Cranston East Class of 2020

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CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL EAST THUNDERBOLTS P

ntin g e the Cla s e r

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A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FROM THE

CRANSTON HERALD July 2020

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Mayor’sRemarks CRANSTON MAYOR

Allan Fung

Hi graduates! I’m proud to be with Principal Kelly and your teachers and staff at Cranston East, Superintendent Nota-Masse, School Committee Chairman Wall and all of Cranston to extend our sincerest congratulations to you, the Thunderbolt 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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studies has paid off because here you are.

Every year when we gather together to celebrate our 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

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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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Remarks from

Cranston East Principal Sean Kelly

Once again welcome to the Cranston High School East Commencement ceremony for 2020. It gives me great pleasure to stand before you to share in this exciting and important ceremony. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a few remarks with this outstanding class.

Graduation from high school is a remarkable achievement. It marks the end of your long journey in public education, from the time you entered Kindergarten those 13 short years ago to the pinnacle at which you now stand. It will open the door for your bright future and the many exciting chapters of your life still to come. Your dedication to making yourself an educated citizen in this modern, ever changing world, is evidenced here today. You are to be congratulated for this accomplishment and I encourage you all to continue your pursuit of education, whether it be at a University, trade school, military service or work.

Cranston East is an incredible institution with a tradition dating back to 1891.

As you graduate, you will be join the long and illustrious “Green Line” of Thunderbolt alumni, and you will have much to live up to. These alumni from past classes have built, created, and maintained a true tradition of excellence. I challenge each of you soon to be graduates to continue this tradition. Become our next generation of engineers, doctors, teachers, electricians, chief justices, or titans of industry. Set your sights high. Work hard. The success you are looking for is within your reach. Grab it.

Cranston Public Schools have provided you with a quality education, evidenced by the list of colleges and post-secondary plans of you, our graduates: 85% going on to a 2 or 4 year college or additional educational opportunity, with over $2 million in know scholarship and financial aid; 5% joining our military, I would ask that those students please stand and be recognized; 5% going to full-time employment; And 5% undecided as of yet.

I would like to take this time to thank and congratulate your parents and families for their support of you, their children, in your education through the years.

Parents, if you remember, I asked you to send us your 14 year old kids, when we first talked at our Open House and Welcome Freshmen Barbeque. I also said we would give them back to you as educated 18 year old adults. Well, here they are, they are ready to receive those diplomas as 18 year old adults. Great job. Students please join me in a round of applause for your families, albeit virtually.

I would be remiss if I did not join you in thanking another group of individuals joining us here today. The outstanding faculty of Cranston East, who have provided you with a first rate education. I know first hand how hard they work each day and am confident that they are proud of each of you today. Remember and be proud always, that We are the original high school and we are the standard bearers. We are Bolts Pride! We live that every day. We are the Best High School in the State of Rhode Island!

So to this point, I have talked a little about history and tradition, something which we are very proud of at Cranston East and this is where I usually take a little liberty in my comments to talk to the graduates. I usually offer some words about taking the time to enjoy the little things along life’s journey.

And well, this year I must say I struggled with what to say, as this has been a year unlike any I have witnessed. I think I could venture to say it is probably a year the likes of which only a few of our older generations may have witnessed.

For you see, these crazy, uncertain times have been unseen for around 100 years. But our Alumni, from some of our very first classes, they did see times such as these. They lived through a period of war and destruction, of novel disease and social distancing. Our graduates from 1919 and 1920 experienced some of the very issues we have today. They saw their friends and classmates head off to Europe and the Great War, singing songs of “Over There.” They experienced the Spanish Flu Pandemic, where social distancing, while not necessarily called as such, was practiced. They saw field hospitals set up in schools gymnasiums and public places, just like we have seen in the last few months.

So you might be saying to yourself, well how do you know this, you weren’t there 100 years ago. Well, you right, and while the past few months may have made me age 100 years or look 145yrs old, I was not there.

However, I went to our archives. I pulled out the 5th and 6th editions of “The Cranstonian,” our Yearbook. And I read the words and I looked at the photos. And the 55 graduates from the Class of 1919 and the 51 graduates from the Class of 1920, they were there. They looked just like you, young, full of energy and ready to conquer the world. They wrote about their classmates and all of the wonderful times they enjoyed at Cranston High School. They wrote about their accomplishments on academic teams and athletic teams, about the dances and good times, about their classes and teachers, and about what they would accomplish in their lifetimes. They also wrote about their classmates that went off to the Great War, some winning medals for heroics, some being wounded, some giving their life at the altar of Freedom. And they wrote about some that were afflicted with the Spanish Flu and some that succumbed to that awful pandemic. But through it all, they persevered. They never let that youthful exuberance wane. They returned from war, battled a disease and won, and began to establish and cultivate the industrialized nation we all love today.

So, what would I like you to take from this short history lesson. I guess it is a message of hope. A hope that you, our graduates, will overcome. A hope that this awful pandemic will be defeated. A hope that all men and women will be afforded the opportunity to pursue your life dreams and ambitions, no matter where you come from or who you are. A hope that we as a country will emerge from this socially distanced, stay at home, wear your mask world in which we currently reside, to one of prosperity, safety, freedom, and stability.

And while it may seem like everything has been taken from your class, events like this graduation, and prom, and just being with your friends and classmates, I ask you to look to the past, to our alumni, to our Thunderbolt brothers and sisters, to see that yes, we can beat this pandemic, , we can prosper, yes we can continue to make this country the greatest experiment in the history of the world. It will take you. It will take your spirit and passion. It will take your knowledge and dedication. And I have every confidence that you will make that happen. Why? Because you are about to graduate from the best high school in the state of Rhode Island and just like those Classes of 1919 and 1920, you can conquer the world.

It is there, take it.

Finally, I would like to finish by saying that, graduates, you have made me very proud to have the best job, at the best high school in the state, your Principal. Let me be the first to say, Congratulations, and continue to make us very proud, you have earned this day, be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.

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Congratulations

TRISTAN AND JACOB! So very proud of you both and all that you’ve accomplished.

