Williamstown High School valedictorian, salutatorian encourage fellow graduating seniors
Williamstown High School celebrated its annual commencement ceremony on June 20.
The cornerstone of almost every graduation are speeches from the two students with the highest GPAs, the valedictorian and salutatorian. In the case of WHS, the valedictorian and salutatorian were unknown prior to the graduation.
After the procession to “Pomp and Circumstance,” the flag salute, national anthem and introductions, Dhruv Devendra Shah was announced by Superintendent Charles Earling as class salutatorian and took the stage to address his classmates.
“I know I wouldn’t be up here today, speaking to you, if it hadn’t been for my amazing teachers who always help me find a passion for learning,” Shah said. “I also wouldn’t be the man I am today if it had not been for my loving parents who have always been there. They’re my primary driving force behind my success.”
He acknowledged the growth students go through from freshman to senior year. Using himself as an example, he noted how students can broaden their horizons.
“When I first started, I was an extremely reserved and quiet student,” Shah said. “I was tremendously close-minded and didn’t think that anything outside the realm of science or physics mattered. I did not find much merit in the arts. As I progressed through high school, I was able to grow and expand my horizons. I joined the amazing stage crew program and realized how misled I was about the potential of the arts.”
Shah brought his speech full circle by talking about how proud he was of his classmates.
“I see doctors curing diseases that plague the world, I see engineers solving problems our society faces, I also see titans of business dominating their industries, I see all of this in each of you,” he said. “Use all of your inevitable mistakes, not as anchors, but as stepping stones for your growth and development.”
When Shah stepped off the stage he was greeted with cheers. Then Earling announced the valedictorian was Marcello Gerardo Oliveto.
Oliveto, on the heels of applause, stepped up to the microphone to speak to the class.
“Out of all the titles that I have strived throughout my high school career, valedictorian which pretty much means ‘biggest geek award’ is the one title that made it all worth it,” he said.
After giving thanks to his loving parents and longtime girlfriend, Oliveto recalled his freshman year at WHS.
“I remember entering WHS as a tiny freshman with a huge weight over my shoulders. My oldest sister would be graduating at the top of her class,” Oliveto said. “Naturally, my furiously competitive sibling nature, I planned not only to be as good as her, but to out do her. Whether or not I have achieved this is up for interpretation, but given my height I have the advantage.”
Much like Shah, Oliveto addressed how proud he is of his class and urged them toward greatness.
“Class of 2018, continue to achieve greatness in academics, athletics and military service,” he said. “For it’s only through this greatness that we will achieve a better tomorrow. A tomorrow that stands for liberty, strength and equality for all. An opportunity for change — real change — is in our hands. Let us not squander it.”
