001I'm Kelly Gillo. I'm the principal of Dodd Middle School. It is my pleasure to welcome you to our promotion ceremony for the Dodd Middle School class of 2025. [Applause] It has been a great couple of years getting to know this magnificent group of eighth graders and I can say it is an honor to send them to high school. Before we get started, I ask that everyone please silence your cell phones. At this time, I would like to introduce our members of chorus, which include eighth graders Charlotte Healey, Sophia Kasifer, Brianna Kalinowski, Samantha Roth, Olivia Kachapoli, Lzette Santiago, and Isaiah Wilson to join me on stage to sing our national anthem. Please rise and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Oh, say Can you see by the dawn early so proudly we held at the
002twilight last stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight or the parts we were so and the rockets in proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangle bann of the free and the home of the brave. [Applause] I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you to our chorus and to our pledge leaders, Charlotte Healey, Anthony Vitali, Veronica Bilier, Elisha Wilson, and Rebecca Pollock. On behalf of our distinguished guests, Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Solen, assistant superintendent, Miss Marlene Solano, Chief Operating Officer Vincent Masiana, our board of education, Mrs. Murray Broadway, our supervisor of special education, our special presenters, our Dodd staff, parents, guests, and
003especially our students of the Dodd class of 2025. It's my pleasure to welcome you again to the Dod Middle School promotion ceremony. Let me start by saying I know I am your principal. I'm going to speak directly to you guys class of 2025. No, you're I'm your principal and not a Gen Alpha influencer. But today I'm going to embrace that for a moment. You've inspired me. So if I drop words like RZ, Aura, Dulu, just know I'm trying. After all, I've been in the trenches with you for two years, some of you for nine. through friend drama, cafeteria chaos, peer mediations, and the DC trip that felt like a full Netflix series. I've earned the right to be a little cringe. But believe me, I asked around. I did my research. I locked in. So,
004if this speech is giving 67 baby shark vibes, just roll with it. I promise I'll go back to being your principal real soon. All right. But seriously, today isn't about my attempt to speak fluent middle school. It's about you and the incredible journey you've been on for two years. You brought energy, curiosity, and leadership into our building every day. And you have truly owned your learning. You figured out how to push yourselves during RAM time, how to make the most out of class time, and how to advocate for what you needed. You didn't just follow the rules. You helped set the tone through your choices, your voice, and your actions. You helped shape what it means to be part of school, what you made our school. You showed what it means to lead with our
005Spark values. You showed integrity. You persevered, accepted responsibility most of the time. You respected yourself and others. And you chose kindness every single day. And while you didn't always get it perfect, because none of us do, you kept showing up, learning, and doing your best. And that's what matters. You took on new challenges with our engagement rubric, community days, and a whole new schedule. And you didn't just go through the motions. You got better. You got stronger. And it showed. Our data told us we could already what we could already feel in the building. Your hard work matters. It matters not because of a final grade or award, but because it taught you something even more valuable. That effort is the real win. It's not about being the best. It's about showing up and doing
006your best even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard. But more than any rubric or score, what really made these two years stand out were the connections that you built. Middle school isn't just about solving equations and writing essays. It's about learning how to show up for others. The moments when you checked in on a friend, included someone new, gave a shout out to someone, or held the door with a smile. It's those small choices that made a big difference and made this place feel more than a school. You made it a community. And when you made someone feel seen or safe or accepted, you didn't just build connection. You built confidence. You helped others believe in themselves just by being kind. And that's powerful. In a world that's constantly pulling our attention to screens,
007I want you to remember real connection is what matters. As you move on from dot, I encourage you to put that phone down. Make eye contact. Look up, say thank you, and mean it. Ask someone how they're doing. And actually listen, because how you treat people will always mean more than how many likes you get. And how you talk to yourself also matters. Oh, thank you. I like that, too. Thank you. Tell yourself you can do hard things. Remember yourself that a mistake doesn't define you and that growth is always possible if you're willing to keep trying. As you head to high school, keep that with you. Keep being the kind person that others want to follow. Keep taking ownership of your learning and your life. Keep being a force for good. Stay locked in.