Wishing you the very best in your future. I know you will both do great things!

Love, Donna Z

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Citywide CounCilman

Ken Hopkins

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Class President

Genesis Aldana Pineda

Parents, teachers, administrators, and the class of 2020, words can’t express how honored I feel to be speaking to everyone on behalf of the graduating class.

We made it! Each and every one of you should be extremely proud of yourselves for reaching this milestone. Personally, I want to recognize my parents and my sister for all that they have done to help me to get where I am today.

First and foremost, I want to begin by thanking you, the class of 2020, for putting your trust in me and choosing me as our class president. I also want to thank you for choosing an amazing group of students to be our class officers like Maria Brito as your vice president, Yessica Acosta as your secretary, Domenic Fusco as your treasurer and Angel Lucchetti as your historian. Their contributions and hard work have made our years at Cranston East ones that we will never forget.

Everyone looks forward to their senior year in high school. It feels as if it was just yesterday that we entered this building and saw all of the unfamiliar faces that filled these unknown hallways. Who knew that we would end up relying on each to get through an unexpected pandemic that turned our world upside down?

Together we found a way to brighten the dark days of those around us and leave a lasting impact on our community.

That wasn’t the only time that we worked together to accomplish great things. Earlier this year, the JROTC program successfully participated in the Southern New England Drill League, and the seniors led most of the award-winning teams. Each and every single cadet put in their best effort and showed the true meaning of teamwork. That’s what we do here at Cranston East; we help and guide one another along the way. There is no greater proof of that than the recognition our school received for being a Unified Champion School.

Everyone at Cranston East is part of the team, and all students are given the same opportunities to explore new experiences.

Though some experiences highlight our strengths and some highlight our weaknesses, we know that taking risks is the only way to truly discover the talent that lies within each of us. No one knows that better than Cranston East’s incredible athletes.

In 2017, our football team won the Division 1 Super Bowl. In 2018, our boys’ soccer team won a Division 3 state champion. Along with, in 2019, our basketball team played in the final four of the state tournament, while the unified basketball team won the state championship. In the same year, the girls’ soccer team made it to finals and the boys swim team won their division championship.

If our athletes would not have taken their own risks, none of this would have been accomplished.

Let’s not forget about those athletes who were not given the opportunity to shine. Students who participate in spring sports like cross country, lacrosse, baseball/softball, and tennis were not able to play. They did not have the chance to win the trophies, attend the parties with their team, or even experience their senior night. When you look at the bigger picture, being a part of a team is about so much more than winning. It is about working together and supporting each other through the ups and downs.

Just as we did when faced with the challenges of the pandemic.

We all feel the disappointment about not being able to attend the senior prom, take group photos, receive scholarships at convocation, or cross the stage under the bright lights at PPAC. It is clear that this was not the senior year we expected. In life you can choose to let the negative moments rob you of your happiness, or you can find a way to see the brighter side of things. Instead of walking across a foreign stage in an enormous theater, we are able to cross the stage in a place that has become our second home; a place where so many memories were created.

As we continue to look at our experiences, I want all of us to take a moment and think of the difference we have made within the community. I mean, we ARE the class that has started a statewide pay-it-forward movement. Over seven schools across the state, including former graduating classes, have recognized and thanked our local essential workers. Our compassion to give back was so strong that we even brought out the best in others!

We didn’t do it for the recognition, but we even made it on Channel 10. Yes, we might just be “kids,” and adults may say we aren’t capable of making a difference, but look at the impact we have made.

You may not get your name on that trophy or stand there on your senior night, but you have influenced the community. One simple act of kindness brought out the good in others. We inspired the members of our community and touched the lives of perfect strangers. As you move through life, always remember what thunderbolts do best: give back to others. In life, your success won’t be defined by what you buy or what you have. It will be defined by what you do. As we enter the next phase of our lives, that should be our goal; to make an impact on other people’s lives by being generous, caring, and selfless members of society.

Whether it is in Rhode Island, another state, or another country, I know that our graduating class will continue to leave our mark.

Congratulations and best of luck to all of you, the class of 2020!

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

Member FDIC

CONGRATULATIONS

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to all the

Cranston Graduates of the

Class of

2020

Councilman Paul J. McAuley WARD 2 | CRANSTON

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Valedictorian Eden Fisher

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Greetings to the Cranston East community – families, students, teachers, staff, platform guests – and a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the graduates of the Cranston High School East Class of 2020! Even if we’re not physically together to celebrate at this moment, we’ve spent much of the past four years in close proximity (sometimes in ways that were definitely not socially distant). It has been an honor learning and growing alongside so many of you.

Thank you to the incredible teachers at East and to my classmates and friends. I know I am not alone when I say you all shaped my high school experience. I’ve missed seeing everyone in the halls every day these past couple of months.

And thank you, too, to all of the families and support networks, in whatever form, that are joining us – thank you for being there for us.

Special shoutout to my incredible parents and my three … energetic … younger siblings. I wouldn’t want to use noise-canceling headphones for anybody else.

In a valiant attempt to be reassuring, people keep telling me that they barely remember their high school graduation, but I don’t think we’re going to forget this experience any time soon. Our entire world has changed so radically in the past few months, and it’s difficult to predict what the next few will hold as we all part ways. Luckily, this class is accustomed to gracefully dealing with change, whether in lifestyle (as we moved to distance learning), or in rapid personal growth during our time at Cranston East.

Almost four years ago, we gathered together in this auditorium for the very first time to listen to Mr. Kelly talk about how we were the greatest high school in the state and how we would be crossing the stage in a few short years. As the oldest of four kids, I had no idea what to expect from high school. In fact, when one of my friends once mentioned valedictorian, I had to go home and Google it! I was pretty clueless, more than a little nervous, and very excited.

And I soon learned that the Cranston East community lives up to its reputation of being as welcoming as we are, in spite of – and perhaps because of – our differences. Within the first few days of our freshman year, I had made new friends on the cross country team, bonded with some of my teachers, and stopped walking towards the gym on my way to the Briggs building. Over the past few years, I’ve become much more outspoken, realized my love for math and passion for helping others, and gotten to be in classes with some of the most interesting people I know.

