Cranston West Class of 2020

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CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL WEST FALCONS ntin g e the Cla s e r ss o f P

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FROM THE

Cranston Herald July 2020

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cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

Mayor’sRemarks CRANSTON MAYOR

Allan Fung

Hi graduates! I’m proud to be with Principal Barbieri and your faculty and staff at Cranston West, Superintendent Nota-Masse, School Committee Chairman Wall and all of Cranston to extend our sincerest congratulations to you, the Falcon Class of 2020!

I want to first address your parents. You are probably wondering where the years have gone. You’ve lived through their great accomplishments between kindergarten and now graduation. You’ve also lived some of their down moments, like the 14-day quarantine in your homes … I’m sure it seemed like an eternity and it wasn’t easy for all of you. Through it all you’ve been by their side. Today is about you as much as it is them.

Congratulations parents!

Now, Class of 2020, graduation time is usually when speakers tell you to do your best and go out to make history. Well, this year is quite different. History is writing itself for all of us. An event that happened a world away swept the globe and found us right here in Cranston.

This event has changed how we do things. You went to class, but in your bedroom, on your kitchen table or even in your basement so you can get some privacy. You did it with Zoom or other apps.

It would have been easy not to do this. You could have slid back into Netflix, Instagram and PS4. But you didn’t. You adapted to all the challenges that have been thrown at you and you’ve overcome!

We celebrate today because you kept going. We are also grateful, because we need you.

Technology is in your DNA … born and educated in a world that was only science fiction when I was in school.

You are the generation that will take the technology utilized today to make it even better in all facets of our lives.

This pandemic has also shown that we do have an impact on our environment. Air pollution has actually decreased. You are the generation that will tackle our world’s biggest environmental concerns and make this a better place to live.

And you are the generation that will be finding a cure for this virus and maybe even the cure for cancer.

So as you go off to college, start a job, or serve all of us in the military, know that we believe in you. You’ve been prepared for anything that life will throw at you by your teachers, administrators and most importantly, those people sitting at home with you (your parents, family and friends). We will ALWAYS be there for you.

Congratulations and best wishes for continued success!

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Congratulations to all the Cranston Graduates of the Class of 2020 I wish you the very best as you embark on the next chapter of your lives.

Please continue to learn and work hard.

You all have very bright futures!

Representative Nick Mattiello Paid for by Friends of Nicholas Mattiello

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Superintendant’s Remarks SUPERINTENDANT

Jeannine Nota-Masse

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graduates we usually do it collectively – school family and real family. This year is no different, except at a distance.

We are here not only to pay tribute to the hard work that all of you have put in since the moment you stepped into kindergarten 13 years ago, but to honor the love of your families and your teachers, which like wind in your sails has propelled you here. Your educational journey began many years ago, and you should relish all of the fun you have had, friends you have made and things you have learned.

When I hear the term “2020” I think of good vision. Maybe this is an appropriate name for all of you … you are visionaries. You have the luxury to look ahead and see things that are in front of you. You have bright futures, even though it may seem daunting right now. Do not dwell on the disappointments you experienced over the past few months. You will never be able to change them. See them as life experiences which have shaped or influenced you, but have not ruined you. Instead, look forward. Use your 2020 vision to see the hope and opportunities your futures offer.

Class of 2020, years from now, if there is anything that you will recall about what we say here today I want you to remember this. This day is not an end unto itself. For we have all had our share of hardship and loss over the last few months. However, we must not let that define us and we must remember that the essence of today is about renewal. It is about beginnings and perseverance.

It is about the future. And it is about hope … This has never been more true than this year. These are indeed the indelible marks which the Class of 2020 will leave on our hearts.

May your futures be filled with endless learning and much joy. Congratulations and best of luck to each of you

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Good afternoon class of 2020! My name is Jeannine Nota-Masse and I am honored to be your superintendent of Cranston schools. Traditionally, and under normal circumstances, I would begin these remarks by welcoming all of our parents, grandparents, family members, faculty and staff, dignitaries and especially, the members of the New England Laborers Construction and Career Academy/Cranston High School East/West Class of 2020 to our commencement exercises today. Today, I also want to thank those of you watching this and being a part of this special day by welcoming all of us into your homes so that together we can celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of this very special group of young people.

March 13 of this year changed our lives. There you were … hopefully enjoying your senior year, probably thinking about April break, buying your prom dress, trying out for a spring sport, looking for a summer job … counting the days until graduation and just like that, your school closed. In the days following, it seemed the world and life as you knew it, came to a halt. Some of you were quickly quarantined and forced to stay home. Within a week, you were at home, but in school, learning digitally … and even for a generation who loves its phones and is tech savvy, that was way too much.

So what did you do? You made the best of it.

You had some fun creating Instagram Posts, TikTok videos, and got to sleep late.

But you also used your copious amount of newly found time to do some good and look beyond yourselves.

You cared for your community and forwarded your unused prom and event money to buy food for nursing homes and first responders. You approached this uncertain time by continuing with your school work, focusing on finishing this year, and staying in. You sacrificed your normal routines and many enjoyable events and helped all of us get through a scary and stressful time. Like many generations of young adults before you, your sacrifices for the good of your neighbor, your state and your country will not be forgotten.

On a happier note, your focus and dedication to your studies has paid off because here you are.

Every year when we gather together to celebrate our

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Paul H. Archetto

Cranston School Committee - Ward 3

Best Wishes & Congratulations

2020 GRADUATES

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On behalf of all of us in Ward 1, Cranston:

Congratulations Graduating Class of 2020!

TO THE

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible’!” ~Audrey Hepburn

Councilwoman Lammis J. Vargas Ward 1, Cranston

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cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

Remarks from

Cranston West Principal Thomas Barbieri

We have gathered here this evening to participate in the 58th Commencement of Cranston High School West. We honor the graduates of the Class of 2020 and their multitude of achievements.

First, I wish to congratulate the parents, family and friends of the 338 graduates that have completed their studies and met the ever-increasing requirements to cross this stage and receive a Cranston High School West diploma. Your years of unconditional love, support, guidance and YES even those consequences, have finally paid off. Congratulations to all of the student’s loved ones in the audience that have participated in our graduate’s success.

Next, I would like to pay respect to our CHSW teachers and staff. They are the educational thread for academic and social greatness in our educational community. Our decennial NEASC accreditation report noted the teaching staff of CHSW to be a cohesive faculty that is fully inclusive, collaborative with all aspects of the educational community and most importantly the report states that the teachers support students so that they can be successful – they have done just that during these unprecedented times.

I would now like to turn my attention to our graduating seniors. Every year, I reflect on the previous four years of a graduating class.

In normal times – prior to March 13 at 1:45 p.m., we would have a prom, taking pictures, doing the senior tailgate, and spending times together these last few months. Of course, nothing about these times is normal. Who knew that a graduation ceremony would become a public health hazard? The world was going to change us in ways that we would never expect. Despite this, let me say that you have always mattered to us to me, and there are memories of laughter, tears, failure and triumphs that we have shared together during these years at Cranston West that make you not just another class of students. I’ve had the honor of greeting you in the morning, visiting your classes, eating with you in the lunchroom, attending productions, special events, award nights, dances, proms, team nights, and athletic games. Over the years, we have encountered many successes and faced some challenges including an historical one. But despite these challenges, we have not let them define us – they helped make us stronger. Your spirit, your pride, your strong work ethic and unparalleled leadership skills, repeatedly demonstrated that you are a special class to the world and to me. You are genuine, kind, humble and collectively you are truly compassionate for each other. You are a family of exceptional scholars, athletes, and exceptionally talented individuals. You have served as role models not just for our underclassmen or community, but for the world, demonstrating mature and responsible behavior at ALL this year’s events and activities, including an unprecedented and historical time.

The following are the impressive statistics set by this class – 46 percent of you qualified for RI Honor Society, 97 percent of you will be attending post-secondary institutions/military in the fall. You have collectively garnered almost $34million dollars in college scholarship money. Members of this class have received 167 individual college acceptances and been accepted to 71 different post-secondary institutions nationwide. Most importantly, you have almost a combined 14,000 hours community service hours! Indeed, you have set the benchmark high for others to follow. You are an amazing group.