008Keep grinding. and bring that confident aura with you. But more than anything, stay kind, real, and stay connected. You can do hard things, my friends. You already have. And the best part is you're just getting started. You've lived out our Spark values, and now it's time to take that spark and let it grow into something even bigger onto high school. And you are ready. So be brave and be kind. Stay curious, and keep working hard. And you remember that you've got this. It's been a pleasure, an honor really to be part of your journey. For many of you, that journey began just two years ago when you arrived at Dodd. But for some, it's been nearly a decade. I have to say this, my Norton Nighthawks, wherever you are out there, walking alongside you from
009kindergarten through 8th grade has been a once-ina-lifetime gift for me, and I couldn't be more proud of the young people you have become. To the entire class of 2025, what a special group you are. You didn't just survive middle school, you ate. And now, as the future graduating class of 2029, I have no doubt you will continue to do great things together. Keep showing up, keep growing, and yes, keep eating. Metaphorically, of course. We're proud of you. Congratulations, Dodd Middle School, class of 2025. [Applause] At this time, I would like to introduce our assistant principal, Mr. Murphy, who will introduce the award ceremony portion. [Applause] I know Miss Gillow just said to put away the phone, but I'm just pulling up my notes here. So, good morning everyone, class of 2025. Congratulations parents, loved ones,
010congratulations. Thank you for coming together as we celebrate the culmination of all these students hard work over the past two years at Dodd Middle School. I'd also like to take a moment to thank our faculty and our staff members for playing such an integral role in preparing these amazing young adults for the next step in their educational journey. I am proud to continue the Dodd Middle School tradition of recognizing the winners of three very special citizenship awards. The recipients of these awards have distinguished themselves over their two years at Dodd Middle School and will have their names engraved on plaques which are located in our main lobby. First to introduce the Alons Graco award, I'm honored to welcome to the stage a vital member of the Dodd community, our PTA president, Mrs. Denise Rancari. [Applause]
011Give me a minute. I'm trying to find my speech. Good morning teachers, families, and graduating eighth graders, class of 2025. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to present the Alons Graco Memorial Award this year, honoring my late predecessor who served as a PTA president here at Dodd Middle School. Mr. Graasso believed that a quality education was not only the right of every student, but the responsibility of every member of the community. a commitment he honored to the very end of his life. For this reason, the Alfons Graasso award is in recognition of citizenship given to the student in the opinion of the teaching staff best embodies those principles of dedication, cooperation, and dignity which Alaso stood for. It is an award of which the recipient and their family should be extremely proud of. It
012is my privilege to present the award to this year's recipient, Ryan Gordon. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Ronari, and congratulations, Ryan. To introduce the Michael Malloy Award, I'm pleased to welcome to the stage Dodd Middle School social worker, Mr. Ben Shebach. [Applause] Good morning. Before I jump in, one more picture for Instagram. I'm just going to take that of you all. And the flag's in my way, so I just got to go to the center of the stage. Be sure to smile. All right. Make sure you like and follow later. Not that it matters, Miss Gillo. Um, the next award is given in memory of Michael Malloy, who was a former teacher here at Dodd. We are incred incredibly proud to recognize this student our as our nominee for the Michael Malloory Citizenship Award. This individual
013exemplifies what it means to be kind, compassionate, and selfless, always going above and beyond to help others and make a difference. With a strong commitment to community service, especially in support of veterans, this student dedicates time and energy to honoring those who have served our country. Their generosity and leadership were especially evident as a top donor in the team readathon supporting Lor's truth nonprofit. A reflection of a true civic spirit. They lead not just with action but with heart, modeling empathy, responsibility, and a deep care for others. It is with great pleasure that I present this year's Michael Malloy Award to Bridget Cotch. [Applause] All right. Thank you, Mr. Sha. Congratulations, Bridget. Next to introduce the Nancy Kazinskus Award, I'd like to bring to the stage our eighth grade school counselor, Miss Jennifer Fleming. [Applause]
014Congratulation, class of 2025. It is an honor for me to present this special student selected award. Nancy Kazinskis was an upbeat, energetic science teacher who understood the nature of the adolescent in teaching to the whole child. Nancy passed away at a young age, but through this award, her legacy lives on. Students were asked to nominate one peer who exhibited qualities that Nancy deemed important in her classroom. a positive attitude, consistent effort, support of others, open-mindedness, self-motivation, and conscious decision-making. And this student demonstrates all those qualities. The classmates of this student nominated her and made the following comments. She is an extremely kind student. She always has amazing advice and is there for me when I need it the most. She is an amazing student and always on task. She is respectful and self-aware of others.
