THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, May 15, 2020 THE ADVOCATE ASKS: Page 3 SHS Class of 2020 Valedictorian Matthew Lanney discusses a possible parade-style graduation and the legacy of the seniors who endure the COVID-19 crisis Editor’s Note: For this week’s paper, we interviewed Matthew Lanney, who was recently named Valedictorian – the topranked student in the class – at Saugus High School. In order to practice social distancing because of the COVID-19 health crisis, we interviewed Matt over the phone and via email. We asked him about college and his career plans, what he hopes will be the legacy of the Saugus High School Class of 2020, how he would like to see commencement exercises conducted and what it entails to achieve the highest academic ranking in his class. Matthew,18, is the son of two Saugus High alumni – Carolina (Class of 1992) and Jay Lanney (Class of 1991). His fi nal GPA was a 4.48, tops of 162 seniors graduating this year. He plans to attend Merrimack College in North Andover this fall, where he will pursue a degree in engineering. Among the numerous academic honors and awards, he received the President’s Scholarship, which is considered Merrimack’s most prestigious merit scholarship and is awarded to the top 30 percent of incoming students. Matt said he was motivated to pursue Valedictorian honors at the end of his junior year after winning the Harvard Book Award, which is presented annually by Harvard University to the top-ranked junior in the class during senior awards night. Last June he also received the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award from the University of Rochester, which recognizes a student below that year’s graduating class who displays an exemplary understanding of the study of science and has great potential in the fi eld of science. Matt is a member of Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. OUT WITH THE OLD: Class Valedictorian Matthew Lanney had hoped to get one more glimpse of the old Saugus High School with its familiar Sachem logo on a signpost in front of the building. But the signpost had been removed when he visited the old building this week, and there were “demo” markings across the brick walls of the school that was built in 1954. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) the National Honor Society, having been inducted during his junior year. He was a member of the Saugus High School Marching Band throughout his high school career. He cites his band experience for being “an absolutely crucial part of my life since even before the 6th grade.” He adds, “I credit band to teaching me many different useful life skills.” He played on the alto saxophone from the fourth grade to his sophomore year in high school, when he switched over to baritone saxophone. He intends to continue band as an extracurricular activity when he attends Merrimack College in the fall. He received a Merrimack College Band Scholarship. Matt has also been a member of the Saugus High School Jazz Band since his freshman year. He spent his last two years as a member of the Saugus High School Percussion Ensemble. Matt was a student athlete during his first three years at Saugus High, playing freshman baseball and basketball, JV Baseball and Basketball as a sophomore and JV Basketball and JV/Varsity Baseball as a junior. He gave up interscholastic athletics in his senior year to focus on his academic studies. He maintains a busy life outside of school. He’s been a longtime member and volunteer at Blessed Sacrament (Catholic) Church. He has also been practicing Kempo Karate at Saugus Karate Kung Fu since he was four and a half. Highlights of our interview follow. Q: Congratulations on achieving the honor of Valedictorian, as the top student in your class at Saugus High School. Looking back on your four years, what is the most valuable part of your educational experience as you look ahead to college and your future? ASKS | SEE PAGE 10 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com CURBSIDE TAKEOUT Call In Your Order: 781-629-3798 Hours: Thursday 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday 2:00 p.m. - 8;00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Marina Clambake Available to Go! The Clambake includes Lobster, Steamers, Potatoes, Corn on the Cob, Chowder & Salad Call Your Order In Advance: 781-629-3798 BOOK YOUR NEXT FUNCTION WITH US * GIFT CARDS www.reverealuminumwindow.com AMPLE FREE www.marinaatthewharf.com 543 North Shore Rd. Revere 781-629-3798 PARKING AMAZING WATER VIEWS
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