Melrose's 'Unique' Class of 2010 Marches Into Future

On a summer-like Friday afternoon that faded into a comfortable spring evening as the sun fell behind the clouds, 224 Melrose High School students that senior Michael Nevin called in his farewell address "one of the most unique, most accomplished and most genuine families that Melrose High School has and will ever see" turned their tassels — or "cat toys," as Valedictorian Ethan McCoy called them — from right to left, marking their graduation from high school.

The Class of 2010 celebrated graduation yesterday through song and speeches that mixed humor, exhortations and a solemn moment of silence in memory of their friend and classmate, the late Danny Williams, whose mother Gail accepted a diploma on his behalf.

Williams' guidance counselor Jeff Bolduc recalled how after Williams was diagnosed with osteosarcoma his freshman year, which he eventually died from in October 2008, he still fought to be a part of the Class of 2010, whether through keeping books for the baseball team, attending a school dance, coming into the school for one class a day or playing for the golf team.

"Danny cherished the relationships he had," Bolduc said. "To all of Danny's classmates here: carry Danny's memory with you each day and cherish the relationships in your life."

The diversity of the graduating class marked the speeches, beginning with Laura Irwin's welcome address. Irwin introduced the Class of 2010 to the parents, school, city and state officials gathered at Fred Green Field as a class of academics, athletes, artists and volunteers.

"Finally and probably most importantly, we are a class of leaders," she said. "We have represented our city and school in class, athletics and extracurriculars. As we move on to higher education, work or the military, we will carry that leadership with us where ever life might take us. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, 'Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.' So Class of 2010, take what you learned in the four years as Melrose High School — whether it was through academics, sports or clubs — and carry it with you always."

Melrose School Committee Chairwoman Margaret Driscoll, in a speech choked with emotion — her son John also graduated from Melrose High School on Friday night — told the Class of 2010 that unlike milestones such as birthdays or holidays, high school graduation is something that must be earned. In return, the students receive diplomas that Driscoll said are "passport(s) to a world of opportunity" and she encouraged them to use those passports.

"We hope you never fear those mountains in the distance," she said. "Never settle for the path of least resistance. Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking. And when you get the choice to sit or to dance — we hope you dance."

McCoy followed with a dry, witty valedictorian speech akin to a winking eye, but no less substantive or sincere. He said how he had options for his speech: the inspirational speech during which he'd share his "deep words of wisdom;" the biographical speech in which he could talk about "how my plans for the future revolve around owning an Olive Garden franchise;" or the "bitter and invective speech," in which he could express his elation that "I will never have to see any of you again or describe to you how much I truly abhor this school," a feeling that he called a lie.

Instead, McCoy said his goal was to speak freely from the heart. He asked everyone to turn to his right — "That's your left," he reminded everyone — and look at the cutting-edge Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School.

"Now behind this building made of bricks, concrete and children's dreams sits another building," he said, drawing laughter from the crowd and the city officials seated to his left. "Some people say this building is less appealing. Less conducive to education. Less aesthetically pleasing, if you will. This, however, is blasphemy. Melrose High School has something that this new building — and most other buildings for that matter — lack. Something that money cannot buy. That something is soul. Just a thought."

When senior and Master of Ceremonies Christina Hartigan introduced Superintendent Joe Casey, she said that Casey "came in as a freshman with" the Class of 2010, something the superintendent noted in his remarks.

He remarked on the talent of the Class of 2010 and implored the class — whom he noted showed concern about social, environmental and peace issues during their time in Melrose — to find their passion and then follow that passion.

"Those who care are the difference in the world — and we so badly need that difference," Casey said. "What should you do? Henry David Thoreau once said, 'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.' Dream us a better world, Class of 2010, and make it real. The future is now. Sweet dreams."

Principal Joe Dillon began his speech with thank yous: first to the graduates' parents for their support and encouragement and then to the faculty and staff for their concern and understanding. Dillon offered a special thank you to the five retiring Melrose High School teachers: Diane Lord, Patty Scialdoni, Jim DiSanto, Jim Babineau, and "my partner for the last four years," Assistant Principal Bob Savarino, who received a rousing ovation from the graduates.

Dillon told the graduates that they not only left their mark in the classroom, on the athletic field and on the stage, but "with gestures of kindness and compassion." He said that the class shared their highs and lows together and that although they'll be remembered as the Class of 2010, that whole is made up of 224 individuals.

"And with a wry smile a few Mondays ago, you waved to us from the senior faculty parking lot as you enjoyed music and breakfast," he said to laughter. "In each case, you displayed true class and represented us well."

In his farewell speech, Nevin said he did not see a group of students in the "sea of red and white" before him, but a family that both grew up together and bonded together, recalling Senior Week when different groups of friends came out of their "comfort zone" and spent time with fellow classmates that they didn't usually spend time with. He said that Senior Week embodied the Melrose High School value of respect, which each student applied to their own lives.

"One of my favorite lyricists, Mr. Christopher Wallace — more typically known as 'Biggie Smalls' — inspired me with a quote that will keep me reaching for the stars and I hope it will do the same for you," he said. "'Stay far from timid, only make moves when your heart's in it, and live the phrase, sky's the limit.' Class of 2010, you are my friends, you are my family and I love each and everyone of you. The sky truly is the limit for us all and we can make it if we try. Congratulations. We did it."