You accomplished this while being brought up in a time where you are defining normal. Continue to be cautious in the age you live in; don’t let these times define you, but rather you define these times. Remember there are going to be bad times in life and life is not going to be fair but you need to have these days to know what the good ones are like and I assure you that the bad days will pass – they won’t last forever. Many of Your best days still lie ahead and these times will all make you stronger.

I ask all my graduating classes to do the following three things: first, kiss your parents and family members – tell them you love them today and every day; second, thank a teacher; and third, be selfless. Come back and give back to your community and to your Falcon family, as we will always be here for you.

I am going to add a fourth one this year – personally for me. I want you to come back one day – when this era passes – I want to shake your hands and tell you how proud I am of you. As our School Mission Statement states, you are always a Falcon. You have been a wonderful class, one that I will remember fondly and never forget. Continue to strive for greatness and never, ever accept anything less. YOU ARE winning at life, every day. Thank you for letting me into your lives and for being such a significant part of mine.

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Remarks from

Cranston West CACTC Director Zachary Farrell

Greetings everyone and welcome. My name is Zachary Farrell and I am the Director of the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center.

First and foremost, I would like to thank all of our graduates and their families for allowing us to be a part of your celebration both in person and at home, as well as offer my sincere congratulations to you all.

I want to also tell you how honored I am to be here to address you on this special day, which is one of the most significant achievements of your lives, and echo the sense of resounding pride felt by our entire school community.

It would be an understatement to say that the journey here has not been an easy one. But despite the recent challenges that have befallen us, your dedication and resilience have proven to be an inspiration to us all.

The fact that we are here today is not only a credit to you but a tribute to the love and support of your families and teachers, which has smoothed the bumps in the road along the way, and remains proof positive that any obstacle can be surmounted.

This Class of 2020 is a special one for me. Your’s is the first class with which I have been for your entire four years.

It is also the first class for which I have served as Director of the Career & Technical Center during your entire tenure.

To my Career & Tech graduates, you have shown us that by choosing to pursue career and technical education, that you are willing to go above and beyond.

And for that reason all of the accolades and honors showered on this class are well deserved because you have given as much as you have gained.

Let the certificates you will receive always serve as a reminder of the fortitude, innovation and creativity you have shown and let those qualities continually spur a mindset of achievement and excellence for which you have striven.

Again, I congratulate all of our graduates and wish you all the very best of luck.

Thank you!

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Congratulations Class of 2020!

While we know this isn’t the graduation you imagined, the current situation in no way diminishes the hard work and dedication it took for you to reach this milestone.

Your graduation is cause for celebration - for all you’ve achieved and for everything that’s to come. Best wishes to the Class of 2020 from your friends at Washington Trust!

A skWas h Tr u st . c o m ~ 8 0 0 -4 7 5 -2 2 6 5

CONGRATULATIONS

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to all the

Cranston Graduates of the

Class of

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Councilman Paul J. McAuley WARD 2 | CRANSTON

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cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

Valedictorian Isabella Corso

To be quite honest, I didn’t know if I would even be able to speak to you all today considering our current circumstances.

Having looked forward to this opportunity for such a long time, I didn’t think anything could make me any more grateful to be delivering a parting message to the Cranston High School West graduating class of 2020.

Before I begin to address the class, though, I need to take the time to deliver a sincere “thank you” to the faculty, staff, and families of West, to the Cranston Public School System Administration, and to all of the essential workers listening to me today. As everyone knows, we would not have made it to this moment without your hard work and dedication to our wellbeing. I know that high schoolers may sometimes have a bit of an attitude, but trust me, we understand the sacrifices our families have made in order to better our lives, and for that we will always be thankful.

But now I would like to turn my attention to my classmates.

Guys, please take a deep breath. We’ve made it.

Together, we’ve celebrated all victories, big or small, and now we can finally say that we’ve graduated.

And believe it or not, ladies and gentlemen, we actually learned a few things along the way.

While I don’t really know who gave me any authority to stand up here and give advice or if I even have this power in the first place, I would like to share some of the most important things I’ve figured out during my time at West. (My original speech concerning this topic was 12 minutes long, but, wanting to stay consistent with the high school experience, I’ve decided to read the Sparknotes version) Work ethics are like snowflakes: no two are the same. All kids exhibit passion in different areas, and these areas, whether involving academics, a part-time job, or athletics, for example, deserve more than anything to be respected and encouraged.

Just as one often seeks the guidance office in search of snacks, one must seek guidance in all aspects of life. Never be afraid to ask questions and always assume a growth mindset.

The only competition that truly matters is the one you have with yourself to always strive to be better than you were yesterday (Unless, of course, you’re playing girls tennis. In which case, roll falcons) As you may have guessed, I take academics and hard work very seriously, but I’ve found that the relationships you build with those around you have just as much of an impact on overall success. So prioritize those most important to you, always.

There truly is no better group of people to make up the next generation than those graduating today - We as a class were put on this Earth by some force that already knew all about our capabilities and resilience. We were made to create change, and though we may occasionally be a bit of a nuisance, we will never lose this unwavering passion.

Now, after contemplating for weeks exactly how to properly end my final opportunity to address this group, inspiration struck in the shower one afternoon. I thought I would be able to best sum these past four years using an epic poem: something that tells the story of characters overcoming great feats and celebrates their achievements, because my dear class of 2020, if any group of students deserves having their achievements celebrated, it’s you. Although what I’m about to share has literally no other traditional characteristic of an epic poem, I have decided to claim artistic license and run with it. So here it goes.

The parents producing kids in years 2001 and 2002 Had no idea what would become of these unique few Watching us grow up in all areas of the city, state and country, The world waited with baited breath to witness the fate of the fabled class of 2020.

The night before the first day of our freshman year Cranston West stirred with anticipation, At the very thought of welcoming the class that emulated the mysterious power of this new generation.

Now freshman year was certainly no easy conquest, And I still shudder at the memory of taking a foundations of physics test.

But we remained in place despite being told to go home by the class of 2017 And shook off much of the nervousness that accompanies being the age of fifteen.

In this one year, the seed of greatness had been planted, And as we began to leave hints of the future, the community could not help but be enchanted.

Each of our subtle victories comprised the overcast of red clouds that began to creep into the sky, And this class so overloaded with talent and drive caused the air to electrify.

After months of “my parent can take if yours will pick up,” sophomore year hit and left us more than ready, To enter our respective activities with the sixteen year-old confidence that gripped many.

The members of our class rocked varsity sports, theatre, academics, music, and art, And the administrative emails almost ran out of space to list all of our accolades even though this represented only the start.

As juniors we battled the infamous standardized test, Ripping through difficult courses and stress in an attempt to complete our high school quest.

However threatening this stage appeared, we fought back with our 339 person force, Going on to win state titles in fundraising, skills USA, and sports.

Once our senior year arrived and the red clouds broke to unleash the ultimate storm, We greeted the fall by running through the halls in a mighty, all-black swarm.

Taking breaks from applying to college to upset Lasalle and Cumberland we left no stone unturned, Letting the rest of the state know about the alpha status that we had rightfully earned.

While the class of 2020 resume is certainly riddled with stories of high achieving students and teams, We go far beyond the traditional well-rounded high school class in our characteristics as human beings.

We are made up of volunteers, fundraisers, and essential student workers who complete their homework after eight hour shifts, And we have an endless supply of compassion and kindness, constantly displaying these special gifts.

But because of that fateful day in march, this poem must be left unfinished, Though there is no doubt in my mind that this experience will only further memorialize our class’s unmatched greatness.

I cannot pretend to know exactly what is in store after we go our separate ways, But I do know that in each of our endeavors, the class of 2020 will never cease to amaze.

So my dear classmates, though that epic concludes only one element of our story, it will certainly be told for years to come. I know that I’m being very cliche, but it really is difficult to put into words how privileged I feel to have been a part of this class. I will miss you terribly, and if I could continue making you guys Quizlets throughout college, you know I would.

Thank you for simply being yourselves, and I hope that you enter the world knowing that you have the ability to change it for the better.

Stay in touch, and I wish you all the best.

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Congratulations CRANSTON GRADUATES CLASS OF 2020 You worked hard. You preserved. You graduated.

Congratulations on your achievements.

Michael Favicchio Cranston City Council, Council - Vice President - Ward 6

Congratulations

CRANSTON GRADUATES CLASS OF 2020

David Alden Sears

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020 We are honored to celebrate this achievement with you and we wish you all the best today and always.

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Congratulations Cranston Graduates Class of 2020 We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments; and we watch with great enthusiasm as you begin the next chapter of your lives.

