Valley Breeze

pawtucket edition | valley breeze | June 17-23, 2015 In Our SchOOlS 11 "Pomp and Circumstance." This class had a lot to prove. Four short years ago Tolman was not in a good place, according to school officials, as the state's transformation process started. "I'm proud to be here tonight," Patti DiCenso, superintendent of Pawtucket schools, said. "Tolman is a different place today than in 2011 when the school had a 59 percent gradu- ation rate," she said. "In three short years we have changed that. We have trended up to 80 percent. Tolman was once dubbed 'the dropout factory,' a place that didn't love children. It's not that place anymore." DiCenso said that in 2011 the school had 3,506 out-of- school suspensions. The sus- pension rate this year was 141. "Teachers changed at Tolman," she said. "They had more time to talk to kids and less punishment. We had more dances, more clubs, the return of class officers, band and chorus. We brought traditional pride back to Tolman." Mayor Donald Grebien gave up his typical spot as honored guest speaker to City Council President David Moran, whose son Harrison was graduat- ing. Moran and Grebien had a similar arrangement when Moran's daughter Janelle grad- uated four years ago. Moran spoke about how the Class of 2015 was a family and how seniors were able to per- severe through difficult times, including the transformation process and low graduation rates. "Hard work and dedica- tion were the catalyst for this incredible achievement," he said. "It put Tolman back on the map as a highly recog- nized and reputable school. Kudos to all of you." One of Moran's messages to the graduating class was to never lose their identity and to never conform. "I truly believe confidence builds success," he said. Moran addressed parents of graduating seniors, advising them to always listen to their children. He admitted to being a busy guy, not always being there to listen to his children. He said he was able to learn something from Harrison one Christmas. The topic of exchanging gifts came up and he asked Harrison what he wanted from his friends. Harrison responded with, "I don't want gifts from my friends, I just want them to be my friends." Moran said he learned that his son wanted to be true to himself. He told the graduates to "be comfortable with your- self, be confident in yourself, and be yourself." Pawtucket School Committee Chairman Michael Araujo had the graduates stand up and clap for their parents and then remain standing to recognize the educators at Tolman High School. He said high school can represent the best days of your life, but the future can be even better with the right choices. Both the salutatorian and valedictorian were members of the school's volleyball teams. Monita Minea, as saluta- torian, addressed her peers first. She talked about how as a sophomore she made the varsity volleyball team, and against all odds, they won the title. She told her class that they persevered and were unique. Kenny Vieira, the vale- dictorian, was greeted with immense applause. He recog- nized all the people the class of 2015 had to help them out in their lives including his friends, who he said made his time at Tolman so special. "Success is not handed to you, but earned, and can't be taken from you," he said. "This diploma is a milestone that we all have in common, a bond we share, graduates of Tolman High School." He talked about how diverse his class was and how they would be ready to enter the real world. "Most people are asking the question, 'Are we ready for the world?' but I think, 'Is the world ready for us?'" Members used selfie sticks to snap photos and take videos as the moment for the Class of 2015 to receive their diplomas finally came. With caps decorated, graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas from Tolman Principal Chris Savastano. Many waved to their family and friends or busted a move. Angel DeLeon took a bow while Steven Otis mimed a jump shot. After every name was called, seniors returned to their seats for the turning of the tassels. Soon the graduates were gath- ering outside the school for photos with family and friends as the evening sun started to set. TOLMAN From page one Diures iThAyAkuMAr, left, and ALex LOpez congratulate each other after making it through four years of high school. Tolman High School held its graduation ceremonies in the auditorium last Thursday. The graduates stand and applaud Mia Nguyen, a college advi- sor at TOLMAN high schOOL, at the school's graduation ceremonies last Thursday. valley breeze photos by charles lawrence Turn to page 12 for more on Tolman's graduation. Graduate MicheLLe AreizA receives a hug from ALyssA xAvier.

• Cover