Summer Graduates Take the Stage in Coventry

Fifteen students closed the book on their high school careers Friday morning when they were awarded their diplomas during a ceremony at in the auditorium of Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School.

The newest members of Coventry High School's Class of 2013 were recognized for successfully completing the school's Extended School Year (ESY) program this summer, officially making them CHS alumni.

"Today we'd like to recognize our graduates - we're as proud of them as those students who graduated a month ago," said ESY Director George Egan at the start of the ceremony. "They stayed to make up their work and we're very proud of them."

Following the student procession which was traditionally accompanied by "Pomp and Circumstance", graduate Alex Carden addressed his peers:

"Life isn't always easy. We have good the times and we have the bad times. We hit speed bumps along the way, and summer school was one of them," he said. "But we got through it and now we're moving on to bigger and better things."

Carden revisited how nervous and he and his classmates were on the first day of high school and "how terrifying it was to walk in the front doors and feel so small compared to the seniors". He then recalled how the experience has come full circle, promising to not only never forget, but to also treasure his last day of school, during which he gave regards to friends and favorite teachers.

"High school has been a great journey for all of us here today, and I hope everyone remembers all the good times and not the bad," Carden continued. "I've learned a lot of lessons throughout the past four years - lessons that I'll take with me forever. Congratulations on graduating everyone, we finally did it!"

In addition to family members and friends, a number of school administrators and school committee members were in attendance on Friday, including Committee Vice-Chair Judi Liner who addressed the graduates.

"I'm extremely proud of you, as your hard work, value of education and perseverance has led you to this very special day," she began. "Today you've concluded one of life's many chapters, and tomorrow you begin anew."

With the graduates, Liner shared her hopes that they continue to persevere and dedicate themselves to whichever paths they choose, whether it be continuing education, entering the workforce or serving in the military.

"Know that you are special, aim to make a positive difference in this world, assist those in need and acknowledge and appreciate the positive attributes of those people and situations, who and which surround you," Liner went on. "Always remember who you are. My hope for you, is that in addition to continuing to be  productive member of society, that your future will be filled with great healthy, safety and happiness."

Before crossing the stage to receive their diplomas, the students were addressed by Regional Career & Technical Center Director Lori Ferguson who spoke in place of CHS Principal Michael Hobin, who was ill.

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up; the most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time," said Ferguson, quoting Thomas Edison. 

"Each of you made a conscious choice not to give up, to try one more time. Each of you tried until you succeeded," she continued. "Today you will cross this stage as graduates and members of the graduating class of 2013, something you should be very proud of. As we all know and have experienced, it's easy to stumble and sometimes fall along that path that we journey as we travel through life. But the challenges you've faced, you've proven today that you can get back on that path and continue on your journey until you reach your destination - and today you have reached it."

"All of you have recognized the importance of this day and made the extra effort and sacrifice to complete all of your graduation requirements," Asst. Superintendent Michael Convery told students before diplomas were awarded. "On behalf of everyone in the Coventry school system, we wish you all the best of luck and congratulate you on a job well done."

The 2013 Coventry High School Extended School Year graduates are:

Emily Rose Andrews

Schott Harold Behm, Jr.

Nicole Victoria Blais

Alex Jonathan Carden

Katelynn Judith Chapman

Samuel Robert Cleveland

Victoria Maria Deus

David Alan Grimaldi

Brittny Nikol Neuville

Alex Gerard Normandin

Tia-Alexi Marie Roberts

Jamieson Christopher Silveira 

Justin Jeffrey Stomberg

Brittany Lucia Stuchlik

Kyle Duncan Wallace