WILBRAHAM, Mass. (WWLP) – Wilbraham & Monson Academy hosted its 2024 commencement on Saturday morning.
Wall of Honor in Wilbraham debuts to pay respect to military heroes The 2024 graduating class at Wilbraham & Monson Academy consists of 82 students and the commencement was held on campus at 11:00 a.m. All families were also invited to lunch in Lak Dining Hall following the commencement, according to their website .
It was a very special day for the graduates who now prepare to embark on their next journey and turn the page to the next chapter in their lives.
“We have spent four years climbing the social rungs from freshman to seniors, just to return to freshman,” expressed Arielle Chechile, the Speaker for the Class of 2024, “But we have made it through uncertainty before and rather than approaching it with apprehension we should be so enthusiastic to find our future.”
These students were joined by teachers, faculty, family, friends and past alumni who know that their education and experience at WMA will help them take that next step.
“As an alumni it just feels amazing. The school has like, grown exponentially since we’ve been here and I’m really proud,” said WMA Class of 1996 Alumni, Faison Fitzgerald.
Sean Jones, a WMA Alumni from the Class of 1995 told 22News, “Graduation was joyful, but it was also fear of the unknown and what happens next. But, I’ll tell you one thing… Wilbraham and Monson academy prepared us for life, prepared us for college and prepared us to be good husbands and fathers.”
Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education, was this year’s commencement speaker. Duncan served during the Obama Administration from 2009 through 2015 and as Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Public Schools. He currently leads Chicago CRED, which is a nonprofit that is trying to achieve a transformative reduction in gun violence in Chicago.
At Saturday’s commencement Duncan offered words of wisdom to these talented and bright young minds, “You achieved something that no one can take away from you. You have something that will serve you forever, you have a WMA education and that will be a permanent source of pride, wisdom, and truth for as long as you live. Class of 2024 you inspire me with so much hope. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter of your lives brings!”
“This is a special opportunity for the WMA community to have a former U.S. Secretary of Education as our Commencement Speaker,’’ Head of School Brian P. Easler said. “Mr. Duncan’s son Ryan graduated from WMA last year, and we are pleased to have the continued positive influence of the Duncan family on the Academy again this year. I’m sure Mr. Duncan’s remarks will be insightful and engaging, and I look forward to hearing his message to our graduating class.”
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