Sara Tindall-Woodman, Ward 1 Cranston School Committee

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Salutatorian Daniel Marella

Entering Cranston High School West as a freshman, one of the last things I thought I’d ever be doing is standing up here delivering this speech.

However, ever since I risked running for Class President as an admittedly shy sophomore, I dreamed of graduation day – the day when I could speak not to my class, but on behalf of my class. Today, Class of 2020, my job is significant; to say I feel a little pressure is an understatement, but it’s trumped by the obligation I have to all of you to be your voice, which I will attempt to do with honor and a finally, a haircut after forced by my mother to get one immediately.

Graduates, THIS is not the day I dreamed of; I never dreamed of speaking to an empty auditorium. I never dreamed that I would be standing here, alone, as the only physical member of the Class of 2020. I speak on behalf of all of us when I say this is not what any of us imagined. The Class of 2020 had senior year pulled out from under our feet: Senior Prom, honors nights, banquets, spring sports, even the simple opportunity for closure all vanished. In record time, we were asked to do something we’ve never done before: learn in our pajamas, from our bedrooms, without our teachers, without each other – without Mrs. Chapman over the loudspeaker – with screens as our only lifelines. None of us imagined that Friday, March 13th would be our last day here. I remember my last fifteen minutes in this building, eating leftover pizza, rushing to Robotics; I wish I could screenshot those last moments. I’ll admit that when arriving here to record this speech, it was eerie stepping foot on campus again. I’m sure you all share my sentiments when I say that this situation still doesn’t seem real. But despite the silence here at 80 Metropolitan Avenue, I can still hear all of you. I can even see you. YOU are all here with me. YOU are all a part of my story.

The last two months stuck at home have forced me to reflect on the time I spent in high school. I questioned myself: Did I take things for granted? Did I spend enough time with my classmates? Did I eat enough snacks from the guidance snack drawer? Did I push myself outside of my comfort zone? Was I just another face in the crowd?

Did I make my mark? High school offered us a priceless opportunity to be a part of something special. But, there’s no price substantial enough to bring it back – we know this – however, in moving forward, I hope our time away from campus has motivated us to enter this next phase of our lives to maximize every opportunity, every interaction, every lesson, and every day - for as we now know, everything can change in an instant.

In the spirit of maximizing opportunities, when I ran for Senior Class President, I was asked, “Dan, what do you hope to accomplish being President again?” My answer? I wanted to ensure I knew every single student in my class. I wanted to leave here knowing who you all are because you are all part of my story. I wanted to be that guy ten years from now who looks through his yearbook and can recognize anyone saying, “Hey, I knew them.” Did I accomplish that?

I hope so! These past few months have made me debate whether

I did you all justice. Could I have spent more time getting to know each and every one of you? Did I leave anyone out, and were any of my classmates just a face in the crowd? To all of you whom I may not know personally, I apologize, and, as a result of this recent bit of Italian guilt, I’ve decided to try and make it up to all of you.

So, Class of 2020, let’s take a little walk, shall we? (motions with hand, the camera follows, and music starts. Walk to the front of auditorium seats and put arms out – auditorium is full of every graduate’s photo) You are ALL here with me today. THIS is your day, graduates, and I promise you, none of you are just faces in the crowd …

(Walks over to Cam Alves) Like Cam Alves, I mean HOW many football games was he responsible for winning?

(Walks over to Jayson Martinez) Or Jayson Martinez, with a glowing smile on his face each morning, ready to serve you coffee and send you off with a fist bump.

(Walks over to Ashley Konturas) Or Ashley Konturas, waking us up every day with an energetic “Goooooood morning Cranston High School West!”

(Walks over to Armando Mirabal) I mean, how could we forget Armando, always putting on a show with his epic piano skills and never failing to give Mr. Barbieri a warm welcome.

(Walks over to Alexa Lombardi) Or Lexi Lombardi representing our school at Student Leadership meetings and on the field and as Westernette Captain.

(Walks over to Mike Patatanes) Mike Pat! I’ll miss his spirited energy at the games, hyping everyone up in the stands.

(Walks over to Nicholas Crudale) OR CRUDALE! What fantastic treats is he cooking up with the culinary program today? (Hopefully chocolate-chip cookies – my favorite!)

(Walks over to Roman Stanley and Brandon Cummings) Roman and Brandon, stunning us with their incredible dance skills at our Pep Rally on the brand new field this past fall. They got serious moves.

(Walks over to Sophia Chan) And Sophia Chan, radiating genuine kindness and always saving our breaths with her seemingly-endless stash of gum. (stick out hand for gum) And the list goes on! I’m so glad all of you could join me today! (holds hands out) So, in the words of John Krasinski, yes, that dude from “The Office,” when he addressed his alma mater Brown University – my future home – last year, “The piece of paper I get today not only says where I was educated, but who I was educated with and it declares that I am a member of that community of people.”

We – graduates, family, faculty, administrators - have all helped define the Falcon community, united as one, and YOU are all part of my story, forever and always – and for this, I sincerely thank all of you for this amazing chapter. Remember, cherish every minute of your life because you never know when your normal will disappear.

Congratulations graduates of the Class of 2020!

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1. ISABELLA CORSO

Isabella Corso, valedictorian of Cranston West’s class of 2020, plans to attend Harvard University in the fall with a major in economics.

During her time at Cranston West, Corso has been involved in a wide range of activities. Academically, she has been a member of the National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National Italian Honor Society, Math Team and Art Club, as well as a competitor in the 2019 Math Works Modeling Challenge. She was also a member of the Academic Decathlon team, serving as a captain in 2019.

Athletically, she has been a member of the varsity tennis team, serving as a captain in 2019. She also served as a freshman mentor, a member of the Hunger Awareness Club, a HOBY Leadership Ambassador, a member of the Falcon Friends Middle School Tutoring Program, a tutor at Hope Highlands Middle School, a summer reading assistant at the Oak Lawn Library and a lector at St. Mary’s Church.

Corso’s special awards and recognition include being named a National Merit Scholar in 2018; receiving Highest Honors in 2017, 2018 and 2019l winning gold and bronze medals in Academic Decathlon in 2017 and 2018; being nominated for the Carson Scholarship Award in 2019; and receiving the Harvard Book Award for Excellence in English and the Jae S. Lim Excellence in Mathematics Award/Scholarship in 2019. She has also been recognized for Superior Performance in Italian III Honors, Outstanding Achievement in Art and as an AP Scholar in U.S. History and Statistics.

Athletically, she has received RIIL girls tennis First Team and Second Team All-Division honors, as well as the 2016 and 2017 RIILS girls tennis Team Sportsmanship Awards. She was also named the Cranston Herald’s girls tennis Athlete of the Year in 2017. She additional received Scholastic Art Awards Silver Key in 2018 and 2019; honorable mentions on the National Italian Exam in 2017 and 2018; and the Rhode Island Teachers of Italian/Renaissance Alliance Outstanding Merit Award in 2019.

In terms of her high school experience, Corso said she will most remember “the people that shaped my experience into something wonderful.”

“I consider my self extremely lucky to have been apart of the Cranston West class of 2020, for all of the students, teachers, and advisors exhibited unwavering kindness that allowed me to succeed in many ways,” she said. “I attribute much of my current personality to the wonderful friends that I have made at the school, and it is very unlikely that I could forget these special individuals even if I tried.”

Corso credited her teachers and her guidance counselor, Mrs. Velino, for their contributions to her success.

“I entered class each day backed by their confidence in my abilities and their sincere concern for my well-being as not only a student but as a teenage girl facing the oftentimes emotional rollercoaster that is high school,” she said.

She also cited the “kindness, humor, and positive energy” of her closest friends, including Sophia Chan, Lexi Lombardi and Lisa Egan, as having “gotten me through even the toughest of days and … created the brightest ones.”

Asked what motivated her to excel, Corso said: “I am extremely lucky to be able to say that I possess a strong internal work ethic, meaning that my primary goal has always been to simply be a better version of myself than I was the day before. One of my core values has always been to work hard in any area of life that requires it, and I believe heavily in the importance of doing your job correctly (whatever that may entail) and with extraordinary passion.”

