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Celebrating the Class of 2015
Tears, cheers, and gratitude were shared as the Class of 2015 celebrated its graduation from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School on May 28.
Held inside Worcester's Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, this year's commencement ceremony saw 280 students from 13 towns officially conclude their dual high school education by crossing the graduation stage and receiving their vocational certificates and diplomas.
Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick congratulated the students on their many accomplishments and credited the Class of 2015 with helping their alma mater reach new heights during their high school careers.
"The past four years of unprecedented success at Blackstone Valley Tech were made possible by you, the Class of 2015," Fitzpatrick said. "Valley Tech made high expectations a cornerstone of its mission, but you are the ones who exceeded those expectations by leaps and bounds."
As for the commencement ceremony staple of offering graduates advice for the future, Fitzpatrick said the graduating seniors will experience continued success if they follow his simple advice of "keep up the great work."
Student speakers included Class of 2015 President Victoria Auger, a Health Services graduate from Milford, who said that the past four years have been among her most significant.
"Choosing to come to BVT was by far one of the best choices that I have made. I was exposed to a unique school where each individual student's education is important," Auger said. "Coming to BVT, school became a home away from home."
Valedictorian Eric Carkin, an Electronics and Engineering Technology graduate from Sutton, painted a bright picture of the Class of 2015's future.
"We are moving on to valuable, high paying jobs in the work force, taking over our own businesses, serving our country with honor and protecting our cherished freedoms in the military, or going to prestigious colleges to obtain even higher levels of education and skill sets," Carkin said. "Among us are the next artists, politicians, engineers, health care professionals, teachers, mechanics, and countless others with highly desirable skills."
In her Salutatorian's address, Business Technology graduate Suzanne Wright of Bellingham told her classmates that their hard work over the past four years will pay huge dividends in the years ahead.
"By alternating between academics and shop, you have learned how to manage your time in order to work afterschool jobs or co-op positions, finish your homework, participate in extracurricular activities and play sports," Wright said. "You have learned how to be innovative problem-solvers and critical thinkers. You have even held leadership positions in classrooms, shops, clubs and sports, and given back to your community through shop-integration projects and community service."
Student Council President Michele Fortin, a Painting and Design Technologies graduate from Bellingham, credited the BVT Student Council with providing her opportunities to develop skills she'll always carry on her career pathway.
"I would never have imagined myself standing on this stage in front of all of you tonight giving my last remarks on my high school experience, nor did I ever believe that I would be able to fit the spot as President," Fortin said. "Without the leadership skills from State Student Council conferences freshman year, and the National conference I attended this past summer, this would not be possible."
Following the commencement ceremony, the sidewalks outside the Hanover Theatre were packed as hundreds of proud parents, guardians, family members, and friends greeted the BVT Class of 2015 with hugs, cheers, and congratulations.