015She participates in sports and is always putting in her best effort. She is always in a good mood and brings smiles to other people's faces. She is a great leader and is focused on her work during class. It is my honor to present the 2025 Nancy Kazinski Award to Kate Wable. [Applause] Thank you, Mrs. Fleming. Congratulations, Kate. It's now my privilege to recognize a few students who received some very distinguished awards throughout the school year. As I announce their names, I ask them to stand and once again be recognized. I'd ask to please hold your applause until the recipients of all the awards have been announced, but we know how that goes. So each year, the Connecticut Association of Public Schools Superintendent recognize four Dodd Middle School students with the superintendence award. The award is
016based on community service, service to others, academic prowess, and leadership service to the school community. Earlier in the fall, these students were joined by their parents and a teacher of their choosing to be honored at a district-wide awards banquet. Congratulations to this year's recipients, Lily Giuliano, Haley Luck, Elma Purissic, and Abdul Schwab. Please stand and be recognized. Next, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education recognized three students who exhibited leadership skills such as willingness to take on challenges, making difficult decisions, and concern for others. This year's recipients of the CABE Student Leadership Award are Palmer Simpson, Tatum Gutman, and Lily Giuliano. [Applause] And finally, the Connecticut Association of Schools recognizes two students in each middle school with the Scholar Leader Award. This award is based on leadership, participation in school and community organizations, citizenship, and
017being a positive influence on their school climate. The students were joined by their parents and a teacher of their choosing and were honored at a statewide awards banquet. The recipients of this award were Dennis Uso and Sophia Kennedy. Congratulations to all of our awards recipients. And now I'd like to welcome Miss Grill back up to the podium. Congratulations to all of our award winners. We're so proud of you. At this time, I am honored to present our eighth grade class with their promotion certificates. Our team teachers will join me on stage to read the names of the students. We will begin with the blue team leader, Mr. Fran Connelly. [Applause] Good morning. Happy to begin reading our names of our blue team students. Nolani Adams, Cologne, Kylie Alya, Chase Allen, Malachi Amlac, Taylor Anderson, Abdullah
018Ashraf Navia Barani Kumar Shanmuga Priya Laya Bardelli Carla Bautista Logan Buren, Christian Bezic, [Music] Caroline Bizaro, [Music] Merrick Blair, Aiden Boura, Anna Bowman, Amelia Bro, Sonia Brucato, Jackson Bulock, Olivia Ia Kachopoli, Ty Canning, Jamira Cole, Giana Colona, Grace Canoy, Luke Luca Constanti. Next up to read names is the blue team science teacher, Mr. Brian Lopez. Good morning, Aaron Cruz, Everett Carell, Lena Dowski, Aiden Delaney, Chase