principal Donald Rebello sent the students off to their first day of their "loosely defined 'real world'" by explaining to family members and friends that he had wondered if the class was truly prepared and whether or not they could succeed.

But he quickly washed away any doubt by pointing out many similarities he found between the class of 2011 and Journalist Tom Brokaw's findings among characteristics of strong, brave World War II veterans.

Rebello said that like the veterans, the class of 2011 have grown up in challenging times similar to a depression. He said that the veterans and students come from small communities with many community celebrations where family is appreciated and utilized as a support system. But most of all, he said they share the strong desire to do better.

"I ask you to note the parallels because I think we have a unique generation today," he said. "This is a very unique class and they are destined for great success."

Rebello also took time to honor the careers of five faculty and staff members retiring this year: John Marshall (social studies), Carolyn Thomas (librarian), Nancy McMahon (Spanish), Diane Gempp (guidance), and Cynthia Marszalek (pupil personnel).

The Mt. Hope Vocal Ensemble performed the National Anthem, the chorus joined them for a performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and the Mt. Hope Band performed "Among the Clouds." Emily Cambrola handed the Baton of Leadership over to Scott MacGovern, 2012 Class President, and Victoria Pereira and Rachel Whiting presented Devin Mendoza of the Class of 2012 with the class gift, a portable sound system.

School Committee Chairman John Bento offered his advice for the graduating class — "laughter in adversity" — which he said help him through a tough situation while he was serving in Iraq in 2005.

"Be strong, succeed," he said. "But when you hit those barriers, don't forget to laugh. If you don't have the strength to laugh, reach out to these people who love you."

As the graduating class began to fidget in their seats waiting to receive their diplomas, Victoria Jamiel, 2011 Class Vice President, made the final farewell remarks. She spoke about the lessons learned in "love" during 2-week long middle school relationships, noting that they all "begin with 'hello,' and a wink face, and end with bye, I love you."

"In middle school a relationship meant you were in love, and you would break up after two weeks," she said. "But high school is different. It's a four-year, long-term, committed relationship. It's Facebook official."

She reminded her peers about reading between the lines of lessons learned in class to find the bigger picture out of seemingly irrelevant facts. But Jamiel said that there was one thing she was never taught.

"In Spanish we learned to say adios, but we never learned how to say goodbye," she said, continuing on to address her class. "...Today I'm taking what we've learned, confidently looking you in the eye to say, adios, goodbye, I love you."