Likewise, you all have changed so much! We’ve grown up together as a result of our shared experiences. From substitutes who make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for us, to killing kittens in pre-calculus, to having to adjust to block schedules halfway through our time here, to getting lost in Goddard Park during pivotal cross country meets, to holding push-up contests in video production, or to the collective disgust at how bad the halls smell, we all have our fair share of quirky East stories. Our experiences, vastly diverse and yet bound together by a common location and that Thunderbolt pride, have shaped us throughout the past four years. [Mr. Kelly was right – those four years DO go by quickly.] And as we part ways and head to our next adventures, I know we will all continue to change and grow, together but apart.

Reflecting on all the ways we have changed over the years reminds me of a necklace that I rarely see one of my best friends without. It’s two stacked coins with the phrase “BE THE CHANGE” engraved on them. I love her necklace for two reasons. First, because it’s a pun: those two coins were perhaps someone’s spare *change* at one point. But as much as I love a clever wordplay, the second reason I love that necklace is the powerful quote that it references.

BE THE CHANGE … YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD. Which is attributed to Gandhi.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD. Change is a constant phenomenon, present both in personal maturation and in the world around us. We entered high school under a very different political administration. The climate is changing continuously as global temperatures continue to rise and biodiversity diminishes. Technology and the way we use it to communicate is evolving everyday – Vine was still alive when we first walked through these doors, and half of the population is now on Tik Tok. And I don’t think any of us could have anticipated the complete upheaval of our realities that has resulted from the coronavirus.

Sometimes it feels as though we are all simply passive onlookers in this world of constant flux. But, Class of 2020, if change is inevitable, we are perfectly situated to shape that change. To be the change we wish to see in our communities.

As a class, we’re already more than proficient at standing up for what we believe in – whether in the form of walking out of school for climate strikes, widely distributing petitions protesting changes in tradition, or, as Genesis mentioned, donating our class funds to local workers in the community. Class of 2020, we are already changing our world for the better!

It is up to us to continue that spirit, with true Thunderbolt determination.

If you don’t like what you’re seeing, speak up about it. Register to vote! Attend a protest! Continue to do community service even when it’s no longer a graduation requirement!

Each one of us possesses the power to help mold the world the way we want. And, because we’re going to be in so many different places next year, we have the opportunity to shape so many different communities, togethCLASS OF er but apart.

It’s clear to see that we already have our eyes set on what we want in the world. After all, we are the class with … wait for it … 2020 vision.

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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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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.

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Salutatorian

Indiamei Coren-Gold Hello and welcome family, friends, Cranston East faculty and staff, and of course, class of 2020. I am deeply honored to be standing here in front of you today at Cranston High School East. I hope that you are staying safe, healthy, and happy as best you can amidst this global crisis.

Though this is far from the graduation that we had envisioned four years ago, I am grateful to Superintendent NotaMasse, our principal Mr. Kelly, and all the other faculty and staff who have worked so hard to make graduation happen.

The lack of closure that I have felt and I’m sure many of you may have also felt is frustrating, but I want to remind everyone that we did it! After four years of high school, we are all here today because we did everything we needed to (and probably more) to earn our diploma.

We have accomplished so much these past four years both inside and outside of school, that I am excited to see what now until the rest of our lives holds for us. As your time here ends and you begin at another school, enter straight into the workforce, or choose to serve this country, I hope you fondly remember your time here at Cranston East.

I have personally always loved numbers, so it follows that one of my favorite after school activities was going to math team meetings every week after school. I remember the first meeting I showed up to in my freshman year, the club was relatively new and not many people were there. The people that were there, however, were laughing and joking but also talking about some difficult problems that our coach, Mr. Rodolewicz had put on the board. Despite how casual everyone was, I remember looking at those problems and feeling super confused and overwhelmed and amazed that they could even attempt to solve them.

That first year, I was too intimidated to participate in any of the competitions against other schools. Come sophomore year, I finally built up the courage to participate in one of those competitions, which we call meets. Surprisingly enough, I managed to score some points, not bad for my first time. Overall, I can’t remember if we were complete last, or second to last, but either way, we didn’t do so hot. I will never forget, however, the excitement I felt in trying those challenging problems and arguing intensely about them with my teammates. It was a lot of fun.

Let’s fast forward a couple years. At this point, there are many more members, and most of them are friendly familiar faces. The problems on the board don’t look so tough anymore, either. Then it’s time for the first meet, and believe it or not, we win. Second meet, we win again! This trend continues, and by the end, though we haven’t won every meet, we score so many points that we qualify for the state playoffs, something that has never been done before by the Cranston East math team. The feeling of winning was great, but more than anything, my teammates and I got to grow tremendously over the years. This growth is something that I have witnessed in every single one of you.

Just last week, Academic Convocation was held, and we got to celebrate the many amazing academic and athletic accomplishments of the class of 2020. Now, I would like to take a moment to celebrate some less conventionally recognized achievements of our seniors. I know some of you who wake up before the sun has even risen to go to the gym or come here to school to exercise for JROTC. I know some of you who have worked long hours, sometimes even at multiple jobs, at the same time as you have gone to school.

I know some of you who do a lot to take care of younger siblings at home. I know some of you are really good at making a quiet, tense classroom double over with laughter. Others of you have some really good book and movie recommendations. For quite a few, English isn’t your first language, but you can now speak fluently.

My point is, you all have skills and talents and qualities that I admire and I hope you too realize are valuable. I’m sure these traits will carry with for the rest of your lives.

For helping me recognize and cultivate my own skills, I would like to thank several people. Thank you to my sister for always listening, understanding, and treating me with kindness.

Thank you to my uncle and my aunt for their constant guidance and support.

Thank you to my grandparents, especially my grandmother, who has welcomed me into her home and raised me as her own daughter.

Thank you to my dad, my best friend and greatest teacher, who has given me the freedom to grow and learn.

And finally, to my family here at Cranston East, the teachers, guidance counselors, administration, and you, my fellow class of 2020, I thank you for the past four years.