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on her class, Corso said: “Rather than looking back on all the things I may have missed out on these past few months, I chose instead to focus on all of the things that I have to look forward two in the coming years … I always try to look on the more positive side of a situation and hold the firm belief that everything happens for a reason, and I know that this experience, though tragic, will make society as a whole much more grateful for elements of their lives that they may otherwise have not been recognized as being important. The eyes of the world have also been opened to various flaws in certain systems due to the pandemic, and I hope that my generation, growing up in such historical times, will strive to correct these issues as we enter our respective fields.”

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2. DANIEL MARELLA

Daniel Marella, salutatorian of the Cranston West class of 2020, plans to attend Brown University in the fall with a dual concentration in engineering physics and applied mathematics.

During his time at Cranston West, Marella served as president and a delegate to the Class Council, vice president of the National Honor Society, a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society, and captain of the Academic Decathlon, Math Team and Science Olympiad. He was also president and founder of the High School Coding Club and co-captain of the Science Bowl team.

His musical activities included serving as president of the Marching/Symphomic Band, founder of the After-School Apprentice Ensemble, a participant in All-State Band Festivals and a member of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble. Additionally, he was a member of the Model UN, a delegate to the Student Leadership Committee, a Falcon Friends peer tutor, a freshman mentor, a SkillsUSA robotics mentor, a member of the track team, a member of the Youth Ministry Leadership Group and a student ambassador/ volunteer for the Mark Marella Memorial Scholarship.

Marella’s special awards and recognitions include bronze and gold medals, as well as national competition placements, in SkillsUSA; being named a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar; earning Highest Honors since 2016; receiving the Rensselaer Medal Award, Stonehill College Book Award and Jae S. Lim Foundation Award for Academic Excellence in Math and Science; receiving the Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Math & Science; earning Most Outstanding Junior in Science honors in 2019; winning the Math Team Award in 2019 and 2020; earning the RIMTA Math Student Recognition Award in 2020; and winning a silver medal in Science Olympiad in 2018.

Musically, Marella was named to the RIMEA All-State Ensembles on Clarinet from 2016 to 2020; received a perfect score for IMEA Solo & Ensemble Performance on Clarinet in 2017-18; and earned URI Southern New England Honor Band Acceptance on Clarinet from 2017 to 2020.

“I will most remember the bonds that I formed with the people in high school,” Marella said of his time at Cranston West.

“Fellow students, teachers, and administration members will always be a part of who I am and I will remember each person’s impact on my life. Aside from the complex relationships formed, I will also remember and value my education and the thrill that learning always filled me with. I was always eager to learn and I will remember the enjoyment I felt when learning something new in the classroom. Most importantly, I will always remember those teachers and students who supplemented my learning and reinforced my interests.”

Marella credited his parents and sister for their love and support, as well as his guidance counselor, Ms. Golini, who “has always supported, guided, and nourished me almost as one of her own children.” He also thanked his friends for being “instrumental in breaking me out of my shell and expanding my social horizons.”

In terms of his drive to excel, Marella cited his “self-motivation, pure love for learning, and my genuine interest in a wide range of subjects motivated me to excel in the classroom.”

“Outside of the classroom, I enjoyed getting involved in my school community, and I participated in activities that matched my interests and for the simple enjoyment of getting involved, never doing something just to do it,” he added. “The passing of my Uncle Mark seven years ago has also been a key motivator, as I’ve always strived to make him and my family proud.”

Asked to reflect on the impact of the pandemic on his class, Marella said: “As devastating as the whole COVID situation may seem, I believe that as a class we have grown stronger, making our graduating year one to remember. We have grown closer to our families and even our friends, despite being apart for a long time. And most importantly, we have been reminded to never take anything for granted and to cherish every moment of our lives.”

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3. RACHAEL PERROTTA

Rachael Perrotta, who ranks third in Cranston West’s class of 2020, plans to attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, this fall with a double major in cognitive studies and psychology.

During her time at Cranston West, Perrotta has been inducted into the National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and National Italian Honor Society; served as a Class Council delegate; and been a delegate to and president of the Student Council.

She has also been a member of the Art Club, Academic Decathlon Team, freshmen mentors program Falcon Friends Peer Tutoring program, Student Leadership Committee and Model UN. She was founder of the Middle School Tennis Club, going on to serve as a coach and volunteer for the program, and was a four-year varsity girls tennis team member and served as a captain during her senior year.

Perrotta has additionally been a missionary and volunteer for the Holy Apostles Teen Mission to Blessed Assurance Orphanage in Jamaica and a team leader and volunteer for the Southern New England American Heart Association Heart Walk. At Holy Apostles Church, she also helped organize fundraisers to benefit the Jamaican orphanage; served as a volunteer and face painter for the church festival; and served as a religious education teacher. Perrotta is also co-founder of Happy Feet Custom Shoes, co-organizer of a citywide art supplies drive and a past recipient of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Student of the Year Mission Award.

Perrotta’s special awards and recognitions include receiving Highest Honors since 2016; receiving the George Washington University Book Award and Wellesley College Book Award in 2019; receiving the Bruzzi Family Work Ethic Award and Scholarship, Equitable Excellence Scholarship and Cranston Community Women’s Club Scholarship in 2020; and earning the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Girls Tennis Sportsmanship Award from 2016-19.

She also earned silver medals in Academic Decathlon; was honored for outstanding achievement/excellence in AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, Visual Design, AP English Literature and Composition, Italian IV Honors and Honors Art; earned Gold and Silver Keys and honorable mentions in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards; and was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist in 2020.

Perrotta said while she will fondly remember events such as junior prom and other school dances, the pandemic and the abrupt end of the in-person school year “has caused me to reflect deeper on my high school experience.”

“In doing so, I’ve realized that these significant events merely are a glimpse into my past four years,” she said. “My most vivid memories, instead, are of the little moments – early-morning conversations with my friends in the parking lot, after school snack sessions in guidance, dance parties in my art class, sing-a-longs with my tennis team on bus rides, and simply laughing across the halls with my friends while at our lockers. These raw and candid moments I will remember most from high school.”

Perrotta said her family has “encouraged me to pursue my dreams and follow my instincts,” while her guidance counselor, Ms. Golini, “has been my biggest supporter and advocate.”

“Additionally, my best friends, teammates, church community, and teachers have guided me along the way, offering me knowledge and life lessons, and encouraging me to enjoy life’s journey to the fullest,” she said.

In terms of her motivation to excel, Perrotta said: “I’ve always been self-motivated to be the best possible version of myself, both in the classroom and socially, in an effort to grow as a person, be a leader in my community, and benefit others. My parents instilled in me a dedicated work ethic and the desire to devote my full efforts to everything I take part in, and for that, I am extremely thankful … Also, I’ve surrounded myself with friends and peers who share my drive to excel, which has inspired me to push myself even harder.”

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4. NIKOLAS MONTAQUILA

Nikolas Montaquila, who ranks fourth in Cranston West’s class of 2020, plans to attend Brown University in the fall with a concentration in public health and a minor in Italian. He has been accepted into Brown’s Program in Liberal Medical Education, or PLME, which is the only combined undergraduate and M.D. program in the Ivy League.

During his time at Cranston West, Montaquila served as co-captain of the 2019-20 cross country team, which was the first team from the school to qualify for the Rhode Island state meet in 10 years. He was also a member of the outdoor track team, the Academic Decathlon team, the National Honor Society, the National Italian Honor Society and the freshman mentor program.

Montaquila’s special honors and recognitions include the Holy Cross Book Award, the Excellence in AP U.S. History Award and the Senior Science Award, the AP Scholar Award. He was also a member of the two-time alldivision 4x800 relay team.

Montaquila said he will remember “the many valuable lessons I learned about life, outside of the classroom, at Cranston West.” He said his closest friends “served to ground me throughout high school, allowing me to suc-

ceed while also having a lot of fun.”

“The driving force in my excelling as a student can be directly attributed to the teachings and examples put forth by members of my family,” he said. “The many elderly members of my family have taught me more invaluable life lessons than I can imagine, all of which are directly responsible for any of my success.”

Asked to reflect on how the pandemic has affected himself and his class, Montaquila said: “I have always known I have wanted to be a doctor and express interest in public health … the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred my personal interest in global and public health, areas with which I plan to focus many of my pursuits at Brown’s School of Public Health. I hope that from this pandemic there are many students, doctors, public health, and public policy officials that come together and make institutional changes that leave our country and health care system better prepared to respond to any other health crisis that occurs in our country.”

