LYNN — Manning Field was filled with pride and dark green robes on Monday morning as Lynn Classical High School celebrated the graduation of 342 students in the Class of 2024.

Entertainment for the ceremony included the Lynn Classical Band’s performance of “Luminol,” the Concert Choir’s performance of “Hallelujah,” and the Dance Team’s performance of a ribbon dance to the popular Harry Styles song “Sign of the Times.”

Salutatorian Jayden Polonsky spoke to his friends, family, teachers, and peers in the audience, thanking them for being by his side throughout the years.

“You have all made an impact on me and left a long-lasting impression of what an educator should be,” Polonsky said, singling out a few teachers who influenced him. “Were it not for you, I would not have been able to navigate myself through school so smoothly. You all inspired me to strive for greater heights.”

Polonsky told his fellow graduates to never be afraid to try new things and said they should be confident in themselves as they do so.

Valedictorian Andy Ly spoke to his fellow graduates as well, telling them that while life might get harder once they have grasped their diplomas, they will open a world of possibilities.

“My glorious Class of 2024, here we go,” Ly said. “Today, there is nobody I am more proud of. There is nobody more triumphant today than you. Bask in your glory, shimmer in victory. You took down 13 years of education. You earned your spot in society. Punch your ticket to this beautiful world to celebrate.”

He encouraged the graduates to make as many memories as they can in the moment and never pass up opportunities in the future.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present,” Ly said. “That was from Master Oogway  in ‘Kung Fu Panda.’”

Ly introduced the commencement speaker, Erik Muschette, who graduated from Lynn Classical in 2004. Muschette started his own sales agency, Asset Insurance Agency, in 2017. The agency is now a $22 million operation headquartered in Peabody, with staff throughout the United States and an international presence in North Macedonia and Brazil.

“20 years ago, I sat in these exact seats listening to my commencement speaker. I remember it was a time of extreme uncertainty. I was 18 years old, heading into a world where I had previously been protected and sheltered by my parents,” Muschette said. “Two decades later, I still don’t have all the answers, but with the amount of wisdom that has amassed since graduating high school, I felt I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t mention a few things.”

Muschette encouraged members of the graduating class to always be themselves and continue to improve each and every day. 

“I hope you always continue to focus on becoming better people, giving back when you can, and staying true to yourself when it often feels like the world wants you to be something else,” Muschette said. “After all, the qualities you each possess are what make you individuals. That uniqueness is what will set you apart in this world.”

Muschette told the graduates that he has come in contact with multiple successful people in his life, and none of them have spent their time worrying about what others think of them. 

The stadium cheered as the graduates said their final goodbyes to Lynn Classical and looked toward the future.