Doyle, Ashley Elliot, Dax Elliot, Quinn Elliott, Daniel Issa, Victor Feainberg, Sophia Gabay, Vivana Jaloso, Piper Gerard, Alexandra Goldberg, Antonio Galino, Dream Gomez, [Music] Bin Grant, Giovani Grippo, Adrien Gara, Tatum Gutman, Finley Hendrickson, Kora Horvath, [Music] Umar Ikbal, and it's my pleasure to introduce Miss Kelly Mahoney, [Applause] Ethan Jones, Madison Jones, Sebastian Kelly Becky, Valerie Climus, [Music] Mark Labowski, Nathan Lacroy, Christina Leano, Alana Laria, Jocelyn Lion, Kyle Lockery,
019Bartlett Lockwood, Gavin Loza, [Music] Beckett Mayor, Jack Maher, Zohare Malik, Gianna Marton, Olivia Muro, Caroline Macdonald, Cameron Mcnal, Keegan McNal, Clauddio Meta, Colton Mitchell, Enzo Montes, Deoka, And next up for the blue team, the extraordinary Jillian Russo, formerly St. J. Good morning, Briana Neat, Samantha Orlowski, Sonia Patel, Jacob Peragalo, Jacob Planetta, Elma Periss, Hassen Raman, Arian Reg, Sophie Richardson, Cole Cleti, Liam Sheen, Riley Sinclair, Eli Smith, Julia Spranglemire, Noah Summers, Ashley Sisdek, Dante Torres, Olman, Natalie Veler, Elizabeth Vong, Elijah Wilson, Cristiana Zamitis, and Isabella Zagorski. Blue team, we will miss you all. And next up, we have the purple team with Mr. Tim Baker. [Music] Good morning Jared Abblegard Cooper Ampora Jordan Alfred Joseph Amenta Aniston Avidal Giana Belcastro, Evan Barnett, [Music] Jack Beach, Ellie Bergstrom, [Music] Nerbenti Rosalie, Nicholas Blli, Khan Bowman, Sha Brennan,
020Bennett Bruno, Olivia Buckold, Luchiano Bontempo, Caroline Kai, Ashley Salone, Hunter Clark. And it is my pleasure to introduce the purple team science teacher, Miss Katie Kierney, Vanessa Calvin, Addison Cororum, Lydia Crowley, Jack D. Rosa, Megan Desmond, Sha Duffy, Cameron Duperry, Riley Eert, Juliana Finelli, Jaden Furland, Patrick Fiorini, Connor Fraham, Addison Fredina, Ruth Gardner, Deal Gashy, Kaylee Glenn, Ethan Glover, Olivia Gole, Ryan Gordon, and allow me to introduce our purple team language arts teacher, Mr. Leaden, Brian Green, Giana Guerrero, Peta, Ryan Hannon, Charlotte Healey, Derek Henderson, Joel Hurst, Shane Jerome, Ferris Karum, Taylor Keeling, Laya Kmanski, Zoe Lardner, Connor Lahan, Ryan Mars, Yousef Mala, Maria Maveranos, Liam McGawan, Anya Meta, Jack Michaels. And now the math teacher on the purple team, Megan Mahan. Hello, Tessa Mangillo. Camila Npalitano, Carly Nves, Emma Oaks, Aduja Agolo, Luna Oriana,
021Ella Oseni, Matthew Pangangero, [Applause] Jazari Panton, Trey Patterson, Rebecca Pollock, Aubrey Pico, Elena Perez, Melanie Picado, Richard Puit, Keshan Ray, Sydney Rivera, Michael Rivera. [Applause] And now I'd like to introduce Ms. Shaniah Williams to read the rest of the purple team names. Good morning everyone. Anna Ross, Alicia Rikoski, Kevin San Pedro Ramirez, Lette Santiago, Quinton Santiago, Sashi Saxina, Abdul Schwab, Palmer Simpson, Chase Soders, Kaylee Stowe, Hassan Tariq, Amelio Oi, Nyla Verk, Harper Watts, Isaiah Wilson, [Music] William Yo, Jad Zerusen, and Rua Zubide. Purple team, we are so incredibly proud of you guys and we'll miss you. And now we have our red team leader coming up, Carly Brandon, Omar Ali, Ray Alves. James Anastas, Blake Banick, Mila Balco, Abigail Bean, Lilia Biden, Zachary Boyo, Benjamin Branham, [Applause] Matthew Buchcci, Daniel Capone, Jose Chakon, Ryan Chardier,
