The Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony was held Sunday, June 5, 2022, at the Walter Hawkes Field House. |
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Class President Connor Patterson
I’d like to start off by thanking those here today. Our superintendent, Dr. Milaschewski, our Principal Mr. Tracey, our assistant principal, Ms. Theriault and all administration, faculty, and staff, as well as family, friends, and others. And of course welcome the graduating class of 2022.
I struggled at first when I began to write this speech as I had no idea what I really wanted to say. I was reading through websites, seeing the same 5 quotes and the same cliche topics or themes over and over again but nothing stuck out to me. Then I realized what my problem was. How can I write a basic speech for my high school graduation when I had a far from basic high school experience. [Read More]
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Salutatorian Address Ekaterina Brechko
Hello, class of 2022, families, and Reading community! While it is an honor to address you all today, to me this situation is quite unexpected. Not only did I not expect to ever be given the honor to speak at graduation, but I also did not expect to be doing so in the midst of a global pandemic.
We all remember the early stages of quarantine life: only being able to see people from behind a mask and attending zoom classes in our pajamas. But covid brought more than just day-to-day quirks to our lives. In quarantine, I found it incredibly difficult to feel connected to others. I couldn’t meet with my friends and communicating with teachers became difficult because it wasn’t as simple as stopping by their classrooms to ask a question anymore. Quarantine certainly pushed our emotions into turmoil, but its effects lasted much longer than that initial period. [Read More]
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Valedictorian Address Sara DiCostanzo
It’s unbelievable to me that I’m standing here today as valedictorian, considering that I have spent so much of this year feeling like a complete idiot. This feeling first began to flourish in my calc class, as I spent the first few weeks of school absolutely bewildered, completely lost as the curriculum seemed to fly past me. Each class, I would frantically scribble down the notes, not processing a single word, then go home, and stare at the gibberish I had written, trying to make sense of it. I studied and studied, spent far too many hours sobbing over Khan Academy, growing increasingly terrified as I awaited the first test. When it finally arrived, I, who had never gotten a grade below a ninety, received a C. The night before that test, I had also submitted my first English essay. In plusportals, another C awaited me.
I want to clarify that these are not bad grades. But to me, they embodied all the confusion and distress I had been feeling, so, as a result, they felt catastrophic. I was trying as hard as I always had, yet I couldn’t understand the material. I spiraled. I wondered how I could possibly survive the year. I thought immediately that I was too stupid for these advanced classes, and that I committed an incredible act of hubris to even for a second think that I wasn’t. I felt like a failure. It was not even October of senior year, the supposed best year of high school, and I had nothing to show for it but two C’s and an incredible feeling of worthlessness. [Read More]
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Superintendent’s Address Dr. Thomas Milaschewski
Members of the Reading School Committee, Principal Tracey, Faculty, Fellow Administrators, Distinguished Guests, Community Members, and most importantly, members of the Class of 2022 and their proud families and friends – it is an honor to stand before you today to congratulate our amazing RMHS class of 2022. To the class of 2022, this is your day – and on your day, I’d like to recognize two groups of people that have been instrumental in your path to graduation day.
First, to your families. Your families have been there for you since day one and have been by your side for your entire journey. They have supported you, believed in you, and served as your biggest cheerleaders. Please, take a moment today to thank and appreciate your families for all they’ve done for you. This, without a doubt, is one of the proudest and most memorable days of their lives. [Read More]
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Principal’s Address Mr. Kevin Tracey
Good afternoon and on behalf of my leadership team, my main office team and the RMHS staff, we welcome you all to this year’s class of 2022 RMHS Graduation ceremony. My name is Kevin Tracey, the proud Principal here at Reading Memorial High School. First graduation speech as a new principal- no pressure at all!
Since we have all been through this process together, I would like to begin by complimenting the parents and caregivers, families, friends, members of the Reading community, our School Committee, Superintendent Milaschewski and his central office team for all of their incredible support. In addition, I would like to acknowledge and commend the wonderful contributions made by our RISE preschool, our elementary and middle school staff in establishing a strong foundation and to my immediate colleagues at RMHS for working tirelessly to build on this base to prepare these students for the challenges that lie ahead. In particular, I would like to publicly thank our retiring RMHS staff members, Ms. Jane Shea and Ms. Sharon Burke and ask that they please stand to be recognized. [Read More]
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The Reading Antiquarian Society, which owns and maintains Parker Tavern, has welcomed new caretakers – Lydia Slocum and Scott Pedemonte.
Lydia is a native of Concord Massachusetts. After spending time in St. Louis, MO (as a Project Associate in the Preservation Research Office) and in the Pacific Northwest (as a Project Assistant in the Housing Development Office), she returned to Massachusetts for graduate studies. She just completed her Master’s Degree in Public Policy at Brandeis University. Congratulations, Lydia. She works in Affordable Housing development and planning and loves learning about local buildings, young and old.
