Essex Tech Celebrates 343 Graduates Of Class Of 2021

DANVERS, MA — The class of 2021 at Essex Tech was celebrated for its grit and perseverance as the 343 students who spent the bulk of their final 15 months at the school under coronavirus-related restrictions graduated together on the football field June 4.

"This last year was tough, and our students have worked hard to reach this moment," Superintendent Heidi Riccio said.

The school said 75 percent of graduating students plan to pursue a college or apprenticeship training program, 23 percent will enter the workforce immediately and 2 percent have enlisted in the military.

State Sen. Joan Lovely, an Essex Tech alumna, gave the commencement speech.

"I know getting here hasn't been easy. Over the last year, you have faced challenges unlike any class that came before you, and yet despite those obstacles you have persevered," Lovely said. "Every single one of you should be incredibly proud of your accomplishments. For each and every one of you, your diploma is key for your next step, whether that is heading up to two- or four-year program, or heading straight into the trade you learned here at this amazing school."

Salutatorian Ellie Clark, a biotechnology student of Swampscott, will attend Salisbury University in the fall, where she will major in biology. In her speech, she spoke about patience.

"Patience is, in essence, all about doing everything you can to achieve your goals and understanding that you may not see the fruits of your labors immediately," Clark said. "While instant gratification is becoming increasingly common in our world, most things in life still require this kind of patience, and that's why it's so important."

Valedictorian Molly McDonald, an environmental technology student of Swampscott, plans on attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. this fall, where she will major in Engineering and minor in Environmental Science.

"Entering Essex Tech in 2017 as overwhelmed, wide-eyed freshmen, we are now graduating in 2021 as strong, confident young adults," McDonald said. "Collectively, we have the opportunity to determine the future of this planet, to determine what kind of world we want to live in, and to determine how we can each make a difference. No matter what each of you are pursuing next year, whether a job in your field of study, a two- or four-year college program, serving in the U.S. military, or a gap year as you see fit, we can all make a difference."

Class President Tyler Geary gave a farewell address.

"On behalf of the student body, I want to thank all the administrators and our guidance counselors, faculty, staff, parents, and loved ones who have helped guide us to where we are today," Geary said. "I think we all agree in saying that we wouldn't be here without them.

Freshman Mara Stein, a carpentry student of Peabody, sang the national anthem, while seniors Angela DeAngelis, of Danvers, and Kevin Sweeney, of Wilmington, sang "Unwriten" by Natasha Bedingfield following the presentation of diplomas.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)