Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 13, 2025 2025 Saugus High School graduation Some fi nal advice from the Principal By Mark E. Vogler S augus Middle-High School Principal Carla Scuzzarella mentioned “The Wizard of Oz” as she tried to impart some fi nal words of wisdom to the 176 graduating seniors last Friday night at Christie Serino Jr. Memorial Stadium last Friday night. “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” “These were Dorothy Gales’ fi rst words as she walked out into the world of Oz and started on her journey,” Scuzzarella told her audience. “I’m sure you are all familiar with that scene. The book ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,’ by L. Frank Baum, was published 125 years ago and quickly became a classic work of children’s literature. In 1939, MGM released the story as an amazing movie, ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available RECALLING THE WIZARD: Saugus Middle-High School Principal Carla Scuzzarella at last Friday’s graduation. (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) which happens to be my favorite movie,” she said. “I feel a little like Dorothy tonight. To be a graduate of this school and to be here tonight as the principal feels unreal, and like I’m home.” Later, Principal Scuzzarella made a reference to a more contemporary version of “The Wicked Witch of the West,” who goes by the name of Elphaba, the green-skinned witch featured in the novel “Wicked,” which led to a Broadway musical hit. “Elphaba teaches us something very important: Don’t let anyone else defi ne your story,” Scuzzarella said. “It’s okay to be different, to speak your mind, and to question the system — even when it’s not popular to do so,” she said. “Then there’s Glinda — the not be in balance without accepting both your good and bad memories. If you don’t accept both, your soul is imbalanced, fragmented by missing a piece of yourself. And if your soul isn’t whole, are you really being your true self? No. In my eyes, you aren’t living until you start embracing all parts of yourself. Only then will you have found your true self. drama queen is what we would call her today — bubbly and sparkly. We’ve all got a little Glinda in us, too. That friend who puts everything on Instagram and says “no problem” while worrying constantly. Glinda teaches us that kindness and confi dence can go together, and yes, that life is better with a little glitter,” she said. “Today is about a group of Sachems about to make their mark on the world. You don’t need a wizard; you don’t need magic ruby slippers; and you defi nitely don’t need to fi t into anyone else’s story,” the principal told the graduates. “Congratulations, Class of 2025. You’re off to see the world — no broomstick required.” THE VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS | FROM PAGE 4 So, as we enter this next chapter of our lives, I want to give you one piece of advice, Class of 25. Not from valedictorian to classmate, but from one human to another. Take pride in your unique perspective, as that is what makes up your identity. After this, many of us will be taking our own path to success. Some will be entering the workforce. Others THE VALEDICTORIAN ADDRESS | SEE PAGE 8
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