LYNN — Friends and family of 270 Linn Tech University graduates celebrated their graduation Monday afternoon during a ceremony at Manning Field.
For some students, it was “very bittersweet,” Amaya Williams said, describing the emotions she experienced as she stood in line for the ceremony.
“I'll probably never see half of these people again, but I'm happy because I'm moving forward with my life,” Williams said.
Vice President Ryan Aguilar acted as emcee, and speakers congratulated the graduates on their achievements.
“First of all, I want to thank you all for your five years with us,” Principal Fred Gallo said, referring to the Discovery Class that began as eighth graders at Linn Tech. “Five years later, you will all be graduating as seniors as students from our first Discovery Class.”
The commencement speech at the ceremony was given by Jay Holland, a 1999 graduate of Lintech University and director of fan services and entertainment for the Boston Red Sox.
In his speech, Holland reminded the students of the importance of networking and encouraged them to never give up on their dreams.
“Everything I've done my entire adult life has happened by chance,” Holland said.
Just before the diplomas were handed out, Principal Holland encouraged all graduates to give back to future graduates of the school, and he led by example, surprising each graduate with two tickets to the Red Sox game on Monday, June 24.
