Congratulating the East Providence Class of 2025 during their graduation ceremony on Friday at Pierce Field, Principal Bill Black spoke about how this class, more than anything, could be remembered for facing adversity, and rising up to meet the challenge.

“The truth is, you are a class that faced challenges and conquered them,” he said. “You showed up every day and found a way to rise above the noise. You didn’t let anyone’s opinion of you or our school define you. You carried Townie Pride with you through every trial and triumph.”

His point resonated, considering the Class of 2025 started their high school careers wearing masks — returning to in-person learning in a brand-new high school building following a middle school experience that was wholly upended by a world-altering pandemic.

“You are the first class to spend all four years in this new East Providence High School,” Black continued. “You’ve seen the highs and lows of our journey together. And you’ve built what our school is today through your effort, your spirit, and yes, your Townie Pride. That’s the light you’ve brought into this school, and now, it’s the light you carry with you into the world.”

Black said that the class had shown their resilience in other ways, like refusing to be labeled or characterized by generalizations or negative assumptions.

“The world outside these walls will sometimes try to tell you who you are, or where you’re from, or what you can and cannot do,” he said. “People will say things, sometimes loud things. If you believe everything you read on Facebook, some people might think we should be handing out hazmat suits instead of diplomas tonight. But I’ve learned something important — never let the truth ruin a good Facebook post. But seriously, I’m here to tell you something: you know the truth. You are the truth.”

Salutatorian, Brian Rutkowski, Jr., reminded his classmates to find power and inspiration in the feelings of community and pride that being a Townie has instilled in them; regardless of where they go next.

“In this crowd we have students who fall into many groups — athletes, actors, and academics, to name a few. You will go on to pursue many different interests in your future, with distinct paths laid out for each of you,” he said. “Take pride in who you have become as you exit high school and continue to be that incredible person as you move forward. I will forever be grateful to be a Townie and to have been a part of this class with all of you.”

Valedictorian, Dylan Flynn, reminded her classmates to look for the happiness in every day.

“As we move on to the next chapter in our lives, some of the lessons we have learned here will stick with us. Some will fade from memory, and others we will have to relearn over, and over again, but each day brings a new opportunity to learn and grow,” she said. “Much like our time at EPHS, the future will be characterized by challenges and hardship, but in every moment there is a limitless opportunity for laughter and joy, as long as you remember to look for it.”

Abigail Leddy, the third-ranked student in the class, shared how she had to be reminded in elementary school that striving for perfection and stressing over making everything “perfect” only led to more anxiety and a higher state of stress. She implored her peers to take advice her mother gave her, that “all that you can do is do your best.”

“Never be afraid to make mistakes, as they are the stepping stones to learning valuable lessons. Never give into the pressure to be perfect, because you never know what you will miss out on if you do,” Leddy said. “But, above all, Never forget that it’s just life, do your best to enjoy it.”