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“I finally realized that I am worthy of being alive.”
That was the message Alexandra “Sasha” Northrup shared during two valedictory addresses she delivered Wednesday to the Wilbur Cross High School Class of 2021.
With the largest class in the school district, the school decided this year to divide its festivities into two shifts at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Students were given the option to choose at which ceremony to walk).
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Northrup encourages her classmates to cheer for themselves during her speech
While commencements earlier this week for other high schools across the city were brought inside due to rain, 339 Cross graduates were able to beneath a clear blue sky, wind whipping through their red robes.
In her address, Northrup recounted her journey through high school of finding self-worth and battling depression, then urged classmates to take time to heal.
She fought back tears to thank her mother, Veronika Shabanova, for helping her take ownership over her life and teaching her that nothing could stop her.
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Veronika Shabanova and her daughter Sasha.
Next year the pair won’t be too far away from one another: Northrup will trade her crimson robes for Yale blue as an archaeology and classical civilizations major.
Northrup said she was nervous during her speech. Now it is now one of her proudest high school moments. When asked about her advice to younger students, Northrup answered, “Live to breathe another day”.
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Valedictorian Alexandra “Sasha” Northrup and salutatorian Lily Walton.
“Having mercy on yourself is allowing yourself to heal from whatever has hurt you,” said Northrup. “Tough times are what break you, but healing is what makes you strong.”
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From left to right: Walton, Northrup, Asst. Superintendent Paul Whyte, city Director of Public Health Maritza Bond, and principal Edith Johnson
Northrup and salutatorian Lily Walton stood smiling side by side on stage. They will soon be school rivals when Walton heads to Harvard to study chemistry on the pre-med track.
Bernard Hulin, who taught Walton and Northrup chemistry, said that both students are self-motivated team players with a determination to succeed in everything they do.
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Jaquan Jordan Brooks dances across the stage to pick up his diploma
“Don’t put so much weight on the grade,” said Walton, in her words to advice for younger students. “Put your focus on the people you meet.”
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Graduates parade into the ceremony
In his own address to graduates, Mayor Justin Elicker commended the seniors for rising to the pandemic’s challenges. He offered a Chinese proverb: 狗急跳墙 (gǒu jí tiào qiáng), describing the sudden leaps people can make during times of adversity.
Two Cross alums, Director of Educational Strategy at the William Caspar Graustein Foundation William “Billy” Johnson and city public health Director Maritza Bond, were present as keynote speakers.
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Parents sit in stands outside of the field to cheer their children on
“In front of me, I see future leaders of New Haven and beyond,” said Bond. “We will be in such capable hands.
See the livestreams for each session below.
Congratulations to the graduates! You have succeeded against historical difficulties and you can achieve your goals through hard work and persistence. May you have continued success and change the world for the better with the skills you have learned.