DERBY – When class salutatorian Vanessa Nguyen took the podium, she said she flourished in high school thanks to the support of her friends and teachers.
“Whether it was my teacher encouraging me to present an assignment of a recording of my singing, or my best friend practically forcing me to audition for this past year’s musical, you all supported me and helped to shape me into who I am today,” said Nguyen, who will be studying economics this fall at Brown University.
On Friday (June 13), Nguyen and 103 other members of the class of 2025 stepped onto the Louis DeFilippo Field within the Leo F. Ryan sports complex for Derby High School’s 149th commencement ceremony.
Coming off of a recent school trip to Italy, keynote speaker and Italian teacher Hunter Sigona told the class that this is only the start of their journeys.
“Italians understand that, perhaps with the exception of Rome and a mother’s love, nothing true lasts forever. Italians use the term ‘arrivederci,’ which really translates to ‘until we see each other again,’” Sigona said.
Sigona, who was recently named the school district’s teacher of the year, was introduced by students who said he’s supported them throughout their four years. One of those students was valedictorian Brianna Kling, who said his harsh grading motivated her to shoot for excellence.
“His dedication to his students and his high standards pushed me to strive for more,” Kling said.
Kling hammered that theme home in her own valedictorian speech. She encouraged her classmates to never settle for less.
“The moment we settle for ‘good enough’ is the same moment greatness becomes out of reach. If we view high school as the peak of our lives, we will lose the desire to keep climbing,” Kling said. “So recognize that graduating today is a reminder of our limitless potential and a celebration of the good we have done. But do not let it be the pinnacle. Instead, let it be the launch toward greatness.”
She referred to her yearbook quote – ‘good is the enemy of great’ – and encouraged her classmates to set their sights toward the stars.
Kling, who has received 10 acceptances from colleges across the country and was a U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate, said the senior class’s excellence is demonstrated by its scholarships won, the student artwork which decks the hallways, and the trophies that fill the school’s cases.
Other speakers included Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway, board of education chairman Jim Gildea, and Derby Mayor Joseph DiMartino. Elected officials from city and state government were in attendance to cheer the graduates on.
Closing out his keynote speech, Sigona said he looks forward to seeing what the graduated seniors go on to do.
“I wish you all the best of luck, every happiness under the sun, and ‘arrivederci’,” Sigona said.
Class Of 2025 Top Ten Graduates
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1. Brianna Arline Kling
2. Vanessa Tran Nguyen
3. Gianna Maria Akter
4. Kevin Patrick McGuire
5. Quinlan Callahan Gray
6. Nicholas Vincent Sheridan
7. Cassandra Lee Silkoff
8. Kayla Lynn Adams
9. Kaelyn Joelle DiMartino
10. Aliyah Chajchic
Class Of 2025 List Of Graduates
Jerlena Adora Alexander
Ferdinando Jacob Amartey
Sebastian Amaya
Faith Christine Anderson
Sachi Anderson
Khaleel Xavier Auld
Chelsea Xiomara Ayala
Jayzair Nathaniel Barbera
Samantha Jaelyn Barillas Rivera
Ethan Berrios
Patrick Boateng
Naszier Boyd
Oterrio Randall Brown
Sean Joseph Callaghan
Alexis Rose Cavallaro
Antoine Javier Chene-Paulin
Adiba Chowdhury
Ismael Emilio Citalan
Ashe Clark
Syndell Marie Cooper
Zane Walker Cooper
Nathan Riley D’Amico
Jashawn Maurice Daniels
German De Roberto, Jr.
Emma Susan DeSanty
Talia Michelina DiCapua
Liana Katherine Grace Dickinson
Albert Miguel Disla
Jay-Lynn Donaldson
Seth Nathaniel Escalera
Kristian Marcia-Renai Fearon
Nyasia Jaday Ferguson
Kevin Secundino Ferreira
Jessenia Marie Figueroa
Julissa Adriana Flores
Khalil Francis
Sean Evan Franco
O’nestii De’Asia Gaines
Faith Teyanna Gallishaw
Savion Levi Gaywood
Aniya Lanee Giles
Raelynn Harris
Savannah Elisabeth Harrold
Samantha Guadalupe Hernandez
Kaylie Hines
Shaliyah Ann Howell
Emma Kate Hyder
Joseph Nicholas Izquierdo
Mason Alexander Izquierdo
Tyler Stephen Izquierdo
Nikko Anthony Marinelli
Matthew Magic Marroquin
Aydan Francisco Martinez
Lynnette Krystalii Martinez
Chloe Corinne Mason
Lubendjy Mathieu
Twain Akiel McIntosh
Rashiya Taelyn McNeil
Nathan Thomas Melin
Xa’riyah Mitchell
Joel Omar Monero
Aliyah Rose Morales
Zomara Moya
Albert Robert Nickle
Bryce Joseph Orchano
Antonio Joseph Ortiz
Christopher Pagan-Amaya
Matias Naun Pesantez-Mendoza
Zyare Letroy Timothy Petree
Karlissa Philemy
Wesner Pierre Paul
Brianna Anais Quiles
Jomar Abdiel Ramirez
Atiana Hazel Reyes
David Matthew Rice
Aniyah Rogers
Gabriel Juan Roman
Giana Ropicki
Frederick Cornelius Rouse
Enrrique Uriel Rubio
Ke’Miya Santiago
Quintin Jan Simjouw
Michael Christopher Slack
Aeriana Elizabeth Smith
Akaylah Faith Taliam
Jaylen Titus
Krystal Anamarie Torres
Vincent Cong Trinh
Kyle Davis Uliano
Dimas Francisco Urias
Benjamin Martin Weitzler
Ce’Ajah Celeste Wilson
Matthew Wint
Zanae Tesasann Eleschia Worgs
Trioni Nat’e Wright