022Zoe Cherambo, Lindsay Choy, Michael Chong, Anmarie Christensen, Tess Chenetti, Ethan Cologne, Haley Castanzo, Maximus Cuculo, Laya Diaz. And next on the red team, Mr. Fusari, Haley Donovan, Oliver Dunro, Oak Tai Derson, Liam Edy, William Een, Bryce Falcon, Braden Fesa, Cole Festa, back fugitive, Lily Giuliano, Gavin Gregorich, Reed Higgins, Ava Huey, Ashley Ignatowski, Macy Johnson, Lassia Jasula, Brianna Kalan, Kalinowski, sorry. Jaden Cadmar Ballard, Bridget Kelly, Quinn Kelly, Jocelyn Kimell, Sophia Cassover, Hunter Kazac, And now I introduce our math teacher, Miss Albert, Camila Lassal, Vlattislav Lagosa, Ryan Lopez, Peter Luchina, Halley Luck, Charles Mado, Christopher Malar, Chloe Marciano, Charlotte Marx, Cassie Martis, Austin Mayor, Charlie me, Zoe Miller, Maxwell Meyers, Sophia Enjem, Carlos O' Conor, Cooper O'Donnell, Maline Pali, Elvie Pasho, Neve Patel, Nava Patel, Gabriel Pollson, Samantha Pearol, And now our science teacher, Mr. Danny Martins.
023Molly Pinkis, Eric Prior, Vishall Rabunchki, Kaylee Reyes, Peter Reesi, Giana Rancari, Samantha Roth, Danielle Salem, Jacob Sanders, Bailey Shankright, Grace Gyavi, Stephanie Shaw, Maline Sabo, Jackson Staley, Muhammad Tahir, Daniel Tang, Abigail Tessier, Lauren Thomas, Roberto Veriel, Anthony Vatitali, Kate Wable, [Applause] Emma Wadson, Dennis Yuso. Congratulations red team. And now introducing the green team math teacher, Miss Jenna Podal. Hello everybody. Um this is on behalf of Dr. Garden, Miss Francisco, Mr. Chase, Miss Goodwin, Miss Vandalfi, all back at DOD right now taking care of our seventh graders. So, first we have Lucas Albert, [Applause] Sophia Agalani, Caitlyn Amado, Elisa Begoli, Emma Balenkei, Veronica Bodilier, Cassidy Caldwell, Chris Callie, Jovana Kao, Trace Campbell, [Applause] Jax Clark, Eva Dilva, [Applause] Son Dalan, Austin Dubois, Melody Espanol, Apollo Lopez, [Music] Zachary Guo, Jillian Hayes, Emily Wong, Omar Ibraham, Vivana
024Kelly, Sophia Kennedy, Bridget Cotch, Emily Letterer, And now to Miss Espazito. Hello everyone. I'm so happy to close out the show with Belly Lulo, Oliver Lynch, McKenna Marquee, Connor Mavoy, Sai Narinham, Lindsay Nicholson, [Applause] Donnie Pquette, Juliana Picarillo, Jacob Palasi, [Applause] William Radshaw, Pedro Ribero, Joshua Rodriguez, Georgina Celeb, [Music] Juliet Schneider, Connor Martin, Liam Smith, Jeffrey Sutherland, Haley Teal, David Telerico, Maddie Ward, Lily Welch, Ruby Welch, And last but not least, Mr. Will Weldon. [Applause] Congratulations, class of 2025. Well, Don, we're so proud of you. Each year, I have the distinct honor to select a student to share a few farewell thoughts with the rest of the class. Please join me in welcoming Lily Giuliano for this year's farewell remarks. [Applause] This mic is too high. I'll stand on my tippy toes. Oh, thank you.
