The Mascenic Class of 2025 will be remembered for its sense of humor, resiliency and close-knit friendships.

Fifty-four graduates received their diplomas at Friday night’s commencement ceremony. The theme of the ceremony was gratitude, with many graduates thanking all who helped them along the way.

“First, we want to  give a big thank you to everyone who helped us get here today. You all truly have an immense impact on your child’s education,” said Class of 2025 Vice President Molly Honeywell. 

Class President Bailey D’Agostino thanked the Mascenic faculty for their patience with the high-spirited class. 

“We owe a huge thank you to all of our teachers. We appreciate each and every one of them for their constant efforts to push us towards to success, and we know we didn’t always make it easy for them,” D’Agostino said. “And we’re sorry, Ms. Webber, about the chickens in your classroom this week.” 

Superintendent Elizabeth Pogorzelski recalled the class as children.

“I remember the first time you walked down the hall at  Boynton Middle School, all the way to your classrooms, and I’m sure that walk felt very long. Your backpacks were as big as you were, and they were full of dreams, curiosity and a lot of nerves,” she said. “Over the past eight years, it has been a joy to see the burden shift, and to see your backpacks fill with confidence, knowledge and skills. You have navigated your journey filled with challenges and triumphs. The middle and high school years are not easy ones.” 

Pogorzelski praised the class’ determination against challenges.

“I specifically urge you to carry forward those lessons that are not learned in a textbook: perseverance, grit, confidence, kindness and empathy, among others. Embrace your future with an open mind and a courageous heart. As you step into the world beyond Mascenic, know that you carry the support and pride of everybody here today,” she said. 

In her address to the class, D’Agostino recalled entering Mascenic  as a new student in March of her freshman year.

“To say I was horrified by the thought of going to a new school would be an understatement,” D’Agostino said. “It was March, and everyone’s friendships were already established. But before I even walked in the building, everyone already knew who I was, where I came from and what my name was. I was shocked, to say the least. From the moment I moved to this town, I was accepted into a close-knit community, one that has connections and bonds that are not found very often these days. I was accepted by my peers as one of them, with no questions asked.” 

D’Agostino praised her classmates’ resiliency.

“Our class has had to face a lot of touch challenges over the years, some which we faced privately, and some we faced as a community. But we always came through the other side. I am so proud every single one if you for being up here today,” she said.

Assistant Principal Jeremy Taylor said this year’s class was “one of the funniest classes I have ever worked with.”

“You were always a joy,” he said. 

Taylor als0 praised the group’s bravery.

“Some of you have faced incredibly difficult moments in your journeys. I wish I could tell you the road ahead has been graded for you, and that it will be smooth sailing from here, but unfortunately, that is not the case. There is good news, however; every single one of you has faced down your challenges successfully,” he said. 

The class officers, D’Agostino, Vice President Molly Seelley, Treasurer Phoebe Honeywell and Secretary Kailee Duthie, announced the Class of 2025 gift -- a stand for the school Viking mascot costume.

“Our class always tried to make things more fun,” Honeywell said. 

The class also gave a donation to Disabled Veterans of America and will donate to an additional charitable organization which has not yet been determined. 

Emily Weber, who along with Mariah Maki one of the Class of 2025’s advisers, recounted some of the  good-natured pranks carried out by the Class of 2025, including the recent incident with chickens. 

“One time, a group of my ‘Weber’s Walkers disappeared, only to come tumbling out of a porta potty. There must have eight or 10 of them in there. I have no idea how they did it,” she said.  “You always made me smile.”