Carly Wanna Photo
State Rep. Juan Candelaria.
State Rep. Juan Candelaria called on seniors of the Wilbur L. Cross High School Class of 2018 to overcome obstacles to succeed by recollecting the challenges he overcame to graduate and become a political leader.
Candelaria spoke to the school’s 273 graduating students in addition to the friends and families in attendance at the ceremony Monday Night at the school’s athletic field on Mitchell Drive.
Candelaria quoted figures like Mark Twain, Thomas Edison and Wilbur Cross himself. And he gave his own pithy call: “My message today is simple. Don’t give up, and consider giving back in the community.”
Candelaria spoke proudly of his Puerto Rican roots, how his family, which had limited means, moved here when he was young. He attended college at Albertus Magnus College, becoming one of few from his family to graduate. From there, he entered politics and was eventually to represent New Haven’s 95th General Assembly District, becoming the first Latino to hold the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. This term he played an influential role on numerous issues at the legislature, most of all leading the charge to direct millions of dollars to help families fleeing Hurricane Maria to make new lives here.
He spoke of efforts at the Capitol to aid the next generation, such as 2011 in-state legislation designed to assist students without legal documentation pursue an in-state college education; and to aid groups like the Spanish American Merchants Association.
“What’s most important is to make course corrections if you venture off the right path,” said Candelaria.
The 273 seniors who received diplomas at Wilbur Cross on Monday night represented 81 percent of the Class of 2018, compared to 64 percent who received diplomas in the Class of 2013. The students sat before Candelaria on the field clad in red and white robes as they awaited their turn to walk the stage in front of packed bleachers. Most graduating members –– 82 percent –– plan to attend college, including the University of Connecticut, New York University, Yale University, the University of Puerto Rico, Carnegie Mellon, Southern Connecticut State University and the University of New Haven; 5 percent plan to go to trade school in the coming year, 4 percent to enter military service and the remaining to enter the workforce.
Following student-led performances of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner, Principal Edith Johnson addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need to find true friends, be true to oneself and practice passion.
“No matter where you are, you can always come back home, and you can always come back to Cross,” said Johnson.
Salutatorian Sara Thakur and Valedictorian Maya Gerardi bid their peers adieu through five minute speeches that were light on advice and heavy on fond reflection along with abundant thank yous to classmates, teachers and family members who supported them..
“We have learned to think, to be persistent and to be resilient,” said Gerardi.
Another student, Tyler Jenkins, who will attend Wesleyan in the fall, performed an acoustic mash-up of “Congratulations” –– originally recorded by Post Malone featuring Quavo — and Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares.”
Graduating senior: Aneil Lee: “It’s been a journey and a struggle to be honest. I’m glad I made it to my senior year.” Lee will head to Florida for college in hopes of becoming a fashion stylist.
Jatzari Aguilar, pictured with her family: “I feel like [graduation] went really well. Everything was well planned and coordinated. I feel really happy to be graduating from Wilbur Cross. I think it’s an awesome school.” She will attend Southern Connecticut State University to study physical therapy.
David Soto: “It was phenomenal. I hope the best for everybody, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Soto will attend the University of Connecticut.
Melissa Marquez, who will attend Mount Holyoke College.
Angel Estrada (second from the left): “It was pretty chill. Finally glad I’m done.” He plans to attend the University of Connecticut.
When asked how she felt about graduating, Sharee Fields responded with one word: “Happy.” Fields hopes to attend college for cosmetology.