5. SOPHIA SACCOCCIO

Sophia Saccoccio, the fifth-ranked member of the Cranston West class of 2020, plans to attend Brown University in the fall. She has yet to decide on a major.

During her time at Cranston West, Saccoccio was a member of the Math Team, Academic Decathlon, , Art Club, National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, for which she served as social media manager. She was also a freshman mentor.

Saccoccio’s special honors and recognitions include the AP Psychology Award of Excellence, the World Language Award of Spanish III Honors, the Art Honors Award, the AP U.S. History Award of Excellence and the Bruzzi Memorial Award. She has been honored for Outstanding Work in Studio Art and received the Mark Marella Scholarship.

Saccoccio said she will most remember “the way that my senior year ended and the unique circumstances we endured.” She cited her family, teachers, guidance counselor and friends with having most contributed to her success at Cranston West, and said her desire to attend college motivated her to excel.

“The pandemic has taught us all to be more innovative when it comes to school, work, and even just basic everyday tasks,” Saccoccio said. “Working online has become more normal and I now could see myself in a career that can be done virtually.”

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6. AUSTIN THEROUX

Austin Theroux, the sixth-ranked student in the Cranston West class of 2020, plans to attend Yale College in the fall to study ecology and evolutionary biology and linguistics.

During his time at Cranston West, Theroux served as a citizenship, ESL and Spanish instructor and was a member of the advisory board for the ScalabriniDukcevich Center. He was also a member of the Stanford astrophysics exoplanet research project, a volunteer at Stadium Elementary School, a member of Science Bowl team and a private student tutor.

His special honors and recognitions include a Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, a gold medal in the National Spanish Exam, finishing first in the state in the National Italian Exam, and receiving the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, National Spanish Honor Society Award, National Italian Honor Society Award, Senior Science Award and AP Psychology Award.

“I will remember the wonderful teachers I’ve had the pleasure to learn from over the years as well as the many friends I’ve made, specifically Katie Terceiro,” Theroux said. “The mutual distraction and goofing off we provided each other definitely helped me get through particularly difficult senior classes.”

Theroux said his mother has been “my biggest fan and greatest friend throughout my life.”

“A teacher herself, much of what inspires me about the virtues of teaching stems from her guidance and encouragement,” he said.

Theroux also said the people he has met at the Scalabrini-Dukcevich Center “have helped guide me immensely in learning about both effective teaching and the needs of the local community.”

“In particular, I’d like to thank executives Rosanna Grillo and Ana Maria Delgado for their undying support and dedication for the disadvantaged in our community, as well as their inspiring work at the Center,” he said. “Matthew Silva, the former director of the ESL program, has advised me immensely and helped me learn to successfully teach and develop curricula.

I’d also like to point out Haydee Pacheco and JoAnn and Bruce Donahue, the wonderfully dedicated team of instructors for our Citizenship program, who have undoubtedly inspired me in so many ways both in their commitment to education and their passion for helping others. Finally, I thank my guidance counselor Deana Golini for advising me throughout the college application process and above all being a friend and mentor who greatly facilitated my transfer from my last school to Cranston West.”

Theroux attributed his desire to excel to “the amazing people and teachers that have surrounded me throughout my high school career.” Specifically, he said his biology teacher, Holly Meyer, “prompted me to wholly change my career goals and seek to pursue biology and the life sciences.”

“It takes a certain type of teacher to inspire someone in the complete opposite direction they were going, and I have no reservation in extolling Mrs. Meyer as that teacher,” he said. “I derive my inspiration for community work and teaching from a genuine love of helping others and getting students to reach that ‘light-bulb moment’ and obtain their educational goals.”

Theroux said he hopes to specialize in the field of virology or perhaps epidemiology, and he said the pandemic has “further inspired me to study these areas and focus my career goals on aiding government efforts the next time we face a large-scale outbreak like this.”

“Times like these evoke the resiliency of humanity, demonstrating how we cope, both positively and negatively, to trying situations,” he said. “I’d hope that we come out of this with a new perspective on kindness and respect for the time we spend together, especially with our families.”

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7. JESSICA SULLIVAN

Jessica Sullivan, who ranks seventh in Cranston West’s class of 2020, plans to attend Providence College in the fall to pursue a combine bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education.

Sullivan was involved in numerous activities during her time at Cranston West. She served as president of the Theater Executive Board, treasurer of the Class Council Executive Board and Secretary of the National Honor Society Executive Board. She was also a member of the Theater Program, Westernette Flag Team, Chamber Choir All-State Mixed & Treble Ensemble, Best Buddies Program, SkillsUSA, Cranston West Student Leadership Committee and Freshman Mentors program.

Sullivan’s special honors and recognitions include the Kristen Coutu Memorial Scholarship, Cranston Teachers’ Alliance Scholarship, Lt. James Pagano Foundation Scholarship, Donald B. Babbitt Excellence in Theater Award, Educational Pathways Outstanding Student Award, Excellence in Choir Award and Italian Level III Rhode Island Scholarship.

She also earned a gold medal in the 2019 SkillsUSA regional competition and fourth-place in the 2019 SkillsUSA national competition. Additionally, she ranked second in the senior soprano division of RIMEA All-State Choir, earned acceptance into the Junior National Honors Choir in 2016, and performed at Carnegie Hall.

“Leaving behind four beautiful years of high school, I will forever hold the invaluable friendships, special bonds with teachers, and the greatest memories within my heart!” Sullivan said. “As I move forward, I will always remember each unforgettable experience I had; performing with a full heart as a lead in the musical, marching down the football field under Friday Night Lights, traveling to Kentucky and creating friendships across the nation, the meaningful lessons I’ve gained from incredible teachers, and every child I had the blessing to work with. Most importantly, I leave with strong friendships, and a large group of people surrounding me who love and support every step I take. I am eternally grateful, touched, and blessed to have been a Falcon for four years, and to develop into the young lady I stand as today.”

Sullivan said there are “countless people who have impacted my years in high school and touched my heart indescribably.”

She added: “Most importantly, however, it was my Mom, Dad (Batman), my older sister Kayley and younger brother Joseph who became my pillars of strength and faith. They support me and love me unconditionally, and I cannot express my appreciation for all they do, every single day! I would like to thank my Grandma Peggy, Grandpa Jim, and Auntie Jen for being an integral part of my growth and encouraging me through recruitment triumph. I would also like to thank my best friends Ashley, Destinee, Aidan, Tarah, and ‘Bot Guy,’ alongside the several other strong friendships I have created, for loving me for who I am and sharing so many amazing memories with me! Finally, I would like to thank absolutely incredible teachers, such as Mrs. Lucas, Ms. Vitulli, Mr. Lachance, Mrs. Barbieri & Correia, Mrs. Valeriani-Hazard, Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Haddad for always believing in me, and to over two hundred children – especially from Orchard Farms Elementary school and Westside Preschool – who I’ve had the opportunity to work with! The falcon community will forever be a family to me.”

Sullivan said the “unwavering love” of her parents,” along with her work ethic, motivated her to excel.

Asked to reflect on the pandemic’s effect on her class, Sullivan said: “COVID-19 made leaving a place I truly loved even more bittersweet and difficult than it was going to be; however, I listen to my father’s words whispered to me in this time of the world’s woe: ‘Tough times make tough people.’ I grew up with a difficult childhood, and now conclude high school in a rather unfortunate way, but am convinced this preparation of trial and tribulation has prepared the Class of 2020 to be an unstoppable force of nature … Congratulations Class of 2020 – let’s make an impact on our world!”

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8. ALEXA LOMBARDI

Alexa Lombardi, the eighth-ranked student in the class of 2020 at Cranston West, plans to attend Boston College in the fall. She will major in biology at BC’s Morrissey College of Arts & Sceicnes.

Lombardi took part in a range of activities during her time at Cranston West.

She has been a member of the Student Leadership Board, captain of the Westernettes Flag Corps, a team leader for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fundraising efforts, a student liaison on the Rhode Island Department of Education Student Advisory Board, president of the National Honor Society, secretary of the National Art Honor Society, a member of the National Spanish Honor Society, a peer tutor, secretary of the Class Council, treaturer of Students Against Destructive Decisions, a member of the Math Team and a part of the Freshman Mentors program.

