By Emma Barhydt and Kaitlin Kelly
Cardinal Stadium was filled with friends, families, alumni, and loved ones on Tuesday, June 18th, to celebrate Greenwich High School’s (GHS) graduating class of 2024. Despite the heat, students entered the field to the sounds of the cardinal band.
The ceremony began with the national anthem performed by the GHS chamber singers. Omar Galal, class vice president and master of ceremonies, introduced the speakers. Principal Ralph Mayo welcomed the audience and congratulated the graduating class.
Six graduates were chosen to speak. Class Senator Luca Chiappeta acknowledged guests such as Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ann Caravelo, members of the Board of Education, and commencement speaker Zach Lowe.
Class President Isabella Hassett addressed the senior class, sharing advice from a social media trend where elders wrote advice on whiteboards. She read quotes like “Don’t be afraid of making mistakes” and “Take hold of every opportunity.” Hassett emphasized the importance of experience and relationships.
Student Body President Caleb Kaalund reflected on the class’s journey, noting their hard work and resilience. He encouraged his peers to face the future with hope, concluding with a quote from author Gwendolyn Brooks: “Even if you are not ready for the day, it cannot always be night.”
Salutatorians Esme Daplyn and Ziyi Yan shared their high school experiences. Daplyn advised distinguishing between happiness from achievement and joy from pursuing passions. Yan discussed social dynamics at GHS, noting how their class broke free from restrictive patterns.
Valedictorian Hanna Klingbeil Canale delivered her speech partly in Spanish, expressing gratitude to loved ones. She spoke about the importance of being present and learning from regrets, urging classmates to carry forward the lessons from GHS.
Commencement speaker Zach Lowe, a GHS alumnus and ESPN journalist, spoke about perseverance and stepping out of comfort zones. He encouraged graduates to embrace diverse perspectives and form meaningful connections.
Superintendent Toni Jones congratulated the graduates, advising them to maintain a positive outlook, cherish relationships, and stay connected with their roots. She hoped the class would return to their alma mater in the future.
The ceremony concluded with Board of Education chair Karen Kowalski and vice chair Karen Hirsh guiding the students in moving their tassels from right to left, marking their graduation. Caps flew as the graduates and their supporters celebrated.