Scott is a native Oregonian. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in biology and received his master’s degree in teaching from Concordia University. He has a passion for the outdoors, whether that is swimming, walking, gardening, or learning about permaculture farming. His love of gardening has led him to volunteer with AmeriCorps VISTA and Forest Park Forever in St. Louis, MO, and to work for Portland Parks and Recreation in Portland, OR. He also taught earth science, chemistry, and biology to both middle and high school students in Portland. Since 2020 he has worked at the Arnold Arboretum, currently a plant technologist there, responsible for all aspects of greenhouse management. And we also hear that he is a terrific cook! [Read More]
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Kickoff summer with Reading Friends and Family Day on Saturday, June 11! Nothing says summer like enjoying a day of fun activities with your neighbors, friends, and family. On Saturday, June 11 The Reading Lions Club’s 17th Reading Friends and Family Day returns! This annual summer community event – also called Town Day – will take place in the Birch Meadow area from 10:30 am-3:00 pm. All are welcome to attend RFFD, so mark your calendar!
Since 2004, The Reading Lions Club has hosted and organized Reading Friends and Family Day (RFFD) as a celebration of our town. At RFFD, you’ll enjoy games, giveaways, entertainment, food and have a chance to learn about our wonderful local organizations and businesses. Attendance has grown steadily over the years, and we know there are many new people in town who would enjoy all the activities of the day.
In addition to more than 40 community & business RFFD booths, free activities include a touch-a-truck area, miniature golf, remote control race cars, and a petting zoo. As the fair wraps up, there will be a Home Run Derby (at 2:00pm) and a Cornhole Tournament (3:30pm-6:00pm) both sponsored by Friends of Reading High School Baseball. In the early evening, listen to music and enjoy snacks from sponsored by the Friends of Reading Recreation.
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Join us for the 2nd annual Pride Parade Sunday, June 12th
2:30pm Car Parade • 4:30pm celebration
Come celebrate Pride with us!
- The car parade starts at 2:30pm (Meet at Reading Library)
- Followed by a celebration at 4:30pm at Reading Common
- The GSA from RMHS will be hosting a bake sale
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Click link below to register to join car parade or host cheering station Click here to register!
Sponsored by Reading Public Library and the Office of Equity and Social Justice. [Read More]
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Quannapowitt Players Presents Paul Osborn’s “Morning’s at Seven” from June 17-26 |
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Aaronetta and Ida Gibbs have lived next door to each other most of their lives and along with Esther, all of the Gibbs sisters are an open book to each. (Husbands not included.) Into the fray comes Myrtle Brown, perpetually engaged to Ida’s son, Homer. But Homer can’t seem to pop the question. Hailed as “one of the best American comedies,” this perennially charming portrait of small town America fifty+ years ago was revived on Broadway in 1980 and in 2002 to critical acclaim. This under-appreciated gem of the American theatre is a wry and winsome comedy that will delight audiences!
Directed by David Berti, and featuring: Anne Damon, John Day, Gordon Ellis, Sue Gilbert, Margaret McCarty, Kim Myatt, Jud Pierce, Mark Rolli, and Dee Swan. [Read More]
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Can a recipe book change the world? Yes! Find out how from world-renowned food expert Frances Moore Lappé. The 50th-anniversary edition of Diet for a Small Planet shows us how plant-centered eating can help restore our damaged ecology, address the climate crisis, and move us toward real democracy. Whitelam Books will facilitate a sale and signing following the presentation.
Arrive between 5:15pm-5:45pm to sample recipes from Diet for A Small Planet made by Reading’s favorite dietician Lori Lambert-Osburn! Registration required.
Originally published in 1971, Diet for a Small Planet has sold 3 million copies worldwide. Frances Moore Lappé is an American original. New York Magazine dubbed her “Movement Mother” while the Smithsonian described this book as “one of the most influential political tracts of the times.” Gourmet Magazine named Lappé as one of 25 people—from Thomas Jefferson to Julia Child—whose work has changed the way America eats. Writing, either by or about Lappé, has appeared in Harper’s, New York Times Magazine, O Magazine, among others. Her media appearances range from the Today Show to Hardball with Chris Matthews, from Fox and Friends to the BBC and PBS Retro Report. The recipient of 20 honorary degrees, Lappé has authored 20 books, most recently Daring Democracy, coauthored with Adam Eichen, and It’s Not Too Late. [Read More]
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Taunya L. Jarzyniecki, LCMHC MLADC, Public Safety Clinician for the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support at the Reading Police Department will be available to meet with residents at the Pleasant Street Center and Reading Public Library. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Ms. Jarzyniecki can assist residents with brief therapeutic support and accessing resources. Ms. Jarzyniecki will be at the following locations on the dates below. There is no fee or health insurance needed to meet with Ms. Jarzyniecki and all services are confidential. [Read More]
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Dates
Wednesday (June 15)
Wednesdays (June 8, 15, 22)
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Location
Pleasant St. Center
Reading Public Library
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A new Thanksgiving Day tradition is set to begin this November as the Saint John’s Pioneers and the Malden Catholic Lancers battle on the gridiron as part of their regular Catholic Conference season on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. In a coin toss held on Thursday, June 2, it was determined that this year’s game will be held at Malden Catholic’s Donovan Field at Brother Gilbert Stadium in Malden, Massachusetts – with future games alternating with Pioneer Field at Saint John’s in Shrewsbury.
“We are delighted to end our football season with a new tradition that will enhance the experience for both teams and provide tremendous enjoyment for our entire community,” stated John K. Thornburg, Malden Catholic President. “The Catholic Conference is regarded as one of the most accomplished sports conferences in terms of its winning reputation and we look forward to an exciting matchup.” [Read More]
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Highlights from the Reading Police & Fire Logs
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