Davies Tech awards 208 grads their diplomas

WOONSOCKET – Eva Mbaye summed up her feelings and those of most of her fellow soon-to-be graduates from the William M. Davies, Jr. Career & Technical High School prior to its commencement on Friday night when she giggled nervously and said, “I really can’t believe today is here. Right now, my mind is all over the place.

“I’m thinking about the ceremony, I’m thinking about what comes next, I’m thinking about all the friends I’m going to miss. I won’t say I’m scared of what comes next, at least not yet, but I am a little concerned about what’s going to happen when I get there. I think I’m going to miss the routine I was used to going through every day – going to school, being with my friends.”

Mbaye nevertheless knows she has a “built-in security blanket” she will have access to once she travels to the University of Rhode Island to begin her quest for a Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Science come August, and that’s her boyfriend and fellow Pawtucket resident Diego Diaz.

“Oh, I’ll definitely be heading down to URI to visit her – no question,” he said as he and other seniors socialized, hugged and said what they all hoped were “So longs” in the alleyway behind the Stadium Theatre late Friday afternoon. “As for my thoughts about this moment, I’m like Eva – I’m thinking about a lot of things. I’m about to start a new chapter in my life; there will be new challenges and new goals.

“I’ve worked hard to accomplish everything I have up to this point, and I will continue to do that.”

When Diaz first enrolled at Davies as a freshman, he hoped to pursue a major in Health Careers, but as time went on, he changed his mind and slowly transitioned to chasing an electrical career. He said, very soon, he will follow his father’s footsteps and become an electrician in the same shop.

“I’m super-psyched about this; I have a great interest in it,” he said.

Not far from where Diaz helped his sweetheart fix her cap, North Providence resident Angel Ramos stood with a stuffed puppy in one hand and a blue felt marker in the other asking his friends to sign it. All of those who greeted him did so, while most of the young women called the unnamed pup “Adorable!

“No, it’s not Snoopy,” he said. “This was my mom’s idea. She bought it for me a few days ago and said I should get my classmates’ signatures. I didn’t think it was crazy; thought it was pretty cool. This is pretty exciting because I know, years from now, I can look at it, and I know it will mean a lot to me.

“Right now, I’m, like, I’m really about to graduate? I can believe it, but I can’t, too,” he added. “Geez, high school went by so fast, but I’m also ready for college. I’m going to CCRI and I want to study Cybersecurity. It interests me, and I think it’s going to be super-important in the future.”

Mere minutes later, while the jam-packed crowd conversed, Edward Elgar’s familiar refrain of “Pomp & Circumstance” began out of the blue, and when the parents, families and friends saw the first caps and gowns emerging, the din turned into a roar as they walked to their seats.

Senior Liahna Narciso then performed a beautiful, stylistic, energetic rendition of the National Anthem before Principal/Associate Director Jose Libano welcomed the throngs and congratulated the 208 soon-tobe grads.

He then introduced former Davies CTE Administrator and keynote speaker Susan Votto to the massive crowd, and her students welcomed with a huge round of applause.

“As I look at you today, I’m filled with pride; you come from different backgrounds, with unique passions and perspectives, and together you have built a culture of respect and acceptance,” she said. “At Davies, we have learned that success doesn’t come from fitting into a mold but from embracing what makes us different.

“Your individuality – whether it’s your talent, viewpoint or approach to challenges – has enriched this school and will be one of your greatest strengths in the world beyond.

“Success isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s about staying grounded in who you are, supporting those around you and creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued and accepted,” she continued. “Be champions of inclusivity, empathy and kindness. Celebrate the diversity you encounter, and use your experiences here to build communities where every voice is heard and accepted.

“Be proud of who you are, celebrate how far you’ve come and embrace the journey ahead. The world is waiting for your brilliance and your unique contributions.”

Valedictorian Charles O’Connell followed by thanking several of his favorite teachers, his parents, family members and friends and his fellow classmates.

“The only person who knows the best steps forward for you are you yourself,” he said. “You alone know your best interests and how to proceed. Don’t live someone else’s life, fulfill your dreams and desires and do what you want in life.

“I want it to be known that for every person against you, you will have people by your side supporting you, so remember that. People who prey on your downfall are wasting their time when thy could be improving themselves. That being said, don’t let these people’s remarks get to you, affect you.

“Moving forward, when you step out of this building today with diploma in hand, make sure to make the decisions that you want to make toward your intended future. Everyone here has different aspirations, so just make sure you are following your own.”

Like O’Connell, Salutatorian Brannon Christopherson expressed his appreciation to his teachers, classmates and even dance instructor Jenna Roy. He then addressed his parents and family members.

“I think I speak for all of us when I say that our families – our parents, grandparents, maybe even older siblings – are the ones who get us through the tough times,” he said. “They are there through thick and thin. At our best moments, they’re there to congratulate us; at our lowest points, they come to console us, but they are always there, always supporting us.

“I for one know that at some point we’ve all had bad days, rough nights or difficult years, but we got through it – with the support of our families.

“Regardless of where we go and why, I know that all of us will find our places in the world,” he added. “All of us will find something meaningful in which to fill our time. As a final note, I would like to thank all of you, my peers and friends, for all of the kind things you’ve said to me, and all of the motivation you’ve given me.

“Now a quote: ‘Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts’ – Winston Churchill.”

Student Council President Haadiyah Folarin’s message to her Class of 2025 revolved around the aspect of home, and how there are many different definitions of the word. She explained it can also be a school and the family within.

“Davies, in all of its imperfections and unforgettable moments, became kind of a home for us all, and, like any home, it challenged us,” she said. “It tested our patience and pushed our limits, but it also shaped us. We laughed, we cried, we grew and we figured out who we were, or at least who we’re starting to become.

“I know this sounds like the part in a movie where the music swells and everyone cries, but I also want to be real with you all: Things won’t always be easy from here. There will be moments when we fail, times when we feel unsure, unseen or overwhelmed, but don’t let those moments define you.

“Let them teach you. Be the person who tries, even when you’re scared,” she continued. “Be the person who asks for help when you need it and who offers help even when no one is watching. Be the person who chooses kindness over coolness and growth over comfort. And if you ever feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, remember, none of us really do. We all just figure it out as we go along.

“So give yourself grace, and don’t rush the process. This isn’t a race; it’s your life. Your journey. Your home.”