Windham Graduates Celebrate 'La Familia'

By Michelle Warren, The Chronicle

June 21, 2021

Despite missing out on football and other activities in the pandemic, Class of 2021 salutatorian Victor Cazabal said he’s grateful for his time at Windham High School.

He said transferring to WHS from Quinebaug Middle College as a freshman was the best decision he ever made.

“Without this community of students coming from all walks of life, I wouldn’t be who I am today,” Cazabal said.

Cazabal was one of 136 graduates who graduated during the 147th commencement at WHS’ Ferrigno Field Wednesday evening.

During the event, Cazabal was recognized as the “Student of the Year” for his academic and athletic accomplishments.

He has also been recognized as the “Student Athlete of the Year” and was a state champion in track and field, as well as prom king.

Cazabal told classmates to “have faith in your ability to keep on walking.”

He also told fellow graduates to recognize the role their teachers played in shaping who they are.

“This is only the beginning for us Whippets,” Cazabal said, referring to the school mascot. “Viva La Familia.”

Windham High staff and students sometimes refer to the school community as “La Familia” as a way to describe how close they are.

Class of 2021 officers announced that their class gift is a $1,000 scholarship for English-language learners.

Some of the graduates received honor cords during the ceremony, which are awarded to students who excel in specific subjects.

Others received a “seal of biliteracy,” which recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more other languages.

The seal of biliteracy was established by Public Act 17-29, which was signed by the governor in 2017.

Windham High School Principal Pamela Cavanagh told graduates to focus on the present.

“The present is not the past and it is not the future,” she said. “It is right now.”

Cavanagh advised the graduates to trust the people who give them valuable advice and appreciate what their mentors do for them.

Some of the speakers spoke about the resilience of the graduates during the 15 months of the pandemic.

“As you move forward, embrace what you have learned during this time of COVID,” Windham Board of Education Chairperson Lynne Ide said.

She said when the pandemic hit, the graduates were in situations they never thought they’d experience, including wearing masks, “not just on Halloween and in an operating room.”

“What a surreal time it has been,” Ide said.

Valedictorian Isabelle Perez told graduates the pandemic was “one of the most challenging times in history,” noting high school is already challenging as it is.

She said the pandemic was a time to explore new hobbies, noting she became a better cook, for example.

“From the bakers to the crafters, those who’ve opened small businesses, we’ve all grown in some way,” Perez said.

Alan Moger, who is the program leader in the Windham High School math department, gave the commencement address.

He said while graduates will say goodbye to the building, they are not saying goodbye to the memories they made there.

“I will offer one bit of advice and, as many of my students know, I have some creative ways or they might say, corny ways to remember things,” Moger said.

He referred to his advice as “TTT,” or “Think Things Through.”

For example, Moger said on a Saturday night, one should consider whether to drink alcohol.

After standing behind a video camera to deliver her message to graduates last year, Windham Superintendent of Schools Tracy Youngberg said she was happy to have an in-person graduation ceremony.

“I’m incredibly thankful that we’re here in-person, celebrating this milestone on a beautiful night,” she said.

Youngberg told the graduates that their time at Windham High will “not be forgotten.”

Follow Michelle Warren on Twitter - @mwarrentc.

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