North Quincy welcomes new in 2013 graduation

North Quincy High School’s new principal Robert Shaw welcomed the graduates to the Wednesday ceremonies, postponed due to rain from Monday night. To showcase the school’s community, Shaw outlined one week at North Quincy High School, featuring sports events, academic showcases, and artistic endeavors. “You have raised the bar for what it means to be a student at North Quincy High,” he said.

Class achievements included Science Fair successes, winning the WGBH High School Quiz Show, several sports wins, and a number of plays and performances.

Class President Melissa Yee Ma, who will attend Syracuse University in the fall, complimented the class on their achievements and efforts, telling her classmates “you have a whole life ahead of you,” she said. No matter where they each go off to, “we’re Raiders, and we’re Raiders till we die!”

One enthusiastic relative wears a hat for a North Quincy High graduate.

Mayor Thomas Koch congratulated the new principal “I think he’ll be an outstanding leader for years to come,” he said.

School Committee Chair Barbara Isola told the group three lessons: you create your own future, take risks but don’t be reckless, and never assume the answer is no.

City Councilor Michael McFarland urged the graduates to work hard and play hard, and have fun along the way.

Valedictorian Amanda Shan Yao, who will go to Brown University in the fall, said people always asked her why she tried so hard. “In High School, I realized we’re only as good as we make ourselves,” she said. She said she waited for High School to change her attitude about academics, but urged her classmates to change when it was right, rather than what it was proper. “We keep waiting for an opportunity to change…but we don’t have to wait,” she said.

Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro said the city had fulfilled its promise to all of the students in helping them graduate.

Valedictorian Amanda Yao receives the first diploma.

Students file past one by one as the black books are handed out.

Class President Melissa Ma accepts her diploma.

Hundreds of friends and family sat in the crowd as police stood on guard.

As the sun set in the background, hundreds of students filed over the stage for their degree.

Colleen Bellotti, daughter of Norfolk County Sheriff Mike Bellotti, accepts her diploma before heading over to receive a hug from her dad.

Superintendent DeCristofaro told the graduates to keep working hard, and keep believing as they moved on from High School.

Mayor Thomas Koch and other school officials congratulate the graduates as they make their way down the stage.

Hats fly high in the air to mark the end of graduation.

Students yelled and hugged in joy at the close of the ceremony.