DURFEE GRADUATION: Class of 2020 happy it waited to do it right

FALL RIVER — It was different. But not that different.

And the general consensus was that Durfee High's belated and pandemic-altered 2020 graduation was worth the six-week wait and a wise choice over a drive-through option the graduates voted down last spring.

Durfee's 473 graduates for Tuesday's festivities at a sunny and hot Mac Aldrich Field were allowed just two guests. Grads and guests were required to space. Masks were required. But it all worked. Largely because the Hilltoppers got to assemble for the first time since March 16.

"Being able to celebrate it with the family and friends of my loved ones, it was great," said graduate Anneicia Santana. "Even if it is two people, it doesn't matter. I think celebrating with people that love you and were here for the journey, it's just perfect."

"I got to spend it with everybody instead of myself alone," said graduate Jayden Lapointe.

Graduates gathered, starting at about 4 p.m., at the field hockey field, adjacent to Aldrich Field. There they lined up for the 6 p.m. march into Aldrich Field where chairs for grads and guests were socially distanced. Guests also sat in the west grandstand.

With the already impressive, under-construction new Durfee building as a background, the walk-across stage was erected in front of the east stands.

"Absolutely worth the wait," said graduate Nelson DeCarvalho. "Seeing all my favorite people again and hearing those speeches was an awakening I didn’t know I was in for. It’s real now, and I think I’m speaking for the entire class when I say I wouldn’t have it any other way."

The speakers as a whole — five students, Mayor Paul Coogan, Principal Matthew Desmarais, Supt. of Schools Dr. Matthew Malone, and Vice-Principal Melissa Fogarty — adhered to the program's announced desire for verbal brevity, and the entire ceremony, including the distribution of diplomas, was completed in about 90 minutes.

Speaking before the ceremony, valedictorian Thomas Panchley said he was originally enthused about the delayed graduation. "I just kind of wanted to get it over with," he said. "Now that I'm here in the moment, I am happy to see everyone and it is nice to finally, after all these months being in quarantine, to get to reunite with all my classmates."

"The whole point of high school is to walk across the stage and get your diploma, with everyone there," said graduate Kevon Miller. "It just feels better. Everyone can be cheering for you, supporting you."

"Honestly, to me, it's an honor to be here," said graduate Allens Maldonado, who entered Mac Aldrich Field and crossed the stage using a walker. "It was a long journey. You have struggles but if you try, you can make it through."

The senior class speakers were Panchley, salutatorian Kristin Lavoie, student body president Dorothy Barros, senior class president Nicholas Sousa and student at large Ashley Delibero.

Panchley spoke proudly of living in a "commuity that cares for us  and that we got to a school  where we know we are cared for."

Lavoie said she "forever cherish every experience and opportunity that Durfee has given me."

The energetic Dilibero spoke of how much she enjoyed so many of her classes and school activties and how Durfee helped take her to a new level in her life.

Barros spoke passionately of racial inequality and said the Class of 2020 will "continue to march into this world and make it better."

Sousa encouraged his classmates not to play it safe. Noting that since one could fail in a career or endeavour she or he does not like, then "you might as well take the chance and do what you want."

The graduates were presented with gift bags that included a fleece blanket, a Durfee Class of 2020 facemask, a T-shirt and gift cards.

Email Greg Sullivan at gsullivan@heraldnews.com. Follow him @GregSullivanHN.

 

Durfee principal Matthew Desmarais on Durfee’s 2020 graduation. ⁦@FallRiverSchool⁩ pic.twitter.com/SucHUUtPyd

— Greg Sullivan (@GregSullivanHN) July 22, 2020//
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