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THE BEST OF THE BEST

TOP TEN

1. EDEN FISHER

Eden Fisher, valedictorian of Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend Harvard University to study applied mathematics. She also has an interest in environmental science. Fisher will enroll at Harvard in 2021 after a gap year.

During her time at Cranston East, Fisher has been involved in a wide range of activities. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, of which she served as vice president this year.

Athletically, she has been a member of the cross country, swim and outdoor track teams – serving as a captain or co-captain for all three – as well as the indoor track team. She also served as concertmaster of the Cranston East Orchestra and captain of the school’s Sunrise Movement Strike.

Fisher’s special honors and recognitions include the Harvard Book Award and the Pell Medal for Excellence in U.S. History. She was a 2020 candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, an Elks Most Valuable Scholar Semi-Finalist for 2020 and the 2020 Cranston All-City Athlete of the Year for cross country and swimming, with a nomination for

indoor track.

Fisher’s athletic accomplishments include rookie of the year, Third Team All-Division and Third Team Class A honors in cross country; First Team All-Division 400m Free Relay and Most Versatile Swimmer honors in swim; All-Division 3000m Run, All Class 4x800m Relay and All Division 4x800m Relay honors in indoor track; and All-Division 4x800m relay honors in outdoor track.

Asked what she will remember most from her time at Cranston East, Fisher said: “Sophomore year pep rally when my friend wore a skin-tight blue bodysuit and he had it unzipped during class but then tried to zip it back up over his face and head at one point but the zipper got supremely caught in his hair and so our English teacher had to spend like five minutes trying to untangle things and he was finally successful but in the meantime I took a picture of the entire ordeal because the entire class was watching and it was very entertaining and I sent the picture to my friend’s mom and she sent it to her sister, who works with my teacher’s wife, and so the picture got back to my teacher and then the next week during class he brought everything up again and showed us the picture that I had taken and I absolutely could not fathom how he had gotten hold of the picture but eventually we connected the dots and had an excellent laugh about it all. Also, Chun cake.”

Fisher credited her family and her sports teams with contributing the most to her success and her high school experience.

“My parents have been so incredibly supportive from the very beginning; some of my closest friends and favorite memories have come from bonding with my teammates, whether over a hard practice, shared interests, or going to Denny’s after midnight,” she said.

Asked about her motivation to excel, Fisher said: “I love what I do! I have a hard time doing anything half-heartedly.”

Reflecting on the COVID-19 crisis, she added: “The pandemic hasn’t directly affected my career plans in any major way but it’s made me see even more clearly how critical it is to get politicians in office who care about building an equitable society and economy, for everyone. That’s part of why I am taking a gap year; I want to get involved with local politics for the fall election.”

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2. INDIAMEI C. COREN-GOLD

Indiamei C. Coren-Gold, salutatorian of Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend Brown University in the fall to study applied mathematics and computer science.

During her time at Cranston East, Coren-Gold has been co-captain of the Math Team, a member of the Science Team, president-elect of the National Honor Society, a member of the National Art Honor Society and a chemistry and math tutor.

Coren-Gold’s special honors and recognitions include the Brown Book Award, five superior awards for solo piano performance from the Solo and Ensemble Festival, and the Scholastic Silver Key for Visual Arts Coren-Gold said she will most remember “going to math team meetings and making friends with passionate and creative individuals with an intrinsic desire to learn and better themselves.” She credited her family, friends, teachers and guidance counselor, Mr. Centore, with contributing the most to her success and enjoyment of high school.

Asked about her motivation to excel, Coren-Gold said: “In my future, I want to wake up every morning looking forward to my job. I hope that I continue learning everyday and that I use the knowledge and skills I acquire to make both my life and the lives of other people better.”

Reflecting on the pandemic, she added: “We will all be able to come out of this pandemic having a better appreciation and understanding of one another.”

3. NADYA LEHNERT

Nadya Lehnert, the third-ranked student in Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend McGill University in Montreal this fall with a major in biochemistry.

Lehnert was a member of the Cranston East marching band for all four years of her high school career, serving as a drum major during her senior year. She was also a four-year member of the indoor percussion ensemble and a two-year member of the jazz ensemble. Additionally, Lehnert has been a member of the Science Club, a weekly volunteer at Providence Books Through Bars, and a volunteer for the Rhode Island Bird Atlas.

In 2019, Lehnert was one of 10 students statewide chosen to participate in the American Mathematical Society’s “Who Wants to Be a Mathematician” competition at Providence College. Her other special honors and recognitions include receiving the Excellence in Mathematics and Natural Sciences Award from the New England Society of Women Engineers in 2019, being inducted into the National Honor Society and Tri-M National Music Honor Society, performing with the Providence College High School Honors Band and being chosen this year as a member of the Rhode Island Senior All-State Band.

“I will most remember all of our nighttime band practices at the field and in the gym, not only because of how hard everyone worked but also because of how much fun we had horsing around,” she said. “I will also never forget all the afternoons I spent after school in the classrooms of my favorite teachers, asking them questions and listening to their advice.”

Lehnert said her science teachers – especially Mrs. Conte, Mr. Modica and Mr. Chun – “taught me to really enjoy science, and always were glad to chat with me.”

“I appreciated being able to ask them questions about science and about life in general, and being able to go to cadaver day and do dissections because they presented those opportunities to me,” she said. “I also enjoyed everything the music department had to offer, and I will really miss playing music at East with my peers. Playing in the band helped me learn confidence and gave me something to look forward to when school was getting me down.”

Asked about her motivation to excel, Lehnert cited the guidance of her teachers and her desire to pursue a career in medical research.

“I know that medical school is very competitive and that biochemistry is a difficult course of study, but I am fascinated by genetics, drug development, and the human body, so I put in the time with my future in mind,” she said

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4. CHRISTIAN ADAMS

Nadya Lehnert, the third-ranked student in Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend McGill University in Montreal this fall wiChristian Adams, the fourth-ranked student in Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend Rhode Island College in the fall with a major in mathematics.

