Class of 2011 Reminisce About Memories, Look To Future

One hundred and ninety-three seniors received their high school dipolmas on June 10 at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, as their families, friends, Mayor Joseph Polisena, school committee members and JHS faculty and staff were on hand to congratulate the seniors and wish them the very best of luck in all their future endeavors.

Before the school's 49th graduation ceremony took place, JohnstonPatch asked several seniors about their future plans as they gathered outside of the theatre.

Co-valedictorian Soraya Michelle Curi, a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society and National Honor Society, said she plans to attend Brown University in September and study human biology.

Richard Kue, who also earned Rhode Island Honor Society plaudits and induction to the Tri-M Music Honor Society, said plans a career in the medical field, as he will be studing biomedical engineer at the University of Rhode Island.

Samantha Villella said she plans to attend University of Rhode Island to study nutrition; Michael Ocheltree said he has his sights set on the United States Marine Corps, while classmate Matt Fox explained his plans to go to the Community College of Rhode Island to be a history teacher. Thomas Pizzi, Kelsey Flynn and Melissa Morrissey also said they plan on attending CCRI.

While some students plan on attending schools in Rhode Island, other seniors have plans to study out of state — Aryanna Sackal said she plans to attend Plymouth State University in New Hampshire; classmate Melissa Peterson said her goal is to be trained as a fight attendant.

After the traditional processional, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, Principal Gerald K. Foley — celebrating his first commencement as principal — welcomed all in attendance and spoke to the seniors.

"The seniors have fulfilled their requirements for a high school diploma," said Foley.  "Now fulfill your dreams with your passion."

Michael A. Tedesco, president of the class of 2011, said he had a lot of fond memories of his four years at Johnston Senior High School.

"Taking the journey was the award," said Tedesco adding the four years went by "in a blink of an eye."

Mayor Joseph Polisena credited the students with completing a challenging course of study.

"You made it," said Polisena. "You worked so very hard to reach this milestone, a lot of studying and painful portfolios."

He also instructed the seniors to make Johnston, the state and the country proud with their talents.

"We will be counting on you for your thirst for knowledge," said Polisena.

Dr. Bernard DiLullo Jr. superintendent told the seniors to take control of their lives and never make anyone tear down the foundation they received in Johnston.

Janice Mele, chair of the Johnston school committee and Teri Florio and Carrie Kerins class advisors had a top ten list; starting with "always be positive" and ending with "honesty and responsibility."

Foley then introduced Curi, one of two valedictorians with Daniel DeSimone, who explained that fear is a human condition, but urged her classmates not to let fear stand in the way of their dreams.

"Sometimes things do not come true," said Curi. "We all experience failure, and it is important to get out of your comfort zone. Never bow to the will of fear, ther are no guarantees. Confront your dreams and you will never wonder what if?"

Desimone, a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society, National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, spoke about his memorable times at JHS.

"Winning a state championship in baseball is a great memory," said DeSimone, adding,"We will be champs forever."

He thanked his parents for their love and support and what great role models they are, and thanked his sisters Kelly and Casey and his brother, Zackaryl.

Desimone alsoused two memorable quotes: "I think I can, I think I can," from The Little Train That Could, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s words: "Free at last, free at last."

Officers of the class annoucned that they had donated a bench in the front of the school, and said they would come back to reflect on their time at Johnston Senior High School.

Watch for additional video from the Johnston High School Class of 2011 graduation ceremonies this afternoon on JohnstonPatch.

Update: Johnston High School released its list of graduates on June 20. Click here to view the list.