Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 31, 2020 Salutatorian Address – Ronald DiBiasio, Jr. “Let us not be sad about leaving Saugus High School. This year has shown us that the future can quite literally hold anything for us.” Editor’s Note: The following is the text of the address delivered by Senior Class Salutatorian Ronald DiBiasio, Jr. at Saugus High School’s 149th Commencement Exercises last Saturday [July 25] at Stackpole Field. G ood morning, fellow classmates, teachers, administrators and family members. Thank you for joining us today to celebrate this important milestone that my classmates and I have been working tirelessly to achieve for the past, well, lifetime. For the entirety of our scholastic careers in the Saugus Public Schools system, we have seen the year 2020 in our school e-mail every time we logged into a Chromebook, or really did anything school related. After seeing this countless times, many of you have probably thought “Huh, we’re really graduating in 2020?” ... Okay, well maybe it was just me. I always imagined that in the year 2020 I’d feel grown up and ready for the road ahead of me, I’d get to enjoy my senior year, the best year, but then 2020 happened. A worldwide pandemic broke out for the fi rst time since 2009, and yet, it was unlike anything we had ever seen. School got shut down, which was cool at fi rst, but then got old fairly quickly. Fast forward four months, we’re having our graduation in July, and it seems weird that I’m not wearing a mask right now. It is undoubtable that this www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 Aluminum Everett er 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 62 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. 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And, well, sometimes there is nothing you can really do to stop the next wave from coming at you full speed. As any Bear Grylls meme has ever taught us, you must improvise, adapt and overcome any and all obstacles that come your way. So far, I believe we have done just that. By working together on a global level, we have minimized damage, adjusted to the circumstances at hand and overall made the best of what we have. In the same way that 2020 has shown us how fast something can be thrown at us, it has also shown us how fast things can be taken from us – whether this was our last spring sports season, our senior prom, or merely enjoying the last few walks through the old Saugus High, and taking in all its glory before it gets torn down. The last time we walked out of Saugus High and raced to our cars at the sound of the 1:50 bell, we didn’t know it would be the last. We didn’t have the chance to take one fi nal walk through our school and reminisce on all of the experiences the walls of SHS have THE SALUTATORIAN SPEECH: While delivering his address, Senior Class Salutatorian Ronald DiBiasio, Jr. said that eight months ago his only worry was to apply for college, and that “By working together on a global level, we have minimized damage, adjusted to the circumstances at hand and overall made the best of what we have.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) given us. I’m sure everyone here remembers when they used to take waking up at 6 a.m. to go to school for granted, or seeing all of your friends in the same place all at once. I know I did. Looking back on my time at Saugus High, I can safely say that there is nowhere else I would rather have gone to high school, which is why it is so diffi cult to accept that our time was cut short. However, like anything in life, all good things must come to an end, whether you are expecting it or without warning. Our senior year was just a glimpse of how fast experiences can become memories. I’m sure we can all picture the Towers gym covered with red posters for Color Day; we can all hear Cox screaming in the hall at 7:30; and most importantly we can all feel the bonds of friendship we have made with each other throughout the last four years. And just as Andy Bernard said, “I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them.” But let us not be sad about leaving Saugus High School. This year has shown us that the future can quite literally hold anything for us. So, strap on your seatbelts because it is the beginning of an unpredictable new decade. But I am confi dent that we will succeed; I mean we have already graduated during the worst global pandemic in recent times. Class of 2020, the world relies on us to create a better future for years to come. No matter what path you pursue, have confidence, have faith and trust yourself. Take risks, follow what you believe in, but never lose sight of those around you. We would not be standing here today if it weren’t for the collaborative efforts of millions of people. Remember these times, both the good and the bad, and learn from them, but never be discouraged from any obstacle that dares stand in your way. Saugus High School has taught us too much to shy away. And remember, once a Sachem, always a Sachem. Thank you. Summer is Here!
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