Seekonk High Grads Told to Keep Climbing

Seekonk High School’s 2023 graduating class has dealt with obstacles in the last four years and Saturday’s commencement exercises were no exception.

The unseasonably chilly weather had parents and friends bundling up against the elements Saturday as this year’s 137 seniors filed onto the school’s athletic field.

Principal William Whalen made the decision to delay the ceremony a day due to inclement weather on Friday evening. It was decided the gymnasium would be too hot for the families and friends attending the event. There were some complaints on social media about the date change.

Despite the delay, the graduates made the most of it and collected their diplomas as they prepared to leave for the adult world. Valedictorian Ashly Gasior discussed the growing use of artificial intelligence and said “we need to embrace it.” Gasior thanked the school’s administrators and teachers for enabling the graduates to “pursue our passions.” Gasior will be attending the University of Connecticut in the Honors Program to study chemistry on the pre-med track in the fall. She plans to continue her education in neuroscience and biomedical research. “Enjoy your journeys,” Gasior told her fellow graduates.

Salutatorian Ava Lyon praised her classmates for their resilience, noting they were freshmen during the spread of the coronavirus. Months of remote learning was a test of friendships. “We were prepared for the worst,” Lyon recalled. Lyon noted the class learned how to manage relationships and balance the demands of school, work, and social lives. Lyon will be attending Boston University’s Sargent College to study human physiology as one of 160 incoming class members on the pre-med track. “You are resilient,” Lyon added. “Keep on moving and keep on climbing.”

Whalen advised the graduates to “embrace the unknown.” “Never be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone,” Whalen said.

Sarah Demelo, Joseph Majkut, and Morgan Silvestre shared special memories of their time at Seekonk High School.

The National Anthem was performed by the High School Band.

Photos by Joe Siegel