Grads cheer on their classmates as they cross the stage.
Valedictorian Manxi Han.
Just before Wilbur Cross salutatorian Julian Theodore crossed the stage to get his diploma, he reflected on the city’s largest high school being a place where students can forge relationships with peers who have vastly different backgrounds and life experiences.
That was particularly true for him in a carpentry class where he learned as much about diverse community building as about woodworking.
Theodore was one of 366 Wilbur Cross High School students to graduate Tuesday during a ceremony held at the Floyd Little Athletic Center on Sherman Parkway. The event marked Cross’s 105th commencement.
Theodore was one of two student speakers at Tuesday’s ceremony. Following his remarks, valedictorian Manxi Han also reflected on takeaways from the past four years at Cross.
Hundreds of community members filled the venue’s bleachers to cheer on grads dressed in red caps and gowns.
Theodore said that, from day one at Cross, he and his peers were introduced to the school’s unique “essence” which causes students to seek out learning beyond just textbooks.
The school, which Principal Matt Brown described as a “human tapestry” showing both what’s challenging and spectacular about New Haven, introduced Theodore to a lifelong lesson in identity and community.
He spoke about taking a carpentry class at Cross his sophomore year and how many connections he made with his peers — especially those with completely different life experiences and who spoke different languages.
Theodore said he gained insight from his carpentry partner into massive transitions other high schoolers around him go through, from immigration to learning a second or third language in just months.
“My carpentry partner hardly spoke the same language but eventually we began to talk about more than class projects,” he said.
Theodore said the most important lessons he learned from that course went well beyond woodworking.
“Cross brings together people with different background and experiences,” he said, “which is more valuable than what any test can measure.”
He concluded that for society at large, improvement requires building bonds with those who can expand your learning, thinking, and experiences.
During remarks Tuesday, Brown continuously reminded the room that “Cross is a place where all are welcome.”
Han, the school’s valedictorian, added Tuesday that Cross’s cafeteria embodied the school’s spirit in life-changing ways for students on a daily basis. From a place where students mobilize for advocacy efforts like limiting food waste through composting to finding new friends, she said, Cross’s cafeteria was “a space you always aspire for.”
She challenged her peers to seek out Cross’s cafeteria in life — spaces that are diverse, full of energy, a community where actions matter, and a place that reminds you that you are a part of something larger than yourself.
Tuesday’s keynote speaker was Alix Guerrier, the CEO of DonorsChoose. He said that his educational foundation began in New Haven. He graduated from Cross 30 years ago. He reminded the graduates that they too can make an impact on their community.
Board of Education member Andrea Downer reminded the class of what they represented at Cross: a governor.
“From day one you weren’t just students, you were already in charge,” she said, while detailing the school building energy that runs similar to that of City Hall.
From student leaders making their voices heard to student government making executive decisions, Cross pride always emanated throughout the hallways, Downer said. She said the graduates gained lesson after lesson at Cross of what it means to be a young person “who carries themselves like they’re responsible for something bigger than themselves.”
Graduate Alexis Smith recalled a challenging high school journey that included struggles with depression, anxiety, and transferring to Cross as a sophomore.
Smith transferred from Metropolitan Business Academy to Cross as she sought more diversity and academic offerings. Once at Cross, she said she found friends amongst the larger student body . She noted that she got through high school thanks to the school’s social work interns, who helped her work through struggles with mental health. She next plans to head to Central Connecticut State University to study nursing.
Another graduate, Nahfisaah Testman, also transferred to Cross. She arrived her junior year. She too credited the school’s social workers for helping to teach her to control her anger as a result of her peers picking on her. Testman said the combination of Cross’s caring teachers and social workers helped her to leave behind her past of fighting to instead focusing on future goals.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, the school community also took a moment of silence for students Janese Mabel Espinoza and Evyana Vidro, who would have graduated this year but passed away during their high school years.
Grad Nahfisaah Testman (center) with family after receiving diploma.
Cross students perform rendition of “Lift Every Voice.”
Alexis Smith credits social work interns for support throughout high school.
Principal Brown.
Board of Education member Andrea Downer.
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