Seekonk High Grads Encouraged to ‘Work Hard’

On Saturday, the 147 graduates of Seekonk High School’s 2021 graduating class were encouraged to make a contribution to the world. Parents, friends, and members of the school administration and faculty cheered the class as they marched onto the athletic field to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Valedictorian Madison Sirois said the class had learned how to be independent after having to engage in distance learning due to the pandemic. “For most of the year we were stuck alone in our bedrooms, left to fend for ourselves as we missed out on classic senior year experiences,” Sirois noted. “But if these few months have proven anything, it’s that we don’t need an easy road to be successful.”

Salutatorian Nicholas Jankowski shared Sirois’ can-do attitude in his speech: “We still made the most out of what was given to us. We adapted to online learning and even when the workload was too much to bear, we pushed through knowing that eventually (life) would get better.”

Principal William Whalen told the graduates they had handled the hardships associated with distance learning  and social distancing with “grace and maturity.” “I think that you have all learned a lot about who you are as people,” Whalen added.

School Superintendent Rich Drolet encouraged the graduates to keep fighting when obstacles are placed in their way. “Remember there’s always hope even under the worst of circumstances,” Drolet said. “Work hard and things will come your way. Don’t complain. Stay away from those who might bring you down. Don’t give up.”