By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

EAST PROVIDENCE — Like the diversity of the class itself, the East Providence High School commencement exercises on Saturday were a blend of the requisite pomp and circumstance with the breezy spirit of a day at the beach.

As a hot sun gave way to a welcome cloud cover, the class of over 400 graduating seniors clad in white and red caps and gowns marched onto Pierce Field.
The high school band provided the music, and seniors in the Select Chorus sang an a capella version of the National Anthem.
Jacob Crowell, student council president, served as master of ceremonies, while vice president Brianna Am, led the salute to the flag. Morgan Johnson, president of the senior class, delivered her greetings in a rhyme, while asking her classmates to “bear with me if I tear up.”
Assistant Schools Supt. Edward Daft told the students that East Providence High School had prepared them well for whatever they choose to do, and, speaking on behalf of teachers and administrators, said, “We proudly send you off to your future.”
However, he added, “Don’t ever forget who you are and where you came from.”
Principal Caroline Caswell told the seniors “You set the standard for the future.” She also urged them to live their dreams and pursue their passions, but to also realize that sacrifices are sometimes needed along the way.
The importance of roots and “Townie Pride” was further brought home by Mayor Isadore Ramos, himself an East Providence High School graduate. He told the students that while they might be impressed by people who make headlines for their great wealth or sports accomplishments, “the people who make a difference are the ones who care about you…your parents, teachers, and friends.”
In a nod to their Latin teacher, Robert Perry, the school’s top three students each designed their speech around a Latin phrase.
Avedictorian Danielle Rizzini spoke of the “sine qua non,” a phrase meaning, “without which, there is nothing.” She noted that “every event in our lives is affected by what came before it,” and cited the contributions of teachers, parents, and even the dreaded “senior projects” that were part of the new graduation requirements for helping mold the graduates into the unique individuals that they are.
Salutatorian Colby Jenkins centered his words around “carpe diem,” urging his classmates to “seize the day” as they move forward to college or careers. He recalled how, as youngsters, they had all “lived for the moment,” never thinking beyond the enjoyment “of riding a Razor scooter down a hill or trading Pokemon cards.” Yet, while noting that “every person here has shown strength and is capable of great things,” he spoke of the importance of still being able to “live for today” and find that sustaining joy.
Valedictorian Miranda Cummings focused her speech on the phrase, “ad astra per asperam,” saying that its meaning, “to the stars through adversity” aptly described the class of 2008.
She noted that the class had to persevere through the morning traffic jams on Pawtucket Avenue, crowded school hallways and a daily scramble to get to class, and the state-mandated graduation requirements.
Yet, persevere they did, and as she congratulated her fellow classmates on their accomplishments, she noted wistfully that “This is one of our last chances to live without the responsibilities of adulthood.”
Toward the end of the speeches, several inflated beach balls suddenly appeared and were playfully bounced through the seating area by the students. The Select Chorus again performed, singing “Lonesome Road,” followed by a rendition of the East Providence “Alma Mater,” a song that everyone was urged to join in on.
Adding to that “beach” feeling was graduating senior and football player Derek Staniunas, known for his shirtless appearances at many of the school’s sporting events. After crossing the stage to receive his diploma, Staniunas zipped open his graduation gown to reveal his ample chest painted one last time with “Class of 2008”, to which he received loud cheers and applause from his fellow Townies.