Lombardi’s special honors and recognitions include induction into the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. She has also received the MAA American Mathematics Achievement Award, the Academic Achievement Award for Spanish Level 4, the Academic Achievement Award for Honors Art, the Westernette Captain Award for That Falcon Band, a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art Contest and recognition in the art contests held by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and U.S. Rep. James Langevin. She was also part of the USA Softball 18U Rhode Island state runner-up team in 2019 and the USA Softball 14U Rhode Island state champion team in 2017.

Asked what she will remember most from her time at Cranston West, Lombardi said: “The friendships I have developed, skills I have learned, and fun times I have shared with my team have blossomed from our Friday night halftime shows, community service, and performances on Main Street in DisneyWorld. I can credit most of the memories I have made in high school to all of my best friends, Anastasia Coclin, Isabella Corso, Lisa Egan, and Nicole Perreault, who I will surely keep in touch with going into the next stage of my life.”

She added: “Of course, I will remember the pandemic that put the world on pause, took millions of lives, and disrupted my senior year, but when I am finally sitting down to tell my children what I was like in high school, the memories I made prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 are far more significant to me than the ones I could have made under different circumstances.”

Lombardi credited her friends and parents for contributing most to her success. She also said Christine Baum, coach of both the Westernettes Flag Corps and the Falconettes Dance Team, has “given me countless opportunities to succeed.”

“I could never thank Mrs. Baum enough for the amazing experiences she has provided me with, and I hope she knows how grateful I am for her leadership,” she said.

Lombardi said her drive to excel began at a young age, and she has been “directly motivated by seeing successful results in my efforts in every aspect of my life.”

Reflecting on the pandemic, she added: “As I sit back in my home, complete my online school work, and watch the local updates on the virus, I have realized that I want to be on the front line of responders in my community. While the country is set in isolation, I want to be the person leaving their home for work to make sure the infected patients are being treated with the care that they deserve. I want to spend my life caring for those around me and bring patients from sickness to health during their time of need and am not afraid to risk my health in the process. While I am still not exactly sure which path I will follow in college, my main goal is to be a contributing member towards improving the health of my community.”

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9. MASSIMO FEROCE

Massimo Feroce, who ranks ninth in Cranston West’s class of 2020, plans to attend the University of Miami this fall to study finance.

During his time at Cranston West, Feroce has been inducted into the National Honor Society, Rhode Island Honor Society and National Italian Honor Society; served as a captain for the varsity baseball and basketball teams; been a member of DECA and the Freshman Mentor Group; and served as Red Storm Leader and a volunteer at the MS Dream Center.

Feroce’s special honors and recognitions include All-Division and Academic All-Division honors in basketball and baseball; being named a RIBCA All-Star in baseball; receiving the Picerne Family Scholarship, Cranston High School Athletics Scholarship, Carmine J Goneconte Basketball Scholarship and Leo J. Castiglioni Jr. Scholarship for CLCF; and earning hold medals in DECA. “I will remember hanging out with my friends and playing sports (basketball and baseball) with my life long teammates,” Feroce said. “The people that contributed to my success in high school are my family, friends, Guidance Counselor Mrs Velino, Coach Malo, and Entrepreneurship Teacher Mr. Abruzzini.”

Asked about his motivation to excel, Feroce said: “My parents pushing me each and every day motivated me to be my ultimate best inside of the classroom and outside in the community.”

Reflecting on the pandemic, he added: “Living through this pandemic, it teaches us not to take anything for granted and appreciate the little moments in life.”

10. SOPHIA CHAN

Sophia Chan, who ranks 10th in the Cranston West class of 2020, plans to attend Northeastern University in the fall with a major in bioengineering.

During her time at Cranston West, Chan served as captain of the Science Olympiad and Academic Decathlon teams. Her other activities include SkillsUSA Urban Search and Rescue, Science Bowl, girls tennis, STEM Mentoring, the Women in Technology Internship and the MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge.

Chan’s special honors and recognitions include bronze and silver medals in the Science Olympiad and silver medals in SkillsUSA Urban Search and Rescue, the Brown Book Award, as well as the Heart of a Scientist Award, Overall Excellence in English Award, Outstanding Performance in Science & Engineering Award and Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Achievement Award.

“I will remember Science Olympiad, Academic Decathlon, Science Bowl, and Urban Search and Rescue competition days the most,” Chan said. “The last minute studying, nerves before competing, team bonding, and goofing around with friends during breaks in between competing will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Chan said her success is owned “to my hard working parents and grandparents, immigrants that came to the United States in the pursuit of better lives for themselves and their children.”

“Without my brother, cousins, aunts, and uncles, I would not be where I am now,” she said. “Beyond my family, I have been privileged enough to have supportive teachers and a guidance counselor that was there for me every step of the way. In terms of enjoyment, high school became infinitely more bearable with my closest friends by my side, especially

my friend, and valedictorian, Isabella Corso.”

Chan said her motivation to excel stemmed from her desire to make her parents proud and to “become a better version of myself every day, academically and socially.”

“Above all, my older brother, Jesse, who is always the first to tell me how proud he is of me, always offers me his unconditional support, and has become my biggest motivator to excel,” she added.

Reflecting on the pandemic, Chan said: “Improving the lives of others has been, and always will be, my number one goal, no matter where I end up in my career. As a student entering college to pursue bioengineering in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, that goal has become more important to me than ever, and I hope to combine my love for biology and engineering to improve healthcare and medicine. If there is any good to come out of this pandemic, it is hopefully that people will become more compassionate and more motivated to help others in need.”

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PRESENTING THE

CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL WEST

CLASS OF Ella I. Abbenante

Anjelica Bucci

Olivia R. Conti

Emily R. Abbruzzese

Aaron Bun

Corey J. Abendroth

Daniela Duran

Andrew J. Grenier

Analiese Coppa

Olivia H. Economou

Nicholas A. Guertin

Anna B. Burns

Vincenzo J. Coppola

Lisa A. Egan

Madison H. Guilmette

Chelsea M. Ahlquist

Arman Burunsuzyan

Axel J. Correia

Cote R. Eldridge

Jackson B. Harris

Zachary T. Almeida

George K. Cacchiotti

Michaela M. Correia

Rosybel Espinal

Benjamin R. Harvie

Cameron Louis Alves

Giavanna Calenda

Isabella R. Corso

Nicholas Estrella

Anthony V. Hawkins

Alexys J. Amado

Ava F. Caliri

Taylor L. Costa

Daemon G. Etienne

Jay-Daniel Healy

Noah Alfred Amaral

Michael J. Calise

Nicholas M. Crudale

Brett Evans

Truc Vy Ho

Isabella R. Amitrano

Colin S. Capuano

Jake N. Cuddemi

Payton A. Falcone

Hannah T. Hobin

Amber M. Amoroso

Antonio J. Carbone

Brandon P. Cummings

Massimo A. Feroce

Clay G. Hong

Megan E. Anderson

Caroline M. Carbone

Alison P. D’Elena

Michael J. Ferreira

Nancy Christine Houde

Arianna R. Annicelli

Cailyn M. Cardente

Pilar Mercedes DaLomba

Luis A. Fidas

Nicholas S. Izzi

Rozie Avakyan

Cameo Carr

Sarah R. Danella

Kaitlyn E. Fitzgerald

Garrett M. Jackman

Herbert E. Ayala

Matthew J. Carvalho

Sean A. Daravikchay

Rory Flaherty

Benjamin L. Jackvony

Hanna M. Baldino

Michael J. Cavallaro

James A. Dawson

Dana E. Flitman

Nico J. Jarvis

Faith A. Balletto

Domenic A. Centracchio

Julia M. DeBlasio

Colby Floyd

Victoria E. Jodoin

Molly B. Banks

Willy J. Chaca

Eliz Dedeian

Ryan J. Floyd

Thomas L. Jones, Jr.

Madelyn R. Barron

Andrew R. Chambers

David Anthony DelBonis, Jr.

Jack A. Folco

Matthew J. Kasegian

Melissa Batz

Sophia Chan

Destinee Alexis DelBonis

Lauren J. Foley

Poua Pheng Khang

Elvin J. Bautista

Ryan M. Chmura

John P. Delehanty

Jaime R. Forte

Marissa S. Khner

Alexander Thomas Belford

Kristopher M. Cimino

Sophia E. DelFarno

Benjamin S. Frink

Kenneth R. King, Jr.

