Friday Night Lights – For the first time, WHS will stage its commencement ceremony under the lights at Miller Field

By Cary Shuman
editor@winthroptranscript.com

The members of the Winthrop High School Class of 2009 will receive their diplomas Friday night at Miller Field, under the lights, for the first time in school history.

The commencement ceremony, in which 110 graduates will receive their diplomas, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The ceremony was moved to a nighttime setting after some students and parents approached Principal Gail Conlon and requested moving it from Sunday (late morning/early afternoon) to Friday night, citing the heat and humidity that have affected the comfort of attendees at past daytime ceremonies, and also the excitement of having the special ceremony held under the lights. Conlon granted their request. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the high school.

Class President Vanessa Caruccio, whose academic career included a featured appearance on the Music Television (MTV) show, “Made,” will deliver the presidential farewell address. Ben Sena will present the salutatory address while Madeline Corona has earned the honor of delivering the valedictory address.

Dr. Stephen Jenkins, superintendent of Winthrop schools, and Principal Gail Conlon will address the graduates and the large assemblage that is expected to attend the ceremonies. Council President Thomas Reilly and School Committee Chairwoman Patricia Milano will also have official roles in the ceremony.

More than $80,000 in scholarships and special academic and athletic awards will be presented to the graduates.

“I’m extraordinarily proud of this class,” said Conlon. “They have done a tremendous job over the past four years, three of which I have been the principal. I wish the graduates a great deal of success in the future. I believe that they will be successful in any road they take. If there’s anything that I can ever do to help any of them in their future, I will be more than happy to do that.”