Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025 Dayna Phan, Salutatorian Speech D ear Class of 2025, Congratulations on completing high school! Today, we are not only celebrating our hard work for the past 4 years, but a major milestone for our families. Most of us are the beacon to their families as fi rst-generation students. We are a community of immigrants, lowincome families, and those who have been historically disadvantaged. Today, we are entering a time in America where public education is in danger. Across the country, policies are being proposed that would strip federal support from schools, harming students who rely on strong public schools to have a fair shot at success. But despite these national headlines, my experience here at Revere has shown me the potential of public education when fueled through commitment and care. Mr. Gilligan, who saw the potential and passion in his students, created an Independent Study in Organic Chemistry to challenge us. During a time of political tension, when immigrant families were living in fear of ICE, Mr. Costello off ered a safe space for us — not just as students, but as people — to educate us through empathy. Ms. Szymanski, who taught the fun, but grilling Calculus, never gave up on us when we didn’t understand series because she believed we could learn. This should be the norm, not the exception. Too often the real value of education is overlooked, grades can be disconnected from learning, and striving students can be disheartened. How can we meet the needs of all students? We need change. We need accountability — where being a present and active part of a class community is rewarded and grades refl ect real understanding. We need to believe in students, especially the ones who don’t yet believe in themselves. We need to better lift the students who strive for more. There is a good education here at Revere High School, but it’s getting harder and harder to fi nd. Every graduate here today has reached an important milestone — this isn’t about questioning your success, but rather making sure future students are just as supported. Even with all of these challenges, we’ve made it here. And we didn’t do it alone. Graduating here today, we carry the memories and the support of the people around us that encourage us to give our 110%. To my mom and dad who have immigrated from Vietnam, thank you for your support and sacrifi ces to give me a better life; I am truly grateful. To my grandma for your endless love, and to my brother who has always been my role model. Thank you to my fellow leaders in the Feminist Empowerment G Endurance Nkeh, Class President ood evening, friends, family, faculty, and most importantly, my fellow graduates. As I stand before you Movement, and to Mr. Carlson, Ms. DiNolo, Ms. Casper, and Ms. Khor, who have pushed me to become a better leader and role model. To Mr. Eatough for all the funny, refl ective stories that made my day. To Adel, for your encouragement and helping me discover my potential. Thank you to my friends — Ivana, Aadrita, Naomi, Nicole, Stephanie, Vincent, and Tyler — for always matching my silliness, making me laugh, and supporting me throughout my troubles. As we enter the next chapter of our lives, remember your time in Revere — when you’ve laughed loudly with friends or cried over moments of defeat. Remember your passions, whether you aspire to be a doctor, lawyer, electrician, engineer, or in the armed forces. Or maybe you’re not sure yet, and that’s okay! I’m confident, along with the people surrounding us, that whatever path you choose will be one of fulfi llment. Continue doing your best and make the most out of your life; we’re only beginning our journeys; it doesn’t end here. But for today, let’s celebrate, smile, cry, and cherish these fi nal moments together. Congratulations Class of 2025! today, I can’t help but refl ect on the journey that brought me here. It’s been a long, often challenging, but ultimately rewarding ride. For me, the path to graduation wasn’t just about academic achievements— it was about finding a community that embraced me, pushed me, and helped me become the person I am today. I was born and raised in Cameroon, in a closeknit community that was my second family. So, when I moved to the United States at the age of 11, I felt a profound sense of loss. I missed the comfort of my friends, the closeness of my family, and the environment I had grown up in. When I started school in the US, I realized how diff erent I was. I was one of the few dark-skinned girls, and sometimes, it felt like I was invisible. It wasn’t easy but I pushed through. And I know that I am not alone. Our class as a whole has endured unique hardships. We lived through a global pandemic that turned our world upside down. We navigated the uncertainties of hybrid learning and social isolation. And more recently, we faced another kind of hardship, the recent immigration crisis along with the silence from our school district that left families terrifi ed of what could happen. Instead of feeling safe and protected, we were left to live in fear. Most of our school committee failed to acknowledge our pain when we needed them most and it is a reminder that even in the communities we call home, we still have to fi ght to be seen, heard, and respected. Despite these hardships, one thing I can say about our class is that we have demonstrated resilience and strength in ways that have shaped us into the people we are today. Whether it was supporting each other through remote learning, working together to demand action from our city, participating in events like challenge day which brought students and teachers to tears, or coming together at senior sunrise. We have shown what it means to stand together. I know we’ve all heard the clich? advice given in these speeches, but I’m going to give it anyway: No matter where you go, no matter what you do, you are never alone. Find your people, your community, and when you do, stick with them because they will make you better. They will celebrate your victories and help you rise after your defeats, walk with you through the hard times and laugh with you during the good times. Maya Angelou once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” I know that Revere High School Class of 2025 is destined for greatness. I could not be more thankful to every person here who has helped me along the way. I am deeply grateful to my parents who work every day to ensure that we are safe and cared for. To my brothers who push me to be better so that they can have it better. To my speech and debate coaches, Mr. Fellowes and Mr. Conway, who encouraged me to strive for excellence each tournament. To Mrs. Currie, who helped me navigate the college process and make the best decisions for my future. To my Minds Matter mentors, who supported me over these last two years. To Ms. Dicenso, who has been my rock since freshman year. There are no words enough to express my gratitude for her. And, of course, to my friends, who have always supported me and helped me fi nd my confi dence and bravery. So, to my fellow graduates: No matter where life takes you, never forget the importance of finding your people. They will challenge you, support you, and walk beside you as you change the world— just like this community helped me change mine. Finally, to the Revere High School class of 2025, here’s to fi nding our people, lifting each other up, and stepping boldly into the future. Thank you!
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