Christan Berg

Etianna S. Cineus

Nicholas J. DelNigro

Rebecca E. Fyrer

MacKenzie L. Knowles

Madison Rose Berman

Rosegalie T. Cineus

Mario L. Delsignore

Janise Galvez

Ashley Konturas

Victoria Leigh Berman

Briana K. Cipolla

Dylan J. Demers

Robert Giarrusso

Benjamin R. Kopsick

Gianni Francesco Biondi

Grant W. Clayton

Ryan J. Demers

Nikolas G. Gibbons

Cameron S. Koretsky

Emily R. Blais

Gabriel Cohen

Autumn M. DeSantis

Noella M. Ginolfi

Jake B. Lauro

Ryan R. Blake

Gabrielle E. Coia

Raul I. Dieppa

Allyiah Gomes

Jason A. Ledversis

Barry Bobola

Anthony P. Colasanto

Andrew A. Dionizio

Joseph D. Gomez

Isabella M. Lepre

Zachary D. Breene

Autumn R. Colizza

Michael J. DiOrio

Jose M. Gonzalez

Kaitlin A. Lewandowski

James P. Brennan

Jordan Conner

Matthew Kevin DiSpirito

Alexander N. Gray

Kiara P. Loaiza

Brenden W. Brown

Jamie A. Connetta

Kylie J. Dixon

Andrew J. Gray

Hannah R. Loiselle

Raymond J. Brown

Jacob M. Conrad

Nerses J. Donoyan

Trinity Lee Greene

Alexa Rose Lombardi

Isabella P. Bryand

Anthony S. Conti

Madison M. Drezek

Amanda M. Greenwood

Gabriella M. Longo

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PRESENTING THE

CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL WEST

CLASS OF Caitlin E. Lopez

Nikolas S. Montaquila

Cade A. Petrella

Christian T. Lopez

Reegan Moretti

Vanessa E. Lucia-Tremblay

Adam Patriot Santerre

Bradley M. Todisco

Samantha A. Petrosinelli

Vanthyda D. Sao

Michael A. Tortorella

Athena S. Morissette

Tevin B. Phann

Katherine M. Schmidt

Brandon Z. Luke

Joshua S. Morris

Cindy M. Piedade

Andrew Joseph Scungio

Marisa M. Lynch

Simon J. Morris

Hunter C. a

Nathaniel J. Sena

Isabella R. Machado

Juliana E. Moses

Ariana Nicole Pimental

Jamila R. Sharpe

Dimitri A. Mancini

Ylihas H. Moss

Simone Francesca Pimental

Abigail P. Shaw

Victoria I. Mantia

Santino L. Nardolillo

Cameron Plante

Sarah E. Sidman

Zachary N. Vanderhoff

Brooke D. Manzi

Juliana L. Nguyen

Holly A. Pomerleau

Cameron R. Silva

Matthew D. Vartanian

Dylan J. Maples

James A. Nolan

Calder D. Puckett

Ryan J. Silva

Emily R. Vazquez

Madison R. Marcello

Talia M. Notarianni

Gaia Pugliese

Ashley M. Smedberg

David B. Marcotte

Jake M. Nunes

Finn D. Rafferty

Liam J. Smith

Daniel N. Marella

Sydnie L. Nunes

Halen E. Reed

Isabella G. Soares

Elizabeth E. Marses

Tyler M. O’Brien

Nour O. Rihani

Samuel F. Soler

Antonio V. Martinez

Jared M. Olson

Isabella R. Rivelli

Michael L. Solitro

Jayden M. Waite

Jayson Brian Martinez

Abraham Orellana

Christina Marie Rivera

Hanlet Jhoel Soriano

Angel Walason

Stephanie A. Martinez

Daniel C. Ormond

Noah T. Robert

Julianna L. Soscia

Sebastiane D. Wall

Nicholas S. Mason

Samantha Nicole Otero

Frank Rocchio

Peter J. Spaziano

Dylan M. Walters

Alyssa Marie McCarthy

Jessica H. Panichas

Jamie E. Roche

Roman Tyler Stanley

Christopher J. McCarthy

Alexander M. Paone

Kyle M. Rodrigues

Ally M. Stebner-Kastis

Edward J. McEnaney, IV

Branndon M. Parrillo

Sean M. Rodrigues

Jessica M. Sullivan

Jordan R. McInerney

Ryan G. Parrillo

Corinne Rose

Jaden CJ Sutherland

Ny`Asia A. McLean

Michael R. Patatanes

Ashley M. Rossi

Daniel J. Sweet

Zachary Wilkinson

Alexander M. Men

Jordyn N. Payne

Nathan E. Roy

Nikola A. Szymanska

Kayla N. Wilson

John F. Menard

Julia F. Pazos Paz

Abigail A. Royal

Alishia T. Tartaglia

Jason T. Woolf

Isaiah E. Mendez, Jr

William J. Pedchenko, IV

Morgan Ruggieri

Isabella R. Tavares

Jeiner A. Mendez

Kathlen P. Pereira

William John Rush

Kathryn A. Terceiro

Kathy Mesa Manon

Eddie J. Perez

Joanna R. Russillo

Colin J. Theilig

Katarina T. Minas

Nicole E. Perreault

Benjamin W. Ryan

Natalie T. Theodosiou

Deliany Miolan

Matthew D. Perrotta

Sophia Saccoccio

Austin J.T. Theroux

Armando J. Mirabal

Rachael M. Perrotta

Xavier A. Sanchez

Talia Mary Thibodeau

Alexis L. Zeoli

Carmino J. Mobilia

Domenic R. Persson

Christopher E. Santana

Alexia R. Tiberi

Michael J. Zito

Nathyn L. Tran Kelsie M. Tridento Michael A. Trindade Francesca A. Vachon

Nicholas J. Veltri Spencer D. Viccione Makayla J. Vieira

Dayan K. Wehjla Dante E. Wilcox Amanda P. Wilhelm

Ethan Wu Eric N. Yang Ronicka Yin Joshua R. Zambarano

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cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

PRESENTING THE CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL WEST

CRANSTON AREA CAREER & TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS Ella I. Abbenante

Rosegalie T. Cineus

Emily R. Abbruzzese

Gabrielle E. Coia

Corey J. Abendroth

Anthony P. Colasanto

Chelsea M. Ahlquist

Autumn R. Colizza

Cameron L. Alves

Jordan Conner

Noah A. Amaral

Jacob M. Conrad

Isabella R. Amitrano

Olivia R. Conti

Megan E. Anderson

Vincenzo J. Coppola

Arianna R. Annicelli

Taylor L. Costa

Hanna M. Baldino

Nicholas M. Crudale

Faith A. Balletto

Jake N. Cuddemi

Madelyn R. Barron

Brandon P. Cummings

Alexander T. Belford

Alison P. D’Elena

Christan Berg

Pilar M. DaLomba

Gianni F. Biondi

Sarah R. Danella

Ryan R. Blake

Sean A. Daravikchay

Barry Bobola

Cote R. Eldridge

Andrew J. Gray

Rosybel Espinal

Andrew J. Grenier

James A. Dawson

Nicholas Estrella

Jackson B. Harris

Zachary D. Breene

Julia M. DeBlasio

Brett Evans

Benjamin R. Harvie

James P. Brennan

Eliz E. Dedeian

Payton A. Falcone

Anthony V. Hawkins

Brenden W. Brown

Ethan N. Del Valle

Massimo A. Feroce

Truc-Vy Ho

Raymond J. Brown

David A. DelBonis Jr.

