Big-Screen Debut For E.O. Smith Graduates

By Lisa Massicotte, The Chronicle

June 21, 2021

Up on the big screen at the Mansfield Drive-in, the E. O. Smith High School Class of 2021 turned their tassels and threw their caps during graduation movie night Thursday.

Although this movie night ceremony was not the diploma ceremony, set to take place at 10 a.m. Saturday behind E.O. Smith High School, droves of cars and excited graduates, their families and friends still showed up and cheered as loud as ever for graduates.

During the graduation movie, exceptional virtual performances were given by E.O. Smith’s concert band and wind ensemble, orchestra, concert choir and chamber singers.

In typical fashion, a video compilation of this year’s graduating class, 263 students strong, was presented during the movie.

The video compilation featured excited 2021 graduates throwing their caps in almost every way a person could imagine, running into the sunset, jumping into water, throwing caps from their dirt bikes, cars, quads, skateboards and more.

Many graduates also shared words of encouragement with their fellow peers during their compilation videos.

Additionally, during movie night, speeches from all four Class of 2021 officers were given, which included president Andy Lanza, vice president Ellee Jeffreys, treasurer Crystal Chu and secretary Cat Grenier.

“We all have our own stories, which to me, is what makes our class special,” Jeffreys said.

The Edwin O. Smith Award was presented to Thomas Boardman Thursday night by Boardman’s school counselor, John Hodgson.

To receive this award, students must be near the top of their class and be a member of the National Honor Society.

“He could be counted on for his unwavering active presence and positive influence,” Hodgson said of Boardman.

This morning, E.O. Smith Principal Lou DeLoreto gave special thanks to the Class of 2021 advisors, math teachers Jeff Russell and Ashley Ruegg, for their commitment to this year’s graduates.

During the movie, DeLoreto left the Class of 2021 with the word, “believe.”

“Believe, believe, believe. Believe you will do better, believe you will thrive, believe you can and will overcome setbacks and take on challenges. Believe in yourself and go forward knowing the people at E.O. believe in you, too,” DeLoreto said.

E.O. Smith’s teacher of the year, visual arts teacher Heather Bunnell, gave words of advice to the class, mostly emphasizing the importance of the strengths within diversity.

“We each have different strengths to offer and we need them all. Challenge the critics, go forth into the world with the idea that your best is a gift. Speak with integrity, kindness and know when to listen instead. Try to open your heart and love fully, starting with yourself,” Bunnell said.

Outgoing E.O. Smith math teacher Nick Colangelo’s message to students focused on the importance of leaving themselves with as many opportunities as possible as they navigate through their lives.

“Life is full of doors. It’s full of opportunities. It’s your job to keep as many of those doors as open as possible. You never know where life is going to take you, so leave yourself as many opportunities as you can,” Colangelo said.

“You need to treat life with enthusiasm, put your best foot forward and try hard every single day and, above all else, you need to treat everyone you meet with respect.”

Regional School District 19 Superintendent Sharon Cournoyer told graduates that, even though she came to E.O. Smith mid-pandemic and didn’t get the chance to meet many students, she found it fairly easy to find the words to describe this graduating class.

And those words were “perseverance, persistence and courage.”

Class of 2021 president Andy Lanza added “determination” to that list.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this class will go on to do great things. Each and everyone of you has the chance to shape the world,” Lanza said.

Follow Lisa Massicotte on Twitter - @LMassicotteTC.

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