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Haverhill High Graduates 520; Class President Advises to ‘Conquer Any Challenge and Dodge Any Doubt’

By Caroline Louise Cole

Haverhill gave an enthusiastic send-off to 520 new Haverhill High School graduates under hazy skies Sunday at Haverhill Stadium.

As crowds in the stands cheered, Class of 2025 graduates in gold gowns and matching mortarboards, many decorated with glitter, flowers and drawing, moved to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Haverhill High School Concert Band.

This year’s class includes 139 who are pursuing four-year degrees at 67 different colleges and universities across the nation, 169 who are going on to community college, 57 who are entering trade schools, 13 who have apprenticeships waiting and 68 who have accepted employment. One student won a commission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Forty-two graduates completed their commencement requirements at Haverhill’s Gateway Academy.

Class President Vasiliki Gioldasis served as the master of ceremonies, first introducing class valedictorian Tyler Joslin. Joslin urged his fellow grads to be true to themselves and work past the inevitable challenges life will bring.

“In order to thrive as we continue on our own journeys, we must realize that change will build many walls to block our goals. But if we overcome these changes and adapt to what life throws at us, then there is nothing stopping us. I can’t wait to see what everyone here goes out to do. We must conquer any challenge and dodge any doubt that life throw us. hope and believe in ourselves that what are doing is right for us.,” Joslin said.

For her part Salutatorian Olivia Dickers asked her classmates to go forward with compassion.

“So, if I could ask just one thing of you as we go forward it would be this. Choose to be kind. Choose to be the person who sees the beauty in others even when it is not obvious. The world already has enough critics. Be someone who builds, someone who uplifts and someone who makes the room lighter just by being in it,” Dicker said.

Haverhill School Superintendent Margaret Marotta gave a rundown of the many accomplishments of the class including the fact that the grade point average of the 200 seniors who played sports was 3.2. She reminded the new grads that while their successes were their own to keep and exploit, they were not alone on their journey.

“Graduates, your path forward will have both successes and struggles but with each step is a change to grow, to embrace it. You can go anywhere, do anything, become anyone you choose. But remember, you have not done this alone. Behind you every step of the way were your families, your supporters, your biggest cheerleaders. So Class of 2025, I would like you to please rise, please rise and turn around and thank your families in the stands.” Marotta said.

Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett shook the hand of each graduate as they marched across the stage to receive their diplomas. School staff related to individual graduates were invited to help present the diplomas to their relatives.

The high school’s concert choir offered a rendition of “For Good” from the musical “Wicked” and was joined by the Concert Band in a performance of “Life Every Voice,” by J. Rosamond Johnson.

In his farewell to the grads Haverhill School Committee Vice Chair Richard J. Rosa invited the grads to take their skills out into the world and do something “amazing.”

“Now it is your turn to build something amazing so reach for the stars. Really. Set big goals. Dream boldly and don’t be afraid to stumble on the way. I speak for everyone up here. We believe in you. We are proud of you and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next. Congratulations, Class of 2025. Now go make your mark.” Rosa said.