‘The Class of Liberation, Resiliency’: New Liberty Innovation School Celebrates, Honors Class of 2025
New Liberty Innovation School confers 11 diplomas
SALEM (June 4, 2024) – Resiliency, hope, liberation and breaking ceilings were the prevailing themes Wednesday night as the New Liberty Innovation School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 at the Peabody Essex Museum’s Morse Auditorium.
Like previous years, it was less ceremony than celebration.
As is tradition with the NLIS Commencement, all 11 members of the graduating class chose a different faculty or staff member to speak on their behalf. All 11 were celebrated individually and spoken of fondly, their impact never to be forgotten.
Jamaal Camah, a graduate of the Salem High School Class of 1996 and completing his third year as principal at NLIS, urged each graduate to carry the Salem Public Schools Portrait of a Graduate – critical thinking, creative problem solving, collaboration, communication, self awareness and cultural competence – with them.
“These skills are valuable in everyday life,” he said. “Keep analyzing socialization and disrupt it by taking a stand. Embrace and instill the sense of liberation in daily life.
“On paper you are the class of 2025, but in reality you’re the class of liberation,” he added. “Each of you has had breakthrough moments.”
Mr. Camah also shared a story about his personal notebook; how he documents observations, challenging situations and interactions. “Every student has a page, some two or three,” he said. They’ve shaped me as an educator, father and mentor. Thank you for challenging your classmates, loved ones and thank you in advance for challenging the world.”
City of Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo reminded the class of the challenges of its generation and what it overcame, specifically the Covid-19 pandemic and lingering effects.
“You made it here because of you,” he emphasized. “It wasn’t luck. You have earned today. Tomorrow, if anyone gives us hope, it’s you, the resilient generation. I have confidence and I’m optimistic about what lies ahead because I have confidence in you.”
Salem Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike made the graduates aware of recent milestones achieved by the district – milestones in which each of them played a part.
“Your class has one of the highest graduation rates and lowest dropout rates in school history,” Dr. Zrike said. “You passed the MCAS at record rates. Yours is the first group to participate in early college and internship opportunities.
“This is a group that will have a strong legacy for many years to come,” he added. “The diploma is only the floor. You have many ceilings to break. Your path and stories are among the most impressive stories I’ve ever heard. You have a deep sense of who you are.”
The ceremony evoked memories for keynote speaker, Marcos Severino, a founding member and principal of Flow Design Architects of Salem, who encouraged the graduates to remember those around them and remember the roadblocks they overcame.
“I wish I had more time with my peers and the people around me,” Mr. Severino said. ”Remember the people around you. Carry with you the friendships that made you laugh. Remember the lessons that make you stronger.
“You came through a global pandemic and a rapidly changing world,” he added. “You learned on screens through masks and didn’t give up. You showed us that resilience is more than bouncing back. It is also moving forward. Your presence in the world means something. Don’t stop dreaming. Don’t stop moving. Life is too short.”
Member of the NLIS Class of 2025 include:
- Leena Burae
- Nestor Castillo
- Jasmin Correa
- Elyanna Diogo
- Edward Farris
- Shainell Gomez Baez
- Danielle Junior
- Antonio Justo
- Neo Larru
- Danica Murphy
- Kyra Lynne Walker
Four graduates – Nestor Castillo, Jasmin Correa, Neo Larru and Kyra Lynne Walker – wore purple cords, signifying academic excellence while Mr. Castillo, Ms. Correa and Mr. Larru each wore red and white cords to signify four years at NLIS as well as excellence in science and biomedical studies.
About New Liberty Innovation School
New Liberty Innovation School is a small high school within the Salem Public School district. Our program works beyond the scope of traditional high school education by providing students with small class sizes, and real-world learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom, and the ability to focus on topics and projects of interest to each student. In addition to academic opportunities, the New Liberty staff provides students with wrap-around support and coaching, which enables students to fully engage in their learning and make academic and social-emotional progress.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
