New London Graduates Tough Enough To Overcome Adversity, Keynote Speaker Says

Dr. Jose B. Gonzalez told the graduating class of New London High School that he is most proud of two things in his life: his heritage as an immigrant from El Salvador, and his identity as a fellow Whaler.

Gonzalez, a graduate of the NLHS Class of 1985, was the keynote speaker for the school’s Class of 2013. He said he considers that the odds are often against NLHS students and that they have a great ability to overcome prejudice and adversity as a result.

“You grads have grown up in a time of low funding, a time of high unemployment, a time of budget cuts that affect you.”

Gonzalez said the students can often be the subject of criticism, and that while he was attending NLHS he was often criticized for his trouble learning English. He has since earned a Ph.D in English and now teaches the subject at the Coast Guard Academy. Gonzalez said there are a number of similar success stories with NLHS graduates becoming doctors, business owners, teachers, and professional athletes.

“Don’t forget that you are a Whaler,” he said. “You are used to being the object of criticism, but you are also used to rising above it and beating the odds.”

Superintendent Nicholas Fischer said he has shared the accomplishments of several students at each graduation, including those who overcame hardships to succeed. He described NLHS as the highest performing urban high school in Connecticut.

“The resilience of our people is the hallmark of success at New London High School,” he said.

Principal Tommy Thompson said every student has the potential for greatness, but that potential alone means little unless it is acted upon. He asked the graduates to recognize those people who have had an effect on their own lives.

“Today, among you, among us, are game changers, people who have come into another’s life and changed it,” he said.

Class president Levi Green thanked the teachers and administrators at the school for helping the students over the years.

“All of our teachers go above and beyond to help us, and not just with academics,” he said.

Valedictorian Zachary Moran said the graduates should always strive for excellence and meet challenges head on. He said time seemed to speed up as the class went through high school.

“We quickly found that our overloaded schedules and activities made the days fly by,” he said.

Class speaker Quincianna Goodson said she believes the Class of 2013 has not waited for opportunity to come to them, but rather has acted on its own to make a difference. She encouraged them to continue to take such initiative.

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door,” she said.

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