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6 In Our SchOOlS JUNE 17-23, 2015 | vallEy brEEzE | PaWTUCKET EdiTioN achieve dramatic improvements on test scores and graduation rates, even as it went through a very difficult state-mandated transformation process that started in 2011. Many of these students fought through "difficult times and circumstances," helped by teach- ers, coaches and parents along the way, said Miller. "The only constant in that equation is you," he said. These graduates had the "commitment, effort, persever- ance" it took to overcome life challenges, said Miller. If it hadn't been for their "refusal to give up," showing "courage, tenacity and grit," they "would not be here." "Much was not given to you," he said. "Instead you had to fight for it." The crowd at the Roberts Auditorium at Rhode Island College watched as 196 students walked the commencement stage, many raising their hands in triumph. Statistics say many of these students will drop out of college, said Miller. He urged the gradu- ates to push through on this next big challenge of life to have a better chance at success. Supt. Patti DiCenso said students received the quality instruction they needed from great teachers to prepare them for the next phase of life. "I am confident that your teachers have encouraged you, nurtured you and partnered with you on your journey of challenges and obstacles that may have been in the way of your dreams," she said. "I am proud of you, Class of 2015. You are the pride of Pawtucket. You are the gift Pawtucket gives to the world to make it a better place." DiCenso urged students to use the "optimism and sense of accomplishment" they felt at graduation to empower them to go against anyone who "tries to diminish you by race, gender, age, size, culture or religious convictions." She said all that can be expected of these graduates is to put their all into life. "Give the world the best you've got," she said. "It may never be enough ... give the best a Shea Raider can give anyway." School Committee Chairman Michael Araujo told students that they should never be satis- fied with where they are in life. How hard they work will impact how far they go. "Don't let this be your peak," he said. Mayor Donald Grebien said this was a class with "strong moral fiber," a group that never "succumbed to the labels society is ready to place on an urban district." This was a class "that worked tirelessly to turn things around" at Shea and changed many people's perception of what the school is about, he said. Valedictorian Valentina Buritica offered hints at the sac- rifices many families made to get their children to this point, giving a special tribute to her mother. Buritica told fellow graduates to never let fear sentence them to a life without dreams or to plunder their hopes. They may not be the strongest writer or the most experienced runner, she said, but "the key to success lies in hard work and determi- nation." Salutatorian Martin Majkut also thanked his mom for every- thing she's sacrificed. He urged classmates to always give 100 percent of their "best effort" no matter the challenge before them. With everything they do, they're putting their name on it, he said. Graduating senior Giana Neves got the biggest applause as the face of a class that worked so hard to achieve. Despite having a developmental disorder that caused doctors to tell her mother that she "wasn't going to achieve much," Neves said she never gave up, achiev- ing grades that won her a spot in the Rhode Island Honor Society. Chris Williams, the inspira- tional speaker who gave the commencement address, told students that if they have the opportunity to do the right thing, "just do it." Positive energy is a gift, and everyone should use a positive attitude to "control what you can control," he said. This is a society where negativity rules everything, said Williams, and it doesn't take a lot of positivity to stand out. Williams gave tips on being a success after high school, including saying thank you to everyone who helps you. "Enjoy yourself," said Williams, and "when you have something you like," do it. "Successful and positive people are always graduating, they're never stagnating," he said. Always have an open mind to learn something new, and always be a servant first, he said. Shea Glee Club's "Classic Noise" offered a boisterous ver- sion of "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons, getting the crowd clap- ping and dancing along. A slide- show to the song "Celebration" followed. Senior Class Vice President Natalie Timas served as master of ceremonies for graduation, while the national anthem was sung by Patience Adegboyega and Liliana Barros Delacruz. The treasurer for the Class of 2015 was Keysha Rodrigues and the secretary was Jeniffer Semedo. SHEA From Page one The ClASS of 2015 takes their places at the start of the Charles E. Shea High School graduation. The ceremony was held at Rhode Island College last Wednesday. vallEy brEEzE PhoTos by bill MUrPhy Senior RACHEl Kilduff, right, reaches out for a hug during the gradu- ation ceremony. Senior JEniffER SEmEdo, 18, left, and junior PAtiEnCE AdEgboyEgA, 17, right, pose for a selfie prior to the Charles E. Shea High School graduation. 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