When the East Boston High School Class of 2022 began their high school careers four years ago they could never have predicted what a wild ride high school would be.
Two years into high school students were hit with a worldwide pandemic effectively ending the second half of their sophomore year in March 2020.
While the world collectively hoped and prayed the pandemic would pass quickly the students at East Boston High School were no different and the disruption to their high school experience extended through most of the class’s junior year.
However, the Class of 2022 persevered and arguably worked harder than most previous graduating classes to remain on track and focused in the face of so much uncertainty.
The class spent the first half of their junior year in remote learning classes, isolated from friends, fellow classmates and teachers. The intimacy of in-person learning and the human contact that is so important to many students was lost.
However, as the pandemic slowly released its grip on the world many in the Class of 2022 began to return to in-person learning by the end of junior year and got to experience the joys of a full senior year and formed bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.
On Friday, June 17 at East Boston Memorial Stadium 250 graduating seniors from the Class of 2022 will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas as part of the high school’s annual commencement exercises scheduled for 11 am.
At Friday’s graduation the seniors and their families will be welcomed by EBHS Headmaster Phil Brangiforte. Brangiforte will be followed by an address from Salutatorian Genesis Onuoha.
Providing this year’s Valedictorian Address will be John Le of East Boston who will head to Northeastern University in the fall.
“I’m extremely proud of the Class of 2022 for their perseverance and dedication to their education, especially for only being in the building for two out of the four four years due to the pandemic,” said Brangiforte. “They acted mature beyond their years when they returned accepting each other and rising to the occasion on how well behaved they are. They should be commended for all they have accomplished.”