The Class of 2019’s legacy at Chelsea High extends far beyond the school’s corridors.
What truly sets apart these 312 seniors—who will receive their diplomas on Sunday during commencement—is their activism at City Hall, their social media campaigns, and their direct engagement with city leaders.
Beginning Monday, workers installed more than 20,000 hard plastic squares across the new Chelsea Stadium turf field to safeguard it during the first outdoor graduation held in many years. School officials described this outdoor ceremony as a hard-fought achievement for the Class of 2019, one that will likely shape their legacy. The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 9.
The class’s defining moment centers on their successful campaign to move graduation outdoors under sunny skies—a year-long effort that would allow far more family members to attend and participate in the celebration.
Principal Alexander Mathews noted that while the class excels academically, socially, and athletically, they demonstrated exceptional initiative by stepping beyond school walls to advocate in the broader community.
“It’s a class that more than any I’ve seen
is driven to show leadership in a way that feels organized and professional,” he said. “I’ve been really, really impressed with what I’ve seen at Chelsea
High this year – even in the face of discord among the adults at times…They
remained calm and serious even when so much was happening around them. It’s a
very community-minded ethic in the group. They are genuinely of a belief that what
they’re doing is best for the community and not necessarily their families
only. They believe they are doing this for the future of the other classes
behind them. That’s pretty impressive in a teenaged mind.”
From the outset, the Class of 2019 envisioned an outdoor graduation, motivated by more than just pleasant weather.
When graduation moved indoors to the gym, space constraints meant many family members were unable to attend. As class sizes and families grew larger, numerous parents found themselves relegated to watching the ceremony via telecast in the cafeteria.
The Class of 2019 rejected this arrangement and mobilized to change it.
“In some cases, relatives traveled hundreds
or thousands of miles to be there, but weren’t able to be with the family in
the gym,” said Mathews.
While the goal seemed reasonable, bureaucratic obstacles emerged through the city’s consumer affairs office.
The newly constructed turf field at the Stadium carried a warranty that would be forfeited if graduation were held on it without protective measures. These protections carried a nearly $200,000 price tag.
City and school officials initially suggested the idea, though well-intentioned, was not feasible.
But student leaders including President Jocelyn Poste and activist Manuel Teshe persisted. They organized fundraising efforts and testified at City Council meetings advocating for a solution.
Following considerable deliberation, City Manager Tom Ambrosino, Superintendent Mary Bourque, the School Committee, and the City Council reached a compromise: a $175,000 investment. Students argued persuasively that protecting families’ ability to gather together on this milestone justified the expense.
The City accepted this reasoning.
This week, workers have been assembling 25,000 hard plastic pieces across the turf field, providing protection for graduation day while preserving the field’s warranty.
“I think these students have realized the connection
between their growing academic skills and their ability to influence policy and
important decisions around the city,” he said. “Seeing that connection is
really motivating for students.”
These students, part of one of the largest graduating classes in recent years (this year’s 312 follows last year’s record 344), will carry the academic and advocacy lessons from this campaign into prestigious colleges, universities, and careers.
Graduates are heading to institutions including Dartmouth College, Tufts University, Boston University, Suffolk University, and many others. Several earned full-ride Posse Foundation Scholarships to schools such as Bucknell University, Denison College, Union College, and Centre University in Kentucky.
Commencement will occur on Sunday, June 9, at the new Chelsea Memorial Stadium at 1 p.m., outdoors—rain or shine.