The class of 2025 graduated on Sunday, June 8 at Westford Academy’s Trustees Field, ending their journey through Westford Public Schools with countless long-lasting memories. Originally scheduled for Friday, June 6, the ceremony was postponed due to rain and thunderstorms.
To begin the ceremony, the seniors entered the field, accompanied by music from the WA band. After the seniors reached their seats, the band performed the National Anthem, conducted by their director Adam Shekleton.
Once everyone was seated, Principal Dan Twomey gave his opening speech, welcoming family members and friends to the ceremony. He began by acknowledging the ten upcoming retirees, including Christopher Gorham, David DeLong, Bill Bowen, Joan Mitchell, Karen Halloran, Tracy McLaughlin, Stephanie Gosselin, John Nidzgorski, Mark Miller, and Erik Ruhmann. Many of the retirees will be leaving WA alongside the class of 2025 following a collective 244 years of service to the district and its students. After congratulating the faculty, Twomey brought the focus back to the graduating class and how big of an impact they have left on WA.
“How do you replace this wonderful class and their experiences? The unequivocal answer for both groups is you don’t,” Twomey said. “You embody their spirits and accomplishments.”
Following Twomey’s speech, school counselor Leah Birnkrant recognized the salutatorian, Kaylee Bulat. She brought attention to Bulat’s personality and how she has shown inclusion, creativity, and an eagerness to learn every day. Birnkrant spoke about Bulat’s ability to lead with quiet confidence and compassion, and wished Bulat luck at Boston College this coming fall.
Director of School Counseling Lauren Clark then introduced the valedictorian, Sahil Dua. According to Clark, Dua has continued to show resilience despite the difficult times he has faced throughout his high school career. Clark also spoke of his leadership qualities, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Afterward, the class officers were invited to the stage and Class Secretary Erin Keefe spoke about the Dean of Students, Bob Ware, and the contributions he has made to their high school experience.
“On behalf of the entire class of 2025, thank you for your time, guidance, and unwavering support, even when we’re running five, ten, and maybe even fifteen minutes late,” Keefe said.
Next, Class Treasurer Arav Jain thanked one of the class of 2025 advisers, Julie Bostrom, and her continuous displays of kindness, empathy, and strength. He also mentioned her positive impact on students’ lives.
“She somehow [coordinated every event], with grace,” Jain said. “Let’s not forget she was doing all of this while attending what felt like every softball game in the tristate area for her daughter.”
Vice President Tanya Dayan then expressed the class’s gratitude for their other adviser, Jennifer Conti.
“[Conti] also reminded us that [our hard work] wasn’t just about making money. It was about having fun and making memories along the way,” Dayan said.
After the cabinet thanked their class advisers, Ware took to the stage. Throughout his speech, Ware talked about how COVID had affected the graduating class’ middle school career. He spoke of how, despite the difficulties the class had faced, they still came together in unity.
Ware also mentioned the plethora of emails he sent to students throughout their four years and shared a final message with them, called “the value of being on time.” He expressed his pride in the graduating class.
“Life doesn’t wait […]. Being on time isn’t just about trying to stay [within] the six tardies every 45 days to avoid detention or losing your senior privileges. It’s about respect,” Ware said. “You don’t have to be perfect, but you have to be present, and the present starts with punctuality.”
Class Speaker Alana Parks was then welcomed to the stage following the honors choir singing WA’s Alma Mater.
Parks’s speech revolved around the importance of beginning. She detailed the class’s journey from elementary to middle to high school. She thanked parents, older and younger siblings, teachers, advisors, Dean Ware, and peers. Finally, Parks concluded her speech by talking about how graduation does not mark the end, but the beginning of the rest of the class of 2025’s lives.
“Maybe today is not for the end of our time at Westford Academy, but for the beginning of so much more,” Parks said.
The most worthy representative awards were given to Sophia Griffin and Alex Wilson, followed by the academic excellence awards, given to Rebecca Ward for English, Mandarin, and visual arts, Nathaniel Li for social studies, Dua for computer science, Bulat for science, Bryan Therrien for engineering, Abiral Thapa for French, Maggie Burrows for German, Jackie Clay for Latin, Sasha Williams for Spanish, Daniel Engdahl for music, Ethan Mandile for theater arts, Matt Boucher for business education, Erin Keefe for physical education, and Maura Hogan for health and wellness.
Superintendent Christopher Chew delivered his congratulatory remarks to the class, which was followed by the delivery of diplomas by the Westford School Committee.
“Don’t forget [your time at WA] for a moment; the experiences, whether in the classrooms, on fields, or within our various art venues, they’ve collectively shaped the individuals you are today,” Chew said.
The class song, “I Lived” by OneRepublic, was performed by WA students leading into closing remarks presented by the Class President Diya Jayaraman. Jayaraman spoke about how their time at WA has taught them to be kind and how graduation is the final page of this chapter in the class of 2025’s lives.
“Today let’s pause. Let’s be right here, not worrying about what’s next or what we haven’t figured out yet,” Jayaraman said. “But fully present with each other because […] this is a moment we’ll never get back”.
