SKHS Class of 2013 Closes One Chapter, Opens Countless More

After 13 years of schooling, countless quizzes, tests, mandatory reading assignments, portfolios and graduation requirements, the South Kingstown High School Class of 2013 officially ended their time as SK students.

241 students donned their blue and white cap and gowns and received their diplomas Monday night at the University of Rhode Island's Ryan Center.

The graduates, along with family and friends, were addressed by Valedictorian Samuel Spink, who encouraged them to strive for greatness, and always look toward the future. He also thanked the family, friends and teachers who motivated and helped him succeed during his time at SKHS.

Salutatorian Maxwell Grear thanked everyone who helped him succeed during his high school career, but not before cracking his peers up with a bevy of inside jokes and humorous references to their years at South Kingstown High School.

"Most importantly, students must sign a notarized agreement acknowledging that the Class of 2013's SKpades was and will always be the best SKpades ever!" 

Class Advisor Jerilyn DeLuca-Hawk commended the Class of 2013 for becoming a united front when their school and community faced difficult times and urged them to always stay positive in order to conquer life's challenges, whether they happen on a small personal scale, or a large public one, like the Boston Marathon tragedy.

"We came together as a group, we showed support, love and concern, we cried together, offered kind words, signed cards, raised funds and gave hugs when needed," she recalled. "There is great strength in the power of positive thinking and prayers."

A combination of heartfelt, motivational and thought-provoking sentiments were also shared with the graduates by Principal Robert McCarthy, School Committee member Kevin Jackson and Superintendent Dr. Kristen Stringfellow.

In addition, attendees were entertained by the SKHS band, led by Director Dr. Don Smith, who performed "Hey Rebels, Here Comes the Sun", as well as a choral mash-up of "Fly" and "I Believe I Can Fly", inspired by the hit TV show, Glee, performed by Director Kathryn Chester's SKHS Chorus and the group, eSkape. 

One by one, members of the SKHS Class of 2013 then climbed the steps of the Ryan Center stage as high schoolers, received their long-awaited diplomas, and stepped down as graduates. The milestone afternoon culminated as the group of new alumni tossed their graduation caps into the air - their final task as a class - and ushered themselves into a new and promising point in their lives.

Congratulations Class of 2013! Best of luck in the future!