025Oh, a stool. I think majority of you guys know me, but for the parents and people who don't, I'm Lily Giuliano. When I heard I could have the opportunity to write a commencement speech for promotion, I jumped at the chance. Even though I had absolutely no idea what a commencement speech was and no idea what I was getting myself into. After a little bit of research, I think what a commencement speech basically is is where you say there were hard times, then we pushed through them, and then there were good times and stuff like that. To me, I think that's a little bit boring. Don't you think? So, I want you to remember this speech and actually gain something out of it. Okay, we all like food, right? Except for some of the boys in
026my class. We all use three main utensils to eat. a fork, a knife, and a spoon. A fork is used for lifting food into our mouths. A knife is used for cutting food and then get then getting picked up with a fork. And then a spoon is used for lifting softer foods or liquid foods into our mouths. Now, you're probably all wondering, why am I talking about utensils at promotion? At the beginning of seventh grade, we all didn't really know each other that well. We tried to do everything on our own like a spork tries to do. We soon found that sporks don't work very well. After a little bit of going through middle school, we found out that everybody has their own talents, just like a fork, knife, and spoon do. Everybody can bring
027something new to the table. Once we started to learn how to lean on each other and working together the same way a fork, knife, and spoon would, we started to grow even more. You might not always use every single utensil at every meal, but you will always need them at some point in your life, just like you will always need someone to help you with something you might not be able to do. And that's okay. In two short months, in just a few short months, the majority of us will be coming back here on August 21st to have our first real day as high schoolers. Am I the only one that thinks it's crazy that we're going to be freshman in high school next year? high school. But just like at the beginning of DOD,
028we're going to be that scared little kid again who won't tell anyone they're scared because we're going to be high schoolers. And high schoolers don't get scared. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. It's okay to be scared. Even high schoolers get scared sometimes. We've so got this. Now, I would like to take a moment to thank our parents. They have quite literally been with us since day one. They have been there for us when we were down. helped us become kind, strong, smart, and so many more things. We could have never done it without them. They are our foundation, our rock, our light that will guide us through the tunnel. The people who will be there through thick and thin, they are there. Without them, we would not be here today.
029So, to all the parents out there, thank you for supporting us with whatever we choose, and you truly are the most amazing people ever. Thank you for everything you've done for us. Also, also I will say we also couldn't have made it this far without our teachers, met our mentors, our guidance counselors, our principal, and our coaches. They have always been there for us. If we needed something, we could go to them no matter what. They were the people who pushed us to be our absolute best, the people who would help us change the game plan if we weren't doing it as well. So, let's take a moment to thank all of our teachers, coaches, mentors, principles, and guidance counselors for helping me for helping us succeed and grow over the years. [Applause] Now, now
030to wrap things up, I just wanted to end with a few closing remarks. First, don't be boring like a commencement speech. Be bright, be bold, be anything you want to be because you only live once. Why spend it being boring? Accomplish all of your goals. Face all fears. And most importantly, be you. Be the most amazing you we all know and love. Next, this is for all my classmates out there. Don't be a spork. Don't try to do everything on your own. It's okay to lean on other people and ask for help. Asking for help is one of the most important and powerful things we can do. It proves that we can do anything and will not give up. even if it might take a little more effort than we thought it would. And finally,
031it's okay to be scared. Everyone gets scared sometimes and everyone is scared sometimes. There's a difference between the running away type of fear and the facing it type of fear. Use fear as a fuel to overcome challenges. We can do anything. We just have to think, believe, and put our minds to it. Now, enough of me talking. Let's give it up for Dodd's graduating class of 2025. [Applause] Don't be a spork. You heard it here. Don't be a spork. Well done, Lily. So, so proud of you and thank you for those inspiring words. At this time, please join me in welcoming our distinguished guest, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jeffrey Solen. Solen for our closing remarks. [Applause] Thank you, Mrs. GR. How about another hand for Lily? She made that so natural. What a great job.
