Saturday morning saw a new class of graduates take a step into the future. In their recognizable red gowns and gray stoles, the class celebrated the closure of four years in high school with family and friends supporting in the stands.

More than 300 students said goodbye to high school in the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island. Many city officials were present.

Schools Superintendent Jeanine Nota-Masse congratulated the class on persevering through difficulties and offered the grads a bit of advice as they navigate the world.

“You are living through one of the most exciting times in your life,” Nota-Masse said. “And you have the power to make a meaningful difference in the world.”

She spoke about a particular graduating senior, Melissa Gonzalez Gutierrez, who won the Transform RI Grant and was awarded $1 million to put toward her award-winning idea: Promotion of literacy with Little Libraries in underserved communities.

“As you walk off this stage today, diploma in hand, know the incredible power you now hold over your destiny,” Nota-Masse said. “I’m sure many adults here today would love to go back to this very moment – or one like it – when the road ahead felt wide open with possibility.”

Saturday morning saw a new class of graduates take a step into the future. In their recognizable red gowns and gray stoles, the class celebrated the closure of four years in high school with family and friends supporting in the stands.

More than 300 students said goodbye to high school in the Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island. Many city officials were present.

Schools Superintendent Jeanine Nota-Masse congratulated the class on persevering through difficulties and offered the grads a bit of advice as they navigate the world.

“You are living through one of the most exciting times in your life,” Nota-Masse said. “And you have the power to make a meaningful difference in the world.”

She spoke about a particular graduating senior, Melissa Gonzalez Gutierrez, who won the Transform RI Grant and was awarded $1 million to put toward her award-winning idea: Promotion of literacy with Little Libraries in underserved communities.

“As you walk off this stage today, diploma in hand, know the incredible power you now hold over your destiny,” Nota-Masse said. “I’m sure many adults here today would love to go back to this very moment – or one like it – when the road ahead felt wide open with possibility.”