CUMBERLAND — Blackstone Valley Prep High School graduated 68 scholars at a ceremony Saturday, June 15, 2019 — the High School’s second graduating class. Valedictorian Anabella Magee delivered the scholar address based on her senior yearbook quote: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.”
“We are a class who had the courage to build an intentionally diverse community in an increasingly divisive world. Finding belonging in a group of people so different from each other taught us to not only challenge our assumptions, but also to fight for equal rights and opportunities for all,” she said. “As a class, we are not defined by our differences, but by the strength that these differences give us, broadening our perspective and encouraging us to fight for what is most important.”
Dean of College and Careers David Michael Jose delivered the commencement address, reflecting on conversations he had with Edwin Rivera, a BVP scholar who passed away on Jan. 1 after a courageous battle with cancer.
“What is an appropriate final message for a group of people who mean the world to me?” Jose asked. “My advice to you may sound simple, but it’s not easy. It is the same advice that Edwin gave to me: no matter how hard or scary it may be, embrace love. Use love to change the world.”
He continued: “Your quest to change the world and live your best life will often come with conflict and friction. But it is in those moments of friction and conflict, of competition and stress, of fear and sadness, that you need love the most. Love is a big word, but it is built upon small acts of kindness.”
This fall, our BVP graduates will attend prestigious schools across the country, including Brown University, Boston University, Pomona College, Tufts University, and Williams College.
