Graduates participate in annual `reality show'.

Byline: Ashley Bishop

WORCESTER - School Superintendent James A. Caradonio said there was a particular reason why Worcester high school graduation ceremonies are scheduled during what is traditionally dinnertime.

"It's to spare you for one night from watching the news," he said during his address at the Doherty Memorial High School commencement ceremony last night at the DCU Center. "On the news, all you hear about is violence, war, death and destruction.

"Tonight we have our own reality show featuring 320 positive, good news success stories about the city of Worcester."

During his address, valedictorian Thomas J. Quitadamo likened an education at Doherty to the components of a pizza.

"High school and pizza might not seem to have much in common," he said. "The sauce of the school is the common goal of the administration and the students: education and creating opportunities to learn. ... Pizza and Doherty will forever be engrained in my memories."

Principal Sally A. Maloney described the class of 2007 as "mature, modest and practical."

"Just a little while ago you entered on the blue carpet with your biggest fans waiting to take your picture," she said. "You are part of an all-star cast with a `show must go on' attitude."

Ms. Maloney commended the parents and the community for their contributions to the students' success.

"Schools are a representation of the community they are situated in and extensions of the home," she said.

School Committee member Mary J. Mullaney told students to value the power of an education.

"You guys will be taking over after my generation," she said. "Violence and war could end - education is that powerful.

"Ruling yourself instead of being ruled by outside powers is what America is all about, and that is what education is all about. Without education, this world is a dangerous place, and with it there are no limits to what you can do."

Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes offered her congratulations to the Doherty graduates. Speaking at her fifth graduation as mayor, Mrs. Lukes encouraged students to give up some of their common luxuries for the summer.

"I know commonly graduation speakers don't encourage you to give anything up," she said. "But I suggest that you do give up some things: cell phones, iPods, text messaging, e-mail, and relationships with people on MySpace so that you can find out more about yourself.

"