Luis A. Fidas

Hannah T. Hobin

Aaron Bun

Destinee A. DelBonis

Kaitlyn E. Fitzgerald

Garrett M. Jackman

Anna B. Burns

Sophia E. DelFarno

Rory Flaherty

Benjamin L. Jackvony

Antonio J. Carbone

Nicholas J. DelNigro

Dana E. Flitman

Victoria E. Jodoin

Caroline M. Carbone

Dylan J. Demers

Colby Floyd

Poua Pheng Khang

Cailyn M. Cardente

Ryan J. Demers

Ryan J. Floyd

Marissa S. Khner

Matthew J. Carvalho

Raul I. Dieppa

Lauren J. Foley

Kalynn M. Khun

Michael J. Cavallaro

Andrew A. Dionizio

Rebecca E. Fyrer

MacKenzie L. Knowles

Andrew R. Chambers

Michael J. DiOrio

Janise Galvez

Benjamin R. Kopsick

Sophia Chan

Nerses J. Donoyan

Nikolas G. Gibbons

Jason A. Ledversis

Ryan M. Chmura

Madison M. Drezek

Noella M. Ginolfi

Isabella M. Lepre

Kristopher M. Cimino

Daniela Duran

Joseph D. Gomez

Kaitlin A. Lewandowski

Etianna S. Cineus

Olivia H. Economou

Jose M. Gonzalez

Kiara P. Loaiza

cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

L CENTER

CLASS OF

Page 25

2020 Jeremy D. Pena Salazar

Ally M. Stebner

Eddie J. Perez

Jessica M. Sullivan

Tevin B. Phann Cindy M. Piedade Hunter C. Pierce

Isabella R. Tavares

Cameron Plante

Kathryn A. Terceiro

Calder D. Puckett Finn D. Rafferty

Deliany Miolan

Caitlin E. Lopez

Talia M. Thibodeau Alexia R. Tiberi

Nour O. Rihani

Bradley M. Todisco

Christina M. Rivera Gabriella M. Longo

Colin J. Theilig

Halen E. Reed Isabella R. Rivelli Katarina T. Minas

Alishia T. Tartaglia

Ariana N. Pimental Michael J. Pontarelli Jr.

Hannah R. Loiselle

Nikola A. Szymanska

Jamie E. Roche

Michael A. Tortorella Nathyn L. Tran

Kyle M. Rodrigues

Kelsie M. Tridento

Armando J. Mirabal

Sean M. Rodrigues

Michael A. Trindade

Christian T. Lopez

Reegan Moretti

Corinne Rose

Brandon Z. Luke

Simon J. Morris

Francesca A. Vachon

Ashley M. Rossi

Marisa M. Lynch

Ylihas H. Moss

Nathan E. Roy

Victoria I. Mantia

–Santino L. Nardolillo

William J. Rush

Dylan J. Maples

Juliana L. Nguyen

Joanna R. Russillo

Dylan M. Walters

Madison R. Marcello

James A. Nolan

Xavier A. Sanchez

Amanda P. Wilhelm

Daniel N. Marella

Talia M. Notarianni

Yaredzi Segura

Elizabeth E. Marses

Sydnie L. Nunes

Nathaniel J. Sena

Antonio V. Martinez

Jared M. Olson

Abigail P. Shaw

Stephanie A. Martinez

Abraham Orellana

Cameron R. Silva

Ethan Wu

Nicholas S. Mason

Samantha Nicole Otero

Ryan J. Silva

Eric N. Yang

Alyssa M. McCarthy

Alexander M. Paone

Isabella G. Soares

Christopher J. McCarthy

Michael R. Patatanes

Samuel F. Soler

Alexander M. Men

Jordyn N. Payne

Hanlet J. Soriano

Jeiner A. Mendez

Julia F. Pazos Paz

Peter J. Spaziano

Kathy Mesa Manon

William J. Pedchenko IV

Roman T. Stanley

Matthew D. Vartanian Nicholas J. Veltri

Zachary Wilkinson Jason T. Woolf

Ronicka Yin Joshua R. Zambarano Michael J. Zito

cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

N

HIGH SCHOO N O LW ST CLASS OF

2020

T ES

CR A

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THE BEST OF

SENIOR AT

The Falcons made some noise this past year, as the gymnastics team clinched the Division II ball team, which made its second-straight appearance in the Division I Super Bowl. The boys qualified for the postseason. The boys hockey team returned to the playoffs along with the gir handful of grapplers to states and regionals.

cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

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THE BEST

THLETES

title in its first year as a program. Other teams shined, including the foots basketball team also made it to the Division II semis, while the girls also rls soccer team and volleyball team. Wrestling also impressed, sending a

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THE BE

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EST OF THE BEST

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cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

THE CLASS

CRANSTON HIGH

CRANSTON HER

Let the goo

Cranston West’s class of 2020 c

By STEPHANIE BERNABA Normal graduation plans were upended this year due to the pandemic, but the Cranston High School West community found a new way to gather in celebration of the members of its class of 2020 over the weekend.

Graduating seniors Makayla Vieira, Abigail Royal, Victoria Mantia, Isabella Tavares, and Cameron Alves organized and led Saturday’s Senior Motorcade under the guidance of School Committee members and with the support of Mayor Allan Fung and the Cranston Police Department.

“This event might become a new tradition for our seniors going forward,” Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse said. “It would be one positive which was born out of triumph over the hardship that has been 2020. We wish our Cranston West seniors all the best as they head out into the world.”

The caravan gathered in the school’s parking lot, with families registered in advance. Cars were lined up at 10 a.m., and ahead of the start of the procession, Vieira addressed the crowd briefly with the help of Lite Rock 105’s Heather and Steve.

Many students were dressed in caps and gowns and had decorated their vehicles with posters, streamers, tulle, flowers, balloons and signs featuring the likenesses of the graduates. Drivers honked, students blew air horns, and bystanders clapped and waved. Some cars had signs identifying the colleges their students would be attending in the fall.

The motorcade made its way out to Wayland Avenue, turned down Cranston Street, and returned to the school.

Over 130 cars full of graduating seniors and their families participated in the event. Administrators, City Council and School Committee members, and Fung and his wife, Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, were among those in attendance, waving their congratulations from the front of the school.

Lite 105’s Steve Donovan, acting as the event’s emcee, shouted out seniors and their families and kept the crowd on its toes with an air horn.

Donovan acknowledged the collective difficulty COVID-19 has created for students, teachers and families, and shared about his participation in the

REASON TO CELEBRATE: Cranston West’s Jessica Sullivan and Ashley Konturas take a celebratory photo at the kickoff of the Senio 6. (Herald photo by Stephanie Bernaba)

event: “I think it’s exactly what everyone needs.

The kids graduated and it was awesome. It feels good to be a small part of that, to help.”

School Committee member and West football coach Vincent Turchetta explained that he was supportive of a celebration, and acknowledged the challenges of the past year, highlighting students’ and parents’ gratitude to for the ability to come together and celebrate in some way, even if it’s untraditional.

“They’re appreciative they can do it,” Turchetta said. “Because they didn’t think they were going to have a choice to do any of this.”

“This really exemplifies how well a community to get together and actually bring some sort of satisfaction to students not getting their traditional ceremony,” Cranston West Principal Thomas Barbieri said after the event. “It’s great to know how well parents and students and community leaders can come together and do something special in not-so-special times.”

Barbieri also expressed gratitude to the Cranston Police Department, participating School Committee members and the parents of the event’s organizers.

Fung offered his congratulations, stating he was “very excited to be able to give our graduating seniors a final send-off at their school.” He said he was also grateful that students had the opportunity to “let loose one last time in a shout of Falcon pride.”

“I did not plan to see so many families lined up on the route to cheer us on, and that gave me such an incredible feeling,” Vieira said after the event. “I am so happy this day had a huge and memorable turnout!”

A similar procession for Cranston East’s class of 2020 is scheduled for this coming weekend. Additionally, virtual graduation ceremonies filmed last week for the city’s high schools are scheduled to be released in the coming days.

cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

S OF 2020

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H SCHOOL WEST

RALD COVERAGE

od times roll

celebrated with Senior Motorcade

KICKING IT OFF: Lite Rock 105’s Steve Donovan interacts with the crowd during Cranston West’s Senior Motorcade on June 6. Donovan said he was happy to be a small part of their celebration.

or Motorcade on June

PROUD MOMENT: Graduating Cranston High School West senior Kaitlyn Fitzgerald and family wave to onlookers during the Senior Motorcade on June 6. (Herald photos by Stephanie Bernaba)

CITY’S GREETINGS: Mayor Allan Fung and his wife, Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, greet participants in the Senior Motorcade at Cranston West.

MEMORABLE RIDE: Cranston West’s Roman Stanley celebrates in a big way with family during the Cranston West Senior Motorcade on June 6. The celebration, in which all families stay inside their cars, was created as a safe alternative to a traditional graduation.

PRINCIPAL’S PRIDE: Cranston West Principal Thomas Barbieri, joined by members of the School Committee, waves to participants in the weekend’s Senior Motorcade.

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THE CLASS

cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

CRANSTON W

S OF 2020

cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

WEST FALCONS

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cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

THE CLASS

CRANSTON W

cranston herald - cranston high school west gradUation 2020

S OF 2020

WEST FALCONS

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cranston herald - cranston high school west GRADUATION 2020