Chicopee Academy graduates six

Date: 6/9/2010

June 9, 2010.

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

CHICOPEE -- It may have been the smallest high school graduation in the city, but it certainly was no less heartfelt than any other.

The six graduates of Chicopee Academy were students "who beat the odds to earn a high school diploma," according to Vice Principal Martha Skiba.

The school has both middle school and high school programs and serves about 90 students.

Gathered with family and friends in the auditorium of the former Chicopee High School, now the home of the alternative high school, Skiba addressed each graduate by name and recalled their progress at the school. She noted that many of the graduates were single parents who made the time to finish their high school education.

Mayor Michael Bissonnette and School Superintendent Richard Rege both attended the ceremony on Friday.

Kevin A. Casimiro, Justin P. Froebel, Gladylis Lopez, Jessica Smola and Kelsey Lynn Thompson were this year's graduating class. Lopez received the annual Principal's Award.

Principal John Leonard said the graduation was "truly a special day [as] the seniors have worked so hard to make it to this point."

He noted the six graduates had chosen to attend summer school last year, "so you could be on stage here today."

He said that some students have been at the school just one year while others have been up to five years.

"To see them bring their family and friends [to graduation] is all worth it," he said.