During his time at Cranston East, Adams has been a member of the varsity baseball team and captain of the Math Team. His special honors and recognitions include the St. Timothy Award for excellence in youth ministry.

Adams said he will most remember “all the people I have been blessed to be able to call my friends and teachers over the years.”

“They have helped me become not only a better student but person as well,” he said. “While hopefully this is not goodbye, I know that the time already spent will leave a permanent impact.”

Adams thanked his friends, family and teachers for their contributions to his success and enjoyment of high school. He said he motivation to excel has stemmed from “a desire to be the best that I can be at whatever I do.”

Reflecting on the pandemic, Adams said: “Good may come of this, but it also may not. We will be different when everything is over, and I suppose it is up to us whether we are different in a positive manner or a negative one.”

5. MATTHEW D. MELLOR

Matthew Mellor, the fifth-ranked student in Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall with a major in chemical engineering.

During his time at Cranston East, Mellor has served as vice president of both the National Honor Society and the Class Council. He was a member of the volleyball and basketball teams, managed the girls volleyball team, was a member of the Math Team and worked in the school store.

Mellor’s special honors and recognitions include the University of Rochester Xerox Innovation and Information Technology Award, the Bryant University Award and the 2019 RI General Treasurer Seth Magaziner’s Young Leader Award. He was also a member of championship boys volleyball teams at East.

“From my high school years, I will remember representing Cranston East on the basketball and volleyball courts and the variety of events I was able to take part in,” he said. “I will definitely remember the unforgettable memories I have made with friends and teachers along the way.”

Mellor credited his teachers, advisers, coaches, friends and family for his success and his enjoyment of high school.

“I greatly enjoyed my time participating in both the academic and extracurricular activities offered by Cranston East,” he said. “Through both volleyball and challenging courses, I have been able to discover my passion for problem solving and collaborating with others. These influences have led me to my choice to pursue a major in chemical engineering.”

He added: “I believe my internal motivation and desire to always do my best, as well as the support from my teachers, family, and friends, motivated me to excel in high school. My family, especially my late grandfather, helped encourage me in all of my adventures at Cranston High School East and create my ‘never-quit,’ positive attitude in life. These influences have gotten me to where I am today.”

Mellor said he believes the pandemic that so disrupted the senior year for his class “has helped people realize the impact they can have on others and how much their life can be impacted by an uncontrollable event.”

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6. SAMUEL G. HINDS

Samuel Hinds, the sixth-ranked member of Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend the University of Miami in the fall to major in English with a concentration in creative writing. He will also take part in the university’s da Vinci Scholars Program, which focuses on “crossing traditional academic disciplines.”

Hinds played trumpet in the Thunderbolt Marching Band during all four of his years at Cranston East, serving as a soloist in his junior year and a section captain in his senior year.

He has been inducted into the National Honor Society and was a member of the school’s Math Team. He also served as secretary and president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and volunteered with the city of Cranston’s GIS, or geographic information systems, department during his senior year.

“I’ll remember all the craziness that ensued on bus rides home following a marching band competition,” Hinds said of what he will most remember from his high school career.

Hinds credited his mother for her role in his success, saying: “She’s helped me through the stressful parts of these past four years. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without her.” In terms of his motivation to excel, he added: “I’ve always loved learning, and being surrounded by teachers who were equally passionate about what they teach has only increased my love of learning. If it weren’t for tests, quizzes, and grades, I would stay in school forever and just learn.”

Asked to reflect on the pandemic and its effect on himself and his class, Hinds said: “Over the past two months or so, we’ve seen a lot of craziness. We’ve seen some of the worst parts of humanity, but some of the best parts of it too. We’re finally recognizing essential workers who are putting their lives on the line to ensure we still have food, medicine, and two-day shipping. We are finally slowing down and recognizing what is important in our lives. I hope we bring what we have learned from this experience into a post-social distancing world.”

7. THIEN T. VO

Thien Vo, the seventh-ranked student in Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend Cornell University in the fall to study chemical engineering.

During his time at Cranston East, Vo has been a member of the Science Team and varsity lacrosse team. Asked to highlight some of his honors and recognitions, he responded simply: “ I’m a low-key kind of guy so I rather not say.”

Vo said from his high school years, he will most remember “bowling with the boys before the ’rona hit.” He credited his parents, friends and teachers for contributing the most to his success, and said his motivation to excel stems from his “personal drive.”

Asked to reflect on the pandemic, Vo said: “Due to social distancing, people are forced to be alone, but being alone isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Time alone is time for self-improvement. When you are alone, you can focus more on the little things that you want to do or learn. Of course not everyone is able to motivate themselves to use this opportunity, but COVID-19 has provided this opportunity nevertheless.”

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8. COURTNEY HOLMES

Courtney Holmes, the eight-ranked student in Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend the University of Rhode Island in the fall to study psychology and biology on a pre-med track.

Holmes was a member of the volleyball team for all four years at Cranston East and took honors-level art classes during her first three years at the school. During her senior year, she took AP Studio 2D Art. She has also been inducted into the National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. In her junior year, she received the Johnson & Wales Excellence in Business Award.

“I am so lucky to have such a wonderful group of friends that have stuck by my side all throughout high school,” Holmes said. “A lot of them I’ve known for my whole life. Every single experience that I’ve shared with them at Cranston East will be one to remember, but some of my favorite memories are the ones I shared with my friends during our field trip to Boston junior year. I remember waiting outside Cranston East with all of my peers for the busses to come. I felt like a little kid on the bus ride and there was so much excited energy amongst everyone. We walked around historical landmarks in Boston and went to a pastry shop and all got cannolis that our history teacher always talked about. We even went to a Red Sox game. It was so much fun and one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had during high school.”

Holmes said her teachers “contributed the most to not only my success, but also my enjoyment of high school.”

“I am beyond blessed to be able to wake up and go to a school where my teachers are excited to teach and to do their jobs,” she said. “My freshman year history teacher, who retired last year, still emails me to check in and see how I’m doing.

