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Congratulations!!!!

You've completed your time as students at Poly and now join us in the alumni ranks.  Your class is taking next steps into the world in an unprecedented time, but seeing how you have all reacted to past hurdles with poise, grit, and determination makes me ever more confident of your future successes.

Remember that you will always have Poly as a second home, and that you can reach out to the alumni network for any help or guidance that you may need.

I'm excited to see the positive changes that you will make in the world, no matter what path you take next!

Congrats again!

Jared Hedglin '09
Board of Governors

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Dear Poly Class of 2020,
Congratulations on completing your time at Poly and your high school years! I’d like to share with you two nuggets of wisdom from my favorite 100 year old lady, my Grandma Molly. They have stuck with me all of my life, and I hope they will guide you anytime you feel lost, overworked, or need a reset.
The first is this: “everything in moderation.” When asked how Grandma looks so phenomenal for her age, how she still has all of her own teeth, how she outlived every member of her family, her answer has always been “everything in moderation.” Ive found her words to be so true, as I know I feel and perform my best when my life has a balance to it. As important as it is to charge passionately towards your dreams and goals, don’t forget to slow down once in awhile. Eat your vegetables, but don’t skimp on the pasta. Enjoy the sunshine, but don’t skimp on the sunscreen. You get the idea :)
Secondly, it’s a marvel how a woman who has lived through the Great Depression, two World Wars, loss of four siblings and her husband, financial woes, severe hearing loss, and now a pandemic can still be the most positive, ebullient person in the room. Whenever I’ve asked her how she’s done it, her words have been “just keep going- put one foot in front of the other.” Dear graduates, you will have so many highs in your life and with that will inevitably come some lows. You will achieve great things having been a Poly student, but as life unfolds there will be adversity too. Just know that things will always work themselves out. Be honest, be kind, and keep putting one foot in front of the other until you’ve walked to find your peace.
I wish you all the best in this next chapter! You can do anything you set your mind to!

All My Best,
Juliette Pannone ‘05 (Aunt ‘20, ‘24)

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Congratulations!!! I think so fondly about the Class of 2020; you were my last students before moving to California. It’s exciting you are all alums, and I hope we will be able to connect at future events.

It was a true privilege to teach all of you, and I wish I could say something about all ninety students I taught. You are all always in my heart.

Lauren K, it was an honor to coach and teach someone who was genuinely kind, humble, and always full of energy. Helaina B, I enjoyed getting to know you both on the court and in the classroom. Emmalee B, I enjoyed coaching you as just an 8th grader and it’s great to know you developed into a champion! Liana L, you took both of my classes concurrently and excelled at the challenge without ever making an excuse. I will never forget your unwavering commitment and work ethic. Rimas B, I vividly remember your comical calls of Bingo and absolutely wild guesses to answers for Jeopardy. Lolita M and Jared B, I will always cherish your funny, touching, and personal farewell speech for me on my last day of school. Matteo R, your Desmos sketch of Johnny Test is one of the most impressive pieces of work I’ve ever received. Nick P, you are still one of the nicest students I’ve ever taught and you rose to every challenge I presented to you. Jeanine G, your growth throughout the year and moments of clarity and jubilation still inspire me today.

Congrats to the entire class!

Nicholas Lee ‘04
nlee@ljcds.org

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Take a breath, take some time, and enjoy this moment. You are graduating!

(1) Congratulations on this achievement and on all the hard work that you have done to get here.
(2) Welcome to the Poly alumni community, a fierce network of peers who are here for you through thick and thin.
(3) I wish you all the luck on your next chapter - wherever that takes you.

These word resonated with me when I went to college, and I hope they may inspire you to be confident with your education, be curious in your pursuits, to expand your friendship circle and stay focused on the common good.

To carry the keys of the world's library in your pocket,
And feel its resources behind you in whatever task you undertake;
To make hosts of friends... Who are to be leaders in all walks of life;
To lose yourself in generous enthusiasms
And cooperate with others for common ends.

Excerpts adapted from the original "Offer of the College"
by William DeWitt Hyde, President of Bowdoin College 1885–1917

Matt Dresher '03
Board of Governors

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Congratulations on this great milestone!!! Take full advantage of this next phase of your life and allow your curiosity to lead you to new opportunities.

“Climb high, climb far, your goal the sky, your aim the star.” - Inscription on Hopkins Gate at Williams College

Qadir Forbes '11
Board of Governors, Vice President

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Take a moment to think about what you have accomplished. The journey has been long and filled with obstacles. The ending is not what we hoped for and wanted however, the future will be everything you dreamed of and more.

I am lucky to have taught and coached so many of you. This is truly a special class and I am confident that your mark on the world will be profound and distinguished. Always stay close to Poly because we always wish to stay close to you.

The best is yet to come!
Matthew Paul Durando, '96
Board of Governors

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You did it!! This moment may not look like what you imagined, but you've accomplished one of the many feats that you will look back at with a sense of pride and joy.

We are so proud of you. You inspire us, your resilience, your willingness to ask important questions, and your ability to adapt and prompt us all to evolve to the present moment. You all are leaders. You are dynamic game-changers. This moment is just the beginning. Your future is so bright.

Celebrate this moment and every win to come! Congratulations!

Ayisha McHugh '12
Board of Governors

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When I think of "2020," my mind goes to the saying, "hindsight is 20/20."

I have no doubt that you will look back on this year and have many feelings about it, but I hope among them are pride, a sense of accomplishment and purpose and excitement for what is to come.

You might be leaving Poly as students, but you are joining an incredible group of alumni who can't wait to hear about all of the wonderful things you will go on to do.

Congratulations!
Alex Maresca Azara '00, P'33
Board of Governors President

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Celebrate yourselves! Your hard work, talent, and friendships have prepared you to succeed.

Though this time has some uncertainty, what will always remain true is that we are here for you.

As you leave our portals with visions of worldwide fame, carry with you the fight of Poly, where you learned to play the game.

Congratulations!
Runako Gulstone, '04
Board of Governors
Co-Chair; Poly Alumni of Color

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Please know that your future is bright and your greatest moments of celebration are still yet to come! For you, and for all of the members of the Poly community, present and past - know that Poly will be there waiting to welcome us all home.
Congratulations!
Donna Muoio P'13, '17
Director of Alumni Relations