Class of 2020 Graduates from Holliston High School

HOLLISTON — Principal Nicole Bottomley is pleased to announce the graduation of 223 students from Holliston High School.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the class of 2020 and are thrilled to have been able to celebrate this significant accomplishment with our students and their families,” Principal Bottomley said. “They showed perseverance and determination when faced with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congratulations to each and every one of you, and good luck as you begin this next chapter in your life.”

Holliston High School held a physically distanced, in-person commencement ceremony on Saturday, July 25 at Kamitian Field at Holliston High School. Students were allowed to bring two guests to the ceremony and were spaced out outside of the field while they waited for their name to be called to walk across the stage.

The class of 2020 Valedictorian is Jessica Durkee.

“We have each found our path through high school in different ways,” Durkee said. “Everyone has experienced good times and bad. After today we will venture onto a new journey and create greater footprints in the world. As we come together one more time as a class and as a Holliston family to celebrate our graduation, we can choose to be grateful for the opportunities we have been given. These last few months have proven that nothing can get in the way of the success of the class of 2020.”

The Salutatorian is Allison Powell.

“There can be no doubt that the years before us may prove difficult,” Powell said. “But I firmly believe that, for our generation, a better board could not be devised. I proclaim that you are, every one of you, entirely equal to the task. I have absolute trust that you, with whom I have grown up and who have shown yourselves in any number of small ways to be fundamentally kind and just human beings, will be able to guide this nation in a direction that uplifts the dignity of individuals and broadens the horizons of our world.”

Class President Thomas Sykes gave a speech celebrating his fellow classmates as well.

“The long and short of it is that the last four months have been incredibly trying times in our lives, but it is in those trying times that you create a better version of yourself. It’s when the storm is blowing hardest that you discover what means the most to you,” Sykes said. “Armed with our newfound strength, we have the world in our sights, ready to be tamed. I am honored to have shared the last 12 years with each and every member of our class. Albeit our time together ended with an unforgettable horror story, understand that after a storm comes calm.”

To view the video of the graduation, click here.

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