All Smiles For Lyman Memorial Graduates

By Lisa Massicotte, The Chronicle

June 21, 2021

For the last time, the Lyman Memorial High School Class of 2021 shared smiles and laughs with each other before heading off into post-high school life.

Friday evening, 68 Lyman Memorial High School graduates received their diplomas and were recognized for their struggles and accomplishments over the last four years.

“Look at all these smiles, look at all these kids. These kids came to school and they just enjoyed every moment we had with them this year and we enjoyed every moment with them,” Lyman Principal James Apicelli said before the ceremony.

“There’s nobody that takes anything for granted, nobody,” he said.

Class of 2021 Honor Graduate Grace Gardella was the first student to address her peers in their graduation together, making quirky jokes along the way.

Gardella also focused on the strengths of this year’s graduating class.

“Last March, every single one of us was given a choice: sink or swim. It was that simple and every single person here chose to swim. That’s why they’re here, that’s why we’re here. Not because an event changed us but because it brought out in us the qualities that were present all along,” Gardella said.

She described her peers as fortuitous, passionate and having an innate strength of character.

“Whatever path you choose after high school, please walk it with the integrity that you displayed this year. Walk it with the passion and resilience that you displayed this year,” Gardella said.

Class of 2021 salutatorian Delton Wentworth said he, along with every graduating senior, found his second family at Lyman.

Prior to the ceremony, Wentworth explained his high school experience has been kind of rough, given the circumstances, however he thanked his parents for helping him persevere.

Wentworth’s fondest memory of high school was when he performed in Lyman’s 2020 musical as the plant in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Class of 2021 valedictorian Katherine Anderson said, prior to the ceremony, how excited she was to graduate and how, in the moment, she felt the time just flew right by.

“It’s been a long four years, but right now it feels like the time flew by and I’m ready for college and I’m going to miss everyone here,” said Anderson, who is planning to attend the University of Connecticut to study allied health sciences.

Anderson recalled some of her best memories of high school experience as her soccer team winning their division in 2019 as well as all the bus rides with the track team over the last four years.

“Those are some friendships I will always remember,” she said.

Follow Lisa Massicotte on Twitter - @LMassicotteTC.

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