By Julia Beauregard
Hometown Weekly Editor
On the evening of Thursday, June 5, Dover-Sherborn families gathered together on the Dover-Sherborn High School (DSHS) athletic field to watch as the high school seniors crossed the threshold from childhood into adulthood. Seniors gathered together in their royal blue caps and gowns and strutted down the field to the sound of the DS regional bands rendition of “Pomp & Circumstance.”
The ceremony began with the pledge of allegiance led by graduates Luke Bissada, Asher Primack, and Grant Sullivan. After the pledge, the DS Regional Band and Chorus performed the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Members from the Dover and Sherborn board of Selectman, Robyn Hunter and Steven Tsai congratulated the Class of 2025, praising their intelligence, integrity, and resilience. “Dover-Sherborn is the envy of many in Massachusetts and that is not by accident… thank you for making Dover-Sherborn the special place that it is… to the graduates, you did it… this evening is not a celebration for what you have done, but a launch pad for what comes next,” Hunter imparted this sentiment upon the class. Tsai reminded all of the graduates that “a well lived life is multifaceted,” and asked them to carry this wisdom with them as they moved forward to the next chapter.
Audrey Capone, one of the declamation finalists, then took to the podium. She shared in her speech that, in most instances, “we’re supposed to recognize what we do… but let’s recognize our past.” She recollected how the class has grown over the years with each other and as individuals, as acknowledging all that has happened to us makes a difference; especially as their class was often used as the transitional “guinea pig” being the first class to transition into high school post-Covid and their transition from using paper to technology. Capone shared proudly of herself and her classmates that: “we welcome the unpredictability; after all it’s what we were raised by.”
The second declamation finalist Maaz Alvi took to the podium next, stating: “We are all nervous for what comes next, but use it as a fuel for your growth.” He recollected the wonderful experiences and the importance of community that was imparted on the class during their time in the DSHS school system and asked for everyone to “Carry that community spirit forward and look for a glimpse of the Dover-Sherborn heart in others.” Alvi expressed to his classmates that they need to be aware of the nervousness that comes with growth and moving forward and embrace what is to come, even if failure is inevitable; “You need to find something that will force you to change for he better… force you to become stronger… force you to be better… you must learn to love to fail, even if you fail a thousand times… every set back and failure will help you to move forward and build you success.”
Principal John G. Smith then presented the Lonergan Award, in memory of former DSHS Headmaster Denise Lonergan; this award is given to students who show diligence, integrity and loyalty. Seniors Lilly Page and Silas Morris were awarded this prestigious award. Smith, then, provided the presentation of the class, recounting the beautiful memories that he has made with this seniors as they’ve grown and moved throughout DSHS. “Class of 2025, you have left your mark… congratulations and never stop striving.”
Before the presentation of the diplomas, Elizabeth McCoy, superintendent, provided the acceptance of the class. She recounted how members of the Class of 2025 have used their voices and critical thinking skills to shape their experiences at DSHS as well as the experiences of those around them; “because of you, we will make changes to benefit students for years to come.” Before closing her speech, she imparted this wisdom upon the students: “your voice is your power, use it to speak truth, and to spark change.”
After the students received their diplomas and the final graduate walked across the stage, the seniors flipped the tassels on their caps before heading back to the field to throw their caps to the wind.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025.