032Good morning, everybody. Thank you. It's my honor to be able to deliver deliver remarks on behalf of the board of education. With me from the board this morning are Anne Harrian, Mark Eki, an Marie Cullinin, chair Samantha Rosenberg, and of course sitting with the parents, our member Adam Grio. Thank you for all the service you provide to our community. [Applause] I had the opportunity to attend four sixth grade promotion ceremonies yesterday. The ceremonies were a tremendous celebration of education in our community and it is really really rewarding to see so many people here today to continue this celebration with our obviously incredible eighth grade class. Immediately after this ceremony, I'll be joining several hundred students, teachers, and community members at Norton to witness the final steel beam raised into place on the new Norton school.
033It's certainly an exciting time for our community. With all of this excitement will come some changes to navigate. However, we're thrilled to be moving into our new Barnum and New Norton schools in the 2627 school year, but the change in location and evolving traffic challenges we have experienced over the last 15 years will require some changes in start times at all grade levels. I will soon be sharing a few different options we have put together for your consideration. I appreciate any time you can take over the summer to look at these options and provide us feedback. Of course, the summer is also a good time to catch up on a book. Last year, we engaged the Chesure Public Schools community by reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Height. This year, we'll be offering a community
034intervention of sorts. And trust me when I say I need that as much as anyone as we read How to Break Up with Your Phone by Katherine Price. Again, I'll be sharing more on both items next week, but I wanted to give you a sneak peek uh to be on the lookout for that. Now that our public service announcement uh portion of the show is out of the way, I'd like to begin by acknowledging our parents and families here today. Not just for surviving middle school, but for being such a tremendous support to not just your children and your loved ones, but our staff as well. I thank you for encouraging your children, helping them through the challenging homework, and reinforcing our messages about academics and character. Your support is a critical part of your
035child's and our school district success. Thank you and congratulations on this milestone. [Applause] I also want to express my gratitude to all of our educators for committing themselves to the profession and more specifically to supporting each of the students sitting here today. Our teachers have earned advanced degrees and committed many hours and many years to honing their craft, propelled by a deep commitment to doing their best for the children in this community. Thank you to all of our teachers for what you do for us. [Applause] And now for the Dodd Middle School class of 2025. I had the honor of being assistant and then principal of Dodd Middle School from 2005 to 2012 before becoming Cheshire High School principal. And I realized that most of that time was before you were even born. But I
036do know a little bit about making the leap you're about to engage in. High school will afford you so many incredible opportunities and options. My advice is to take them. Of course, new experiences can be challenging. They should be. Persevere for the sense of accomplishment and not the social media posts or college resume bumps. Your generation is surrounded by people who are literally paid to bombard you with messages about what to want, think, and feel. You be you. You'll find that much more rewarding than trying to be the social media character that you think people want to see. There are so many amazing students and stories at Cheshire High School. Look past the social media personas and get to know the people. You will leave with deeply connected friends and rich experiences that will boo
037you forever. We have seen the many contributions you have made as students at Dodd and we know you are poised for success at the next level. Please accept my congratulations on your promotion and have a wonderful summer. Congratulations, guys. Thank you, Dr. Solen. Before we depart, I would like to thank the hardworking staff members who made today's ceremony so special. to our grounds department and our custodians for setting this up uh for us today. Especially to Dom Reebus, Mike Antos um for all they did is starting very early this morning to Deb Mankey and Andrea Kof Francesco for joining us this morning to help dry off the seats and put the name cards on. Um that was really special of you and we really appreciate your dedication to this. Yeah. to our amazing office staff
038including Sharon Peele, Jill Semechco, Lori Seymour, uh Velissa Melissa Veler, Lori Man. Thank you for the care you gave to so many details to plan for today and what you do every day. To our teachers and our paraprofessionals for ensuring our students were wellprepared for this moment. Last, but certainly not least, I extend my deepest gratitude to our families. Thank you for recognizing the importance of education and entrusting us with the care of your children. Without your support, we would not be able to accomplish all that we do. With that said, it gives me great pleasure and honor to present you and the Chesure community, the high school class of 2029. [Applause] You will do great things, my friends. I believe in you. Congratulations. Have a wonderful summer. Thanks for joining us. [Applause] Holy Spirit.