One could say that obtaining a high school education is a marathon. If that’s the case, then Nashoba Valley Technical High School’s commencement on Saturday certainly chose the right keynote speaker.
Boston Marathon Race Director David McGilivray was chosen to inspire the 157 members of Nashoba Tech’s Class of 2016.
Not just an administrator, McGilivray has run in every Boston Marathon since 1973 and has also run 3,452 miles across the United States in 2004 with other runners to raise money for the Jimmy Fund.
Buckley and Superintendent Denise Pigeon during Nashoba Tech’s commencement ceremony. (courtesy Dan Phelps)
“Life is a marathon not a sprint — OK, you knew that was coming,” he
deadpanned to the crowd’s laughter.
“But you’re at the starting line of the marathon,” he told the
graduates. “Pace yourself and be patient. You have a long way to go,
and you’ll probably experience hills and turns along the way.
The ceremony also included a speech from valedictorian Alicia Gentile, a Groton resident who also received an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences from Middlesex Community College a week earlier as part of Nashoba Tech’s dual enrollment program.
The best opportunities come to those who seek them, not those who
sit and wait,” she said. “So take a chance, and if you find yourself
scared or nervous — good. That’s how you know you’re making a good
decision. Don’t be afraid to make decisions for yourself to better
your own future. Strive to be your own person regardless of any doubt
you may encounter.”
According to Nashoba Tech, Gentile currently plans to attend the University of San Francisco in the fall in the hopes of becoming a pediatric oncologist.
Among the 157 graduates, eight were Westford residents.
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