Career Sends 145 Off To Careers

Career Regional High staff arrived an hour and a half before the school’s drive-by commencement exercises at Lighthouse Point Park Wednesday morning. They put up purple and yellow balloons (the school colors). Using grant money, they had also hired a photographer so each senior could receive an 8‑by-10 photo in the mail.

As each of the 145 graduating seniors stepped off stage, they were handed a single, yellow rose.

“We wanted to make this day special since it’s not the traditional graduation ceremony,” said Principal Zakia Parrish. ​“We wanted to make sure the students know we appreciate them and wanted to celebrate them. There were also seniors who participated in the planning. We wanted to make sure they got the send-off they deserve.”

As students took turns receiving that send-off, they spoke of the careers they plan to pursue as Career graduates.

Laquasha Nelson, who repped the Jamaican flag on her cap. plans to attend Eastern Connecticut State University to major in business administration.

While waiting in the car to reach the stage, Rayquan Williams was given a mask from a Career staffer. Williams will attend Housatonic Community College next.

Tyrese Hinds was joined by his family to celebrate his masked-up graduation day. ​“I’m relieved. I made it,” he said. Hines plans to attend a nursing program at Porter and Chester Institute.

Hailey Vaught, co-captain of the Career robotics team, plans to attend the University of New Haven to focus in engineering. Vaught will leave behind her legacy at Career after leading her team to semifinals at the FIRST Robotics New England District Waterbury Competition and winning the Gracious Professionalism Award at the competition. Vaught and her team, Elm City Robo Squad, were awarded the prestigious Hartford District Chairman’s Award in April.

Twins Sophia and Gabriella Sorieno (pictured above, left to right) are headed to the University of Connecticut, Sophia to study neurobiology, Gabriella biology. ​“I feel excited right now. These 4 years went by really quickly. Last year was such an empowering time for us. It really showed how much we do all together,” Gabriella said.

Class advisers Haifa Abdel-Jalil and Bob Osborne (at right and left above) honored the group of students who helped to save 53 teaching positions during budget deliberations.

Osborne has taught history for 13 years. He also coaches girls soccer and served as a class adviser.

“The thing that’s really been amazing is that these kids have been unbelievable,” said Osborne. ​“Especially the leadership of the six students who stood up for the 53 teachers last year. They’re a remarkable group of kids. I don’t think we could have done it without that kind of leadership.”

“We went home with no plan on March 15,” said Abdel-Jalil, who teaches science. ​“We have great students who formed a committee to talk about different plans. We decided that prom would be out of the question. but we came up with a plan for graduation.”

“The students were upset that the prom plans were canceled. It’s a big deal for them but we have the idea of a reunion or a party in discussion.”