'Continue to Strive and Never Yield,' Dayton Principal Tells Class of 2013

There were 143 Jonathan Dayton High School seniors who celebrated their graduation Thursday evening at the Wilkins Theatre at Kean University. 

Springfield Board of Education President Steven Wolcott welcomed the class of 2013 and commended them for their achievements, telling them that they possess the qualities to be the "leaders of tomorrow." 

Wolcott said he challenged and encouraged the seniors to reflect on the lessons they'd learned and use them to continually better themselves and their communities. 

Quoting Mark Twain, Wolcott said, "I never let my schooling get in the way of my education," urging the group to continue learning for the remainder of their lives.

The BOE president also noted that 92 percent of seniors will be continuing their education.

Lea Ginefra, class president, also welcomed her classmates and said while it was sad to be parting ways, graduation is not the end, but a beginning. Dayton Principal Elizabeth Cresci said while people often refer to Dayton as a small school, it is filled with "big hearts and big successes."

In a year filled with challenges that included Superstorm Sandy and the Newtown school shooting, Cresci said the community could rely on the students to volunteer their time and energy to make a difference. She noted that among the seniors were actors, writers, scholars, musicians and athletes who were actively engaged in being the change they wish to see in their world.

Cresci urged the class to "keep your heroic hearts...continue to strive and never yield."

Springfield Superintendent of Schools Michael Davino referred to the seniors as "an outstanding class," who had the achieved the incredible accomplishment of receiving $6,671,000 in scholarships, nearly doubling the amount awarded to the class of 2012. 

Davino commended the graduates for meeting the continuous challenges they faced academically while always supporting their fellow man.