I remember at the end of my sophomore year, another one of my teachers was so sad the school year was coming to an end that tears came to their eyes. My junior year, another teacher of mine took time out of their mornings to set up AP study sessions. They would come to school at 6 a.m. with the biggest smile on their face ready to help us in whatever way they could. This year, one of my teachers made me some of their homemade chicken nuggets for the class just because they knew we liked them. I have countless more examples of how amazing my teachers are beyond the textbooks and the work they assign, but the fact that they truly enjoy teaching makes it so much easier to learn the difficult topics and so much more exciting.”

Holmes said her family is “the root of my motivation.”

“For my whole life, they have supported me, encouraged me, and loved me,” she said. “I might be a little biased when I say this, but they are some of the most kind and caring people you will ever come across ... Working hard and doing as best I can is what I do to show them how grateful I am for all they have done for me.”

Asked to reflect on the pandemic and its impact on this year’s graduates, Holmes said: “COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor. It doesn’t care about the color of your skin. I think this is a big wake-up call for society. Even though we are staying six feet apart, we are united in this fight. I think in the end, this whole period of fear is going to bring us together for the better.”

She added: “While this has been a very difficult time for everyone, I keep trying to stay positive. I know that quarantine leaves so much time for us to drown in our thoughts. So many people are scared and feel alone. Staying at home, not being able to see loved ones and friends, and even just the fear of the virus itself, really takes a toll on someone’s well being. Statistics are showing that mental health among many is plummeting and that many who have mental illnesses are struggling. I want to help these people and make a difference, so I decided that I will continue my education on the path to become a psychiatrist.”

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9. SHARON L. WU

Sharon Wu, the ninth-ranked student in Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall to student biomedical engineering.

Wu has been involved in a range of activities during her time at Cranston East, including sports and music. She has been a member of the volleyball, track and tennis teams, serving as a captain of the tennis team during her senior year. She was a three-year violinist in the schools orchestra and has been inducted into the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Wu’s special recognitions and achievements include receiving the Rensselaer Medal Award and earning Second Team All-Division Doubles honors in tennis.

Wu said she will most remember her friends from her time at Cranston East.

“My friends have helped me through many tough moments in my life. I will never forget the memories we have made,” she said. “My friends and family have greatly impacted my high school experience. I will always remember the countless nights of studying with my peers. They showed me how to balance hard work and having fun. My mother has always stood by my side and gave me the freedom to enjoy my years in high school.”

Asked about her motivation to excel, Wu said: “As a first-generation immigrant, I have learned to work hard because of my mother. She has always supported me regardless of how busy or tired she was. I created a goal for myself in the future to give back to my mother and show how her hard work has paid off.”

Reflecting on the pandemic, Wu said: “Seeing the effects of the pandemic, it gave me more of a reason to work in the medical field to help others.”

10. ENID G. CORCORAN

Enid Corcoran, the 10th-ranked student in Cranston East’s class of 2020, plans to study apparel design at the Rhode Island School of Design this fall.

Corcoran has been involved in a number of athletic, academic and artistic activities during her time at Cranston East. She was a four-year member of the varsity swim team, serving as captain during her senior year, and has taken part in Swim Club during the fall for six years. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society, and took part in several art-related community service projects.

Corcoran’s special honors and achievements include a Scholastics Gold Key for her individual piece and a Scholastics Silver Key for her portfolio during senior year, as well as the Wickford Art Association Scholarship and second-place honors from the organization for her portfolio.

Corcoran said she will most remember “all of the friends I made and the amazing teachers I had” during her time at Cranston East. She credited her parents and friends for making her high school years successful and enjoyable, and said her motivation to excel stemmed from her understanding that “to have the career I envisioned for myself I would have to work hard.”

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PRESENTING THE

CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL EAST

CLASS OF Katrina M. Abatiello Madison A. Abatiello Mustafa Abbas Abigail J. Babola Yessica Acosta Santana Christian Adams Madison B. Adkins Nicole Afriyie Agyemang Daviahn Airall Rahil E. Al-Bahyat Ilyza E. Albeno Nyah K. Alcantara Genesis Nohemi Aldana Pineda Zachary T. Aleardi Harold M. Alexieff Abevian Y. Allison Jaseli Almonte Mohammad Khair Al-Tarazi Andrew P. Amoako Maria del Pilar Antigua Brito Jorge A. Arevalo Sulma W. Azanon Villatoro Isabella M. Babalato Seth G. Babcock Carolina F. Baldomar Ratanak Ban Justin G. Baptista Lucas D. Barba Vargas Edgar A. Barrera Gomez Gary M. Barrios Naraly Barrios Eribert Batista Sanchez Amani D. Bell-Ivery Tessa Angelina Bellotti Noah H. Berg Jalen A. Bernardo Ronald L. Blanchard Jennifer M. Bolivar Sebastian M. Borgia Greyson J. Boudreau Roger M. Breton Kate-Lynn E. Bucacci Alexandria M. Cabral Danny P. Cabral, Jr. Maggie Cabral Carlos R. Cabrera Aldana Jeffrey Junior Cabrera Carrie Cairns Kyle A. Cairone Sofia Calderon Alzate

Madeline Calmeiro Sage F. Camara Evens D. Camper Carlos R. Cancino Kelwin Canelo-Gonzalez Jessica Lynn Capobianco Christopher J. Cardoza Jessfeli Carmona Samantha D. Carroll Ethan J. Carter Daniel A. Castillo David A. Cepeda William Cha M. Nour Chamout Kevin Chan Yin Yin Chen Alan S. Chhim Kelli Chin Adam B. Cioe Paris Colbert Giselle I. Colon Enid G. Corcoran Betzy E. Cordon Indiamei C. Coren-Gold Adriana Cornejo Alexandra J. Corsi Preston Cortellesso Karina A. Cosajay Jeramiah J. Coss Jobany Coxaj Maric David A. Da Silva Andrea S. de Leon Rodriguez Devin J. DeFeo Gregory Delacruz, Jr. Diana Fidelina Delgado Skyler A. Delgado Bobby W. Deluna Damien J. Demers Danielle R. Derisier Allen G. DerManelian Catherine C. DeRosa Dylan R. DeSimone Alexis V. DeVozza Emily Diaz R’Monti Dickerson Justin B. DiLullo Amanda Doeur Joshua S. Dugan Ethan S. Dul Joshua J. Duncan

