Woonsocket Families Wish 2013 Grads Well

Graduation night wasn't only about the 295 seniors ending their time at Woonsocket High School June 14 - it was also about the families and friends who supported their learning and growth.

Natalie Mello, proud mom of Alicia Mello, was smiling happily as she walked up the long drive at Woonsocket High School about 20 minutes before graduation began inside the gymnasium.

Natalie spoke with pride about Alicia's next stop after graduation, Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, with her first semester in Ireland.

Cathleen Geroux and her daughter Hanna Pacheco spent some time in the sun outside the high school while waiting to see impending grad Alexander Corriveau accept his diploma. With them was Alexander's girlfriend, Kira Daly.

Joseph Nadeau was happy to talk about his graduating grandson, Jeremy Nadeau, shortly bound to carry on in family tradition at Rhode Island College.

Maliaisack Lithyouvong beamed with pride speaking about her son, Larry, also a grad, destined for future learning, and eventually a new job and earning more. "He's my baby," she said.

Tammy Cournoyer was at the high school with her boyfriend Edward Ventura and her sons, Jared and Aaron to see her son, Devon, accept his diploma. "I'm so happy that he's finishing school and going on to go to college," Cournoyer said.