It was a perfect night for a graduation of one of the larger classes in recent Winthrop High School history with 156 graduates. Friends and family filled the Viking gym.
Graduates were also joined by local officials, the School Committee and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo.
Grace Smotrich and Daniel Gillis are all smiles and ‘Red Carpet Ready’ during the annual promenade in the Winthrop Gym. The students and their escorts traveled the red carpet before leaving for the Senior
Principal Matt Crombie said the impact the teachers at Winthrop High School have on the students is immeasurable.
“The teachers are the backbone of Winthrop High School,†he said.
He then went into a story about a rubber chicken, complete with sound effects, who had been confiscated from a student and now has become the office mascot.
Crombie wanted to share with the students in case they were feeling a little nervous.
“I won’t bring it up again,†he joked.
“Class of 2019 you’re such a successful group of students with such diversity, drive and dedication,†he said, while explaining that he held students late on their last day to complete a survey of experiences.
“Seventy-eight percent of you started school in the first grade at the Fort Banks,†he said. “One word that showed up a lot was the word ‘determined’.
As eighth-graders you were extremely determined to be in the high school, this determination showed on the stage, the classroom and the playing field.
“But it was 75 percent of you who indicted ‘volunteerism’ as your word to describe the class,†he said. “In the past five years it’s made a difference in our school. You named school and community events that you participated in that were designed to help others in need. Your biggest impact on our school was you stepping up and helping others, influencing and inspiring your peers to do the same.â€
“Your determination, success, and impact at Winthrop High School wouldn’t be possible if you didn’t have great teachers along the way,†Crombie said. “The surveys showed that support from your family and friends has been essential. When asked who was the most influential person in your life, 87 percent of you indicated it was someone in your immediately family.â€
The most important question in the survey was “what meaningful address would you give an incoming ninth grader – the common theme from your responses was you would encourage them to take risks and make the most of every opportunity, Crombie said.
“The most common phrase was ‘just be yourself,’ ‘do everything’ and ‘be kind’. You already know what is truly important.
“No matter where you go or what you do just be you
Graduates of the class of 2019 of Winthrop High School, Survey says… your ready for the real world,†Crombie said.