By Roy Chambers
6/4/09
The Copeland Field House was packed with standing room only for those who arrived late. The mood of the crowd was happy, proud and loud.
They were on hand to witness about 250 Milton High School seniors receive their diplomas. The graduation exercise, held Sunday under gloriously sunny skies, was the town’s 139th.
The event included performances by the school’s music ensembles, and speeches by valedictorian Kassi Stein, salutatorian Max Liberman and class president Maria Lannon, as the students said goodbye to the second home they’ve known for the past four years.
Stein reminded the class of 2009 that although life will have its “bumps, potholes and fallen trees in the middle of the street” and a person will never find a “road without potholes,” life will also have its “miles of smooth, open highway.”
“You never know what will come next,” she said. “Smooth roads or rough roads … don’t sweat it; keep on driving.”
Superintendent of Schools Mary Gormley honored four members of the Milton High School family.
First was Sen. Brian Joyce, who was recognized for all the support he has given the town and the high school in securing over $100 million from the state to rebuild the school system. The auditorium at Pierce Middle School will be named the Sen. Brian A. Joyce auditorium.
The next to be honored was former Superintendent Dr. Mary Grassa O’Neill, who was commended for improving the school system during her tenure. The Milton High School library will be named in her honor.
Thirdly, John Riordan, retired physical education teacher and longtime football coach, was honored for his dedication and teaching thousands of students across two generations while a teacher at Milton High. For his dedication to the athletes, the weight room will now be called the John Riordan Weight Room.
Finally, Gormley said, “We would like to introduce you to a man who exemplifies the true meaning of integrity. This is a man who had worked tirelessly to give the children beautiful, safe, state-of-the-art schools. This is a man who never gave up, never complained, never asked anything for the thousands of hours of service to our community for his service.” She then honored Charles Winchester, chairman of the School Building Committee, by announcing that the high school auditorium will be renamed the Charles C. Winchester Auditorium.
Gormley concluded with this message to the students: “You will leave the building today, but you will never leave our hearts. Once again, on behalf of the Milton Public Schools, congratulations and good luck.”
Other speakers included Principal Dr. John Drottar and School Committee member Lynda-Lee Sheridan.
Class member Princesse Samantha Revelus, who was murdered March 28, was remembered with a moment of silence.
Maureen Corrielus was honored as the only class member with four years of perfect attendance.
The other class officers were Deidre-Ann Fuller, vice president; Brittany O’Rourke, secretary; and Kathryn Shea, treasurer.
The senior student government included Stein and Robert Hitt. Catherine Beatrice and Siobhan O’Grady represented the class at meetings of the School Committee.
(Editor J. Michael Whalen contributed to this story.)