Mackenize Jackson and Raina Kemper
ANSONIA — The next crop of mechanics to machinists and carpenters to chefs stepped into the future Monday (June 12), as the Class of 2023 bid adieu to Emmett O’Brien Technical High School.
The 133 graduating seniors, sporting green and gold caps and gowns, celebrated the culmination of their high school careers during EOB’s annual commencement at Nolan Field on Wakelee Avenue.
Walking onto the center of the field to the traditional tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the graduates crossed under a large green and gold balloon arch to the applause of their friends, family and others gathered in the bleachers.
EOB Principal Laurie Lebouthillier lauded the graduates for a job well done.
“All of you have worked diligently the past four years and now you are ready to embark on a new journey, a new chapter in your book of life,” Lebouthillier said.
Lebouthillier recognized all of EOB’s teachers and support staff for helping guide students over the course of the last four years and preparing them for the real world.
Many EOB students leave high school with jobs already lined up, having done internships and working while in school in the various trades offered, including automotive technology, carpentry, culinary arts, electrical, hairdressing and cosmetology, health technology, HV/AC, information technology, mechanical design and engineering technology and precision machining.
Class Valedictorian Joseph Spinelli knows his fellow graduates have a leg up on the competition as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“As a trade and career education school, we are fortunate to walk away with so much more than a traditional high school diploma,” Spinelli said. “Our school is unique, and our education went well beyond just technical and trade expertise. We learned the importance of collaboration, teamwork and adaptability. We lived through a challenging time during the Covid pandemic which taught us resilience. We became problem solvers, critical thinkers and individuals who can face challenges head-on. Every one of us should feel proud.”
Spinelli encouraged the graduates as they enter the real world to do what they love.
“Happiness is what we make it, so do what makes you happy,” he said. Go after what you enjoy. And, finally, always remember to be true to yourself and never lose sight of the joy that life has to offer. Life is a roller coaster, buckle up and enjoy the ride. And if all else fails, just scream!”
Class Salutatorian Jonathan Graf said he doubts over the next decade anyone will remember his graduation speech. But he did want them to walk away with some advice.
“If there is one thought I would want all of you to take from today, it is recognizing that your future is determined by what you put into it,” Graf said. “Seniors, whether you stay in your trade from high school or decide to go down another path, I promise that being passionate and driven in what you do will bring you extensive achievement. I know hearing that makes you want to roll your eyes, but it is the truth. As author Wayne Dyer said, “Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.” Do not squander the opportunities presented to you. Go out there and find the life you were born to live.”
In addition to thanking their families, both Spinelli and Graf were quick to thank their teachers, counselors and support staff for getting them through a global pandemic, where remote learning became the class’ reality during the second half of their freshman year.
“Through in-person and virtual learning, you were all there for us,” said Graf. “Teaching is often a thankless profession, so I must express my gratitude for your endless patience and devotion to teaching our class and tolerating us.”
The following list of graduates was provided by the school:
Samuel Abate
Jake Allen
Samuel Almeida
Gustavo Bajus
Ryan Bergen
Hunter Bernier
Patryk Bien
Derek Bioski
Krystal Black
Darien Bouphavan
Lindsey Bowman
Madison Buckley
Aidan Burke
Dylan Burns
Jacob Caetano
Victoria Casey
Natalee Chrzanowski
Kimberly Cope
Wyatt Corey
Louis Coscia
Brady Crofoot
Aliyah Crosby
Tiffany Cruz
Nigel Cunningham
Contessa Davis
Taylen Delgado
Benjamin DelRio
Veronica Diaz
Adam Dobrovich
Rachel Ellingson
William Endres
Lauren Feinberg
James Filo
Robert French
Luiz Galbim
Gianni-Nya Gomez
Christopher Gonzalez
Litzy Gonzalez
Jordan Goodman
Jonathan Graf
Brian Gregory
Tyler Guilfoyle
Medina Hanaif
William Hankey
Jacob Hannus
Zachary Hart
Julio Hernandez
Serenity Hernandez
Taylor Hine
Jason Huggins
Joshua Ignace
Allison Irizarry
Louis Izzo
Mackenzie Jackson
Elise Johnson
Hunter Juhasz
Raina Kemper
Tristan Kerekes
Abby Kiraly
Colin Klesyk
Anthony Koch
Hali Langer
Jaiden Lanzi
Monica LaPlante
Tyler LaRiviere
Olivia Lavoie
Kallie Legere
Samantha Lombard
Dalyla Lopez
Amani Marbou
Emily Marganski
Jesyca Maria
Lorenzo Maria-Miranda
Briana Marrero
Sean Martinelli
Robert McGuire
Jada Mclellan
Mekhi McNeil
Cherish Miller
Kyle Monteiro
Chanelle Moore
Mariecruz Morales
Miguel Moreno-Rafael
Carter Morgan
Cody Newberg
Devin Overton
Jayden Paltoo
Aiden Panza
Evan Pereira
Michael Perez
Briley Peters
Erik Pinaloza
Zachary Posila
Donovan Powell
Kevin Ramos
Sean Raymond
Jacob Rescigno
Jorge Reyes
Dasianette Rivera
Jayden Rivera
Nathan Rocheleau
Luis Rosado
Brianna Rosiak
Ariana Ruiz
Cooper Rupp
Alana Sanzari
Cristina Sardo
Gabriella Scarlata
Olivia Sevas
Sebastien Seznec
Emily Silva
Trey Silva
Michael Smith
James Soda
Jason Soda
Joseph Spinelli
Lyndsay Stakum
Alexah Stewart
Ashley Suarez
Michael Taylor
Jahmir Tucker
Jonathan Ulysse
Devin Urso
Lucas Vazquez
Arianna Viveiros
Nathan Whitaker
William Wolf
Francesca Yancoskie
Lilleyen Young
Janae Yumiceba
Matthew Zahno
Alirio Zapata
Riley-Nicole Ziebell
