Toll Gate grads urged to embrace change

By Kelcy Dolan
Posted 6/16/16

Although Toll Gate seniors were graduating from high school Tuesday night, salutatorian Ashley Chin, shared words of wisdom from a favorite childhood character, Winnie the Pooh.

“Promise me …

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Toll Gate grads urged to embrace change

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Although Toll Gate seniors were graduating from high school Tuesday night, salutatorian Ashley Chin, shared words of wisdom from a favorite childhood character, Winnie the Pooh.

“Promise me you’ll always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” she said.

Two hundred and thirty-six seniors walked the stage for their diplomas in front of family, friends and city leadership as the first public high school to graduate this week at the CCRI Field House Tuesday night, June 14.

In addressing her fellow graduates, Chin admitted that she kept putting off writing her speech, chalking it up to laziness and a proclivity towards procrastination. In reality, she understood that her salutatorian speech would be her “last moments of high school,” when she would be forced to say good-bye to Toll Gate, her high school career and the friends she has made along the way.

“High school went by in the blink of an eye,” Chin said. “I think we often forget that time is precious. It goes by quickly and won’t stop for you to figure out your plans.”

She encouraged the graduates to remember the importance of time and the change that inevitably comes in its passing.

Chin assured her fellow classmates that although change can be difficult, even frightening at times, “with change comes growth,” and for that change should not only be accepted but also embraced. She shared the story of her first year of preschool as a very shy girl; she supposedly didn’t speak at all to the other kids. Now, upon graduation, she was confidently speaking in front of hundreds. Change can be good, she said.

“I have always wanted to leave an imprint on Toll Gate, but I want you all to know you have all touched me and left an imprint on my life. This is not goodbye, this is see you later.” Chin said.

Valedictorian Skylar Loeb noted that the class of 2016 was a diverse one, “with brain, brawn and definitely beauty.” She listed both academic and sports achievements of the class saying that the class always strived for excellence. She hoped that even after graduation the students would continue to do so.

Loeb hoped her students would embrace opportunities as they present themselves and to take the next couple of years to find their passions, “exploring interests” and finding out how to spend the rest of their lives.

Speaking at his first high school graduation as the new superintendent of Warwick Public Schools, Philip Thornton shared similar sentiments. He told students to set “lofty goals” for themselves; to never give up and try harder than they thought possible, promising they would be surprised with their success.

Even if students aren’t sure of what they are doing after graduation, School Committee chair Bethany Furtado, who sat exactly where the seniors were 34 years ago at her own graduation, said that is okay.

“You have all made the choice to be here tonight, whether you know it or not,” Furtado said. “You did what was necessary to walk this stage tonight and you have all chosen wisely.”

She wished them the best of luck moving forward whichever path they decide to take.

Wherever the students’ paths may take them Mayor Scott Avedisian asked that the students remember not only Toll Gate, but also the entire Warwick community, as it “will always be your home.”

“This class has a collective spirit, an enthusiasm, and an energy. Your future is limitless, and this city is expecting big things from all of you,” Avedisian said. “The education you received here is your great foundation for the future. Use it. But also allow yourself to be wowed by new experiences. Let yourself be awed.”

Throughout the students’ time at Toll Gate High School, their principal, Stephen Chrabaszcz, said they have shown tremendous perseverance. The class of 2016 has show “immense determination in the face of adversity,” overcoming every obstacle in their way.

Even though there will be challenges throughout their lives, Chrabaszcz believes they will continue to pull through.

He left them to contemplate the oath athletes in the Special Olympics take before competing: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

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