WHS Graduation 2012

One hundred and ten Winthrop High seniors will receive their diplomas at the Class of 2012 commencement ceremonies Friday night at Miller Field.

Class Marshall Rachel DelSolio will have the honor of leading the procession of students on to the field while proud parents and guests look on from the bleacher seating area. DelSolio will also lead the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Class Valedictorian and Treasurer Catherine Loomis will sing the National Anthem.

Class President Leo Haskell will make remarks during the ceremony and present the class gift to Junior Class President Joseph Gobiel. The other senior class officers are Vice- President Mairead McCarthy and Secretary Janelle Gillespie.

Nicole Black will deliver the salutatory address.

Town Manager James McKenna, Council President Peter Gill, Fire Chief Paul Flanagan, and Police Chief Terence Delehanty will lead a slate of dignitaries who will be in attendance.

Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo, who has a commitment to the State Democratic Convention in Springfield Friday evening, has adjusted his busy schedule so that he can personally congratulate the class officers and graduates prior to the ceremony.

Superintendent of Schools John Macero said the students’ final year in high school has been highlighted by academic and athletic achievement.

“I’m looking forward to my first class graduating,” said Macero, who is completing his first year as superintendent. “They’ve had an exciting year. We wish these students the best and I want them to know that we’re always here if they need us.”

Macero also noted that for the first time administrators, including Principal Gail Conlon and Vice Principal Robyn Kostegan, and members of the WHS faculty will wear traditional caps and robes during the commencement ceremony. Conlon will deliver a speech that in past years has perfectly captured the significance of the momentous occasion for the graduates and their families while sprinkling in some humorous anecdotes and memories of the past four years.

Conlon will also present major awards and scholarships to graduates.

For Kostegan, the commencement ceremony brings professional as well as personal pride. Her daughter, Lauren, the class videographer, a student leader, and a scholar-athlete, will be receiving her diploma.