Rebecca L. Eaton Clarence Emile Jaymen J. Espinal Raymond J.R. Espinal, Jr. Joshua S. Estremera Khiev Darion J. Etheridge Grace J. Falu Amanda Fang Austin Faria-Meade Jordyn A. Fernandez Oscar E. Ferreras Roman E. Figueroa Eden J. Fisher Isabella Florenz Jeremyah C. Flores Aaron J. Fonseca Rayquan S. Fortune-Harris Olivia G. Foster Tatyana Shawnte Francois Domenic F. Fusco, III Sean P. Gallagher Kelman Garcia Jesus S. Garcia-Villanueva Enrique D. Garza Bilal Hamed McFadden Gass Luis E. Gavalo Puello Samuel T. Gebremichael Damion M. Generali Marquis Gervais Tabitha Gigliodoro Kelsey M. Gilbert Jonas J. Gomes Tamara Gonzalez Paz Lelah S.E. Gormley Xavier J. Goyco Jacob Grafton Noah E. Gray Angela Greig Angelina D. Grundy Diana Guerrier Daneysha Gutierrez Christopher Guzman Yashira J. Guzman Sammy M. Hallak Hope Elizabeth Halvarson Declan S. Hanley Mason M. Harris Abdul Rahman Hasaba James A. Hayden, Jr. Lisa P. Heng Lim

Damaris N. Hernandez Rachel G. Hernandez Valentino Herrera Phoebe T. Herriott Samuel G. Hinds Honesty J. Holford Courtney Lynn Holmes Autumn O. Hooper Samuel I. Hunt Wil Y. Hunt Jay M. Idskou James E. Isme Layonna L. Isom Essa M. Jagne Victoria Jenkins Hunter T. Jennings Zackary T. Jennings Tingfan Jiang Jason J. Jimenez Jasmine Maria Jiminez Mohammed Obada Jomaa Laura King Jones Jai’Vante Jones-Clark Maira Jorge Quinn Julian Eden C. Jutras Malinda L. Keo Kalliann S. Khim Tohleen Khiralla Gelina A. Kilgore Jacob C. King Brianna Marie Kozusko Nana Ama Kyei-Poakwa Darren K. La Han G. Lam Elyjahdae J. Lamy

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PRESENTING THE

CRANSTON HIGH SCHOOL EAST

CLASS OF Maya E. Lane Brian J. Larosiliere Kerry A. Lavey Sydney Jane Lee Nadya Lehnert Jamie A. Lemire Kailey Michelle Lenk Ashley N. Liberatore Coty K. Lietar Mali Rose Lindgren Grace A. Linne William R. Littleton Allen Liu Steven M. Live Alfred Gwen B. Lizarda Joseph T. Long Adnel Y. Lopez Medina Angel J. Lopez Medina Albert Lopez Lusalli Lopez Natalia D. Lopez Nayeli Angelia Lopez Rasheed Sem Meronville Louis Rose M. Lovenbury Angel A. Lucchetti Kyle J. Lynch Vy P. Mai Michael A. Maldonado, Jr. Paige R. Manocchia Kassidy A. Marble Ninoska Marcos Faith C. Marfeo Daniel A. Marines Lucero Marte Estrella Brian G. Martin Griffin J. Martin

Samantha Sky Martinez Kaitlyn R. Mastrangelo Alyanna J. Matos Alayjha V. Maynard Daisy J. Mayoh Callan Curry Maytum Damian Lee McClendon Andrew J. McGrath Christopher J. McGuire Shawn J. McNally Tyler A. McNeil Matthew David Mellor Elton Mentor Carrie R.T. Messa Shane A. Michaud Arianna Miech Deven Mil Erode Milsette Ashly Montan Tejada Jack David Montefusco Jhordany E. Montufar Granados Darrien S. Mora Kerin A. Murillo Acosta Hannah E. Murphy Cameron Scott Musard Isabella F. Muth Julia F. Myles George Ndimele Evan J. Neary Jaden D. Neou Kevin D. Nix Megan L. Nota Alahnis J. Nunez Brian J. Nunez Madison L. Nye Kiara E. Orellana Andrew S. Ou Shyan P. Ouch Miguel A. Pallanan Tyler V. Palumbo Justin I. Panadero Iyanna R. Paniagua Brittany Pantoja Jeniffer E. Parada Cortez Nicoletta K. Parente Jacob M. Parenteau Tristan R. Parenteau Mary E. Paulino Sujeiry D. Payano Coste

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Jayleen G. Perdomo Damarelis Perez Rivera Orchidmarie A. Perez Reillin R. Perez Olivia M. Peters Alexander J. Picard Veronica Pich Jorge L. Pizarro-Ramos Beholdsen Plymouth Guliana C. Portillo Brianna Prado Imani G. Price Bradley F. Procaccini Ashanti M. Prout Kevin I. Puac Gonzalez Savannah L. Pugh Haoyu Qiu JenĂĄe Juice QuiĂąonez Nancy Radwan Tayla M. Rambone Adrian J. Ramirez Niah Julisa Ramirez Ana P. Ramos Tristan Scout Rasmussen Alexis M. Rei Anderlis M. Reyes Angelly Reyes Omar Reyes, Jr. Chanlima Rin Chansakana Rin Armani M. Rios Jahnesha M. Rivera Steve L. Roberts Ronice S. Rocha Monteiro Sherlyn M. Rodriguez Dorrejo Ajay Rodriguez Oscar Daniel Rodriguez Reagan Elisabeth Rojek Elijah L. Rosa Eliza C. Rosa Mylez A. Ross Dana J. Rotmer Kaylie Russell Jose R. Russian Cesar Luis A. Samayoa Illescas Emily R. Sanchez Heiry Sanchez Jason A. Sanchez Melissa Odalis Sandoval

Emily Sanita Yuliana Santana Navarro Luis A. Santiago Liz Troy Andrew Santopadre Damian X. Santos Patricia A. Santos Valen RL. Scripsack Jeremy P. Scungio Hailey J. Seng Lily Teah Serei Aaron M. Short Allison E. Silva Chelsea P. Silvia Justin M. Simoneau David B. Simpson Nowzad Sindi Aaliyah V. Smith Tyler J. Soriano Mairelyn Sosa De La Rosa, I Giannie R. Soto Abigail Rosemary Sparks Caitlin M. Spitznagel Cassidy A. Sweet Shoneah S. Symonds Angela P. Thoeung Destiny Rose Thorpe Murad N. Tobal Hamo Christian C. Toj Franklin Luis Torres Devin M. Travers Lancelot Trejo Urena Haleigh M. Trottier Pedro Pablo Tupul Kailana Alexyis Vargas Nicole Isabella Vargas Kelly V. Vasquez Aggerlynn S. Vetiaque Vincent A. Tedesco Thien T. Vo Mia A. Vona Casey J. Wallace Sally K. Wheeler Alyssa A. Whelan Millie R. Wignall Zoe Wojtanowski Kaylee J. Worster Sharon Wu Sawoh Grace Yengbeh Madison J. Zarone

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he Bolts shined this past year, being led by the boys

swim team which won the division championship while the girls side were runners up. The boys soccer team had a strong campaign, finishing the regular season in first place while the girls advanced all the way to the finals. The girls volleyball team also finished the regular season in first place and qualified for the postseason again.

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THE BE

SENIO

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THE CLASS

CRANSTON HIGH

CRANSTON HER

Keep on

East's class of 2020 gets celebrato

By STEPHANIE BERNABA Graduation celebrations kept on rolling in Cranston over the weekend.

The members of Cranston High School East’s class of 2020, joined by loved ones, educators and local officials, took part in a Senior Motorcade on Saturday morning, a week after their cross-city counterparts from Cranston West did the same.

The motorcade was organized by graduating seniors Genesis Aldana and Maria Antigua, with the assistance of Mayor Allan Fung and School Committee members Mike Traficante, Dan Wall and Vincent Turchetta. The event was also planned in collaboration with the Cranston Police Department, which escorted the procession.

Cranston West graduate Makayla Vieira and her father, Dave Vieira, were also present to assist East families. The Vieiras had been integral to the organization of the Cranston West rolling celebration on June 6.

Approximately 60 cars took part in the rolling rally, with many of the vehicles containing more than one student.

The motorcade lined up in the Cranston Stadium parking lot, and the festivities began with speeches from both Aldana and Antigua. DJs Bekah Berger – a Cranston East alum – and Mike D from radio station Hot 106 were honored guests, playing music for families in attendance.

Aldana thanked Cranston East Principal Sean Kelly and East parents during her speech. She credited parents with helping to organize and set up the event.

“If you do see a parent today, please say ‘thank you’ to them,” she said, “because they’re the ones who came early here to set all this stuff up.”

The motorcade left the Stadium and ultimately ended in the Cranston East parking lot, where friends and families waited to celebrate. Some families had also set up small canopies under which to celebrate.

READY TO ROLL: Cranston East senior Ana Ramos waits patiently for the start of the class of 2020 Motorcade.

Cars were festively decorated and DJs Bekah and Mike D from Hot 106 were present for the celebration. (Herald photos by Stephanie Bernaba)

Turchetta said he and his fellow committee members were thrilled to be able to help Cranston East’s seniors celebrate after such a challenging year.

Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse added: “I am so proud of all of our 2020 graduates. Although their senior year as they knew it came to an unexpected, abrupt end, they have really risen to meet the challenges that have followed.”

Aldana added after the event: “I truly think it was something that brought unity to our class since we didn’t get to graduate altogether. It was so nice seeing everyone’s smiling faces and proud parents present to support them. Most of all, seeing all the teachers there cheering us really showed how much they care and support us. Personally, I didn’t even cry at graduation but this motorcade really brought me to tears. Even though it was quick and physical contact was not allowed, you could feel the love in Cranston on that Saturday morning.

It is extremely hard to leave a school in which I attended for four years but I leave with satisfaction

knowing that we made the end of the year the most memorable we could.”

East’s class of 2020 has earned accolades and inspired others through its acts of kindness during the COVID-19 crisis. Unable to hold a prom due to the situation, the class decided to donate a portion of its funding for the event to a local nursing care facility – a move that started a chain reaction of graduating classes from years past making their own donations to “pay it forward.”

The diploma walks and speeches for virtual graduation ceremonies at Cranston East, Cranston West and the New England Laborers’/Cranston Public Schools Construction & Career Academy were recorded earlier this month, and the final videos are slated to be released soon.

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n rolling:

ory send-off with Senior Motorcade

RIDING IN STYLE: Damaris and Rachel Hernandez wave to onlookers during the weekend’s procession.

THUNDERBOLT PRIDE: Mayor Allan Fung, Cranston East graduate Genesis Aldana, and School Committee member Mike Traficante pose for a picture before the weekend’s Senior Motorcade.

PROUD FAMILY: Cranston East class of 2020 graduate Maria Antigua shares a moment with her mother, Rosa, during the Senior Motorcade.

ALL SMILES: Cranston East graduate Hope Halverson waves to bystanders during the Cranston East class of 2020 Motorcade on June 13. (Herald photos by Stephanie Bernaba)

BANNER DAY: The family of Cranston East senior Rose Lovenbury decorated their car with a professionally created banner for East’s class of 2020 Motorcade on June 13. The motorcade was organized by graduating seniors, families, School Committee members, the Cranston Police Department and Mayor Allan Fung.

MAKING MUSIC: DJs Bekah and Mike D from radio station Hot 106 provided music during Cranston East’s senior celebration.

CONGRATS EDEN: The vehicle carrying class of 2020 graduate Eden Fisher is decorated for the occasion.

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THE CLASS

CRANSTON EAST

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THE CLASS

CRANSTON EAST

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cranston herald - cranston high school east GRADUATION 2020