THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 Page 7 EHS alumni look back on high school, talk about current success A By Christopher Roberson fter graduating from Everett High School nearly 25 years ago, members of the school’s Black Alumni Association recently gathered to share stories of what their lives were like then and how they changed over time. “No one could save us from our parents,” said Leon Spain, who graduated in 1999. “I could never bring home a ‘D’ or an ‘F.’ I got a ‘D’ once in fifth grade – that was my last ‘D.’” Spain also shared advice for current seniors who plan on attending college in the fall. “That self-doubt will start creeping in; don’t forget that you belong there,” he said. Spain went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and is now a tax manager at Ernst & Young. Rolls Charles, who also graduated in 1999, agreed that good parenting was key to academic success. “That was one of the things that kept us out of deep trouble,” he said. Charles said that his plan after high school was to pursue a career in hip-hop. “I thought I was going to be this big music star,” he said. However, his computer was always in need of repair, and Charles found that it was cheaper to fix it himself. He is now an IT specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Learn what you’re good at,” he said. “A lot of people realize they’re good at something, but they never think it could be a career for them.” Jonathan Redley, a member of the Class of 1997, remembered having a rough first year of high school. “After freshman year, I did go to summer school and my mother gave me hell,” he said. In college, Redley met someone who encouraged him to be more than a “C” student. “I was hanging around with somebody, and they were like, ‘Hey, why don’t you strive for ‘A’s?’ I ended up marrying the person that told me that,” he said. Redley attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and the University of Phoenix. He is now a supervisory budget analyst for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Dwayne Pennant, a member of the Class of 1999, said he repeated the fourth grade. “Most people didn’t know that,” he said. “The hardest thing for me was to believe in myself.” Yet, Pennant found the self-confidence he needed and went on to the University of Massachusetts Boston. Although he was interested in the legal profession, Pennant said that initially he did not think it would be a good fit because he was black. However, at the time he was being mentored by an attorney who believed otherwise. Pennant took advantage of the opportunity and went on to graduate from the Charlotte School of Law. He is now a magistrate judge for the 26th Judicial District in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It’s very important for us not to get caught up in the stereotypes and the pigeonholes that people set for us,” he said. Damien Spain, a member of the Class of 1999, recalled the difficulties he faced after graduation. “I was lost for a while,” he said. “I was chasing the girls instead of chasing the books.” However, Spain eventually found his way and got involved in the Gear Up program. “You either walk through the door or stay in your circle,” he said. “It was time for me to walk through the door.” From there, Spain went on to the Harvard Extension School, which ultimately led to positions at Massachusetts General Hospital, State Street Bank and IBM. He is now the IT manager at Boston Children’s Hospital. Bruce Shand, another product of the Class of 1999, said he came to Everett from Jamaica when he was a sophomore. “If you came from Everett, you played football,” he said. “Sports was a big thing.” However, Shand left the football field after one year to focus on academics. “I was a books guy,” he said. “I tried to do the best I could in school – that was my thing.” After high school, Shand attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He is now a project manager for the MBTA. Alberto Rodriguez, a member of the Class of 1998, said he moved to Everett from Cambridge when he was a freshman. At the time, diversity was barely on the radar. “I was one of maybe three Puerto Ricans at the high school,” he said. Rodriguez attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and is now a search consultant for Adecco Staffing in California. Mohammed Essofi, a member of the Class of 1997, moved to Everett from Morocco and did not speak English at the time. However, he quickly met a group of students who have now been his friends for more than 20 years. “I love Everett, Everett means a lot to me,” he said. “If I could move back, I would. I would love to send my kids to Everett High.” Essofi currently owns a pizza shop in Roxbury. Principal Erick Naumann, who was a teacher at the time, remembered having some of the former students in class. “It was so interesting; it was such a different time,” he said. “They went out on their own and built their own lives.” Yet, Naumann said he remembers yesteryear like it was yesterday. “I’m still stuck in the time warp,” he said. “I can still see everyone either on the football field or walking down the hallway – that’s stuck in my mind.” The former students also shared their opinions about the Black History class, which ALUMNI | SEE PAGE 24 Vaccination clinic scheduled for Saturday, May 8 M ayor Carlo DeMaria recently announced that the City of Everett in partnership with Cataldo EMS will be administering COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday, May 8 beginning at 9 a.m. The clinic will be held at Pope John XXIII High School at 888 Broadway. Everett residents ages 18 and over are eligible to receive the vaccine. The clinic has 400 appointments available and will be offering the Moderna vaccine. Eligible Everett residents are required to make an appointment to receive the vaccine. Upon arrival at the vaccination site, residents are required to provide proof of identification with any government-issued ID and proof of residency. Vaccines will be administered in the school’s cafeteria on the first floor. Residents are asked to enter through the rear entrance that can be accessed from Cameron Street. After the vaccine is administered, an appointment will be made for the second dose. It is important for those who get vaccinated to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer and practice social distancing. Appointments can be made online at https:// www.maimmunizations. org//reg/5617529073. For any questions, please contact 311. Everett Attorneys Donate to Everett Food Pantry Local attorneys John Mackey and Elizabeth Brown presented a generous donation to the Everett Food Pantry recently to help to feed Everett’s needy families. Pictured from left to right, are; Nicole Diamond, Atty. John McKay, Atty. Elizabeth Brown, Chelsi Diamond, McKenna Diamond, and Irene Cardillo presenting a donation at the food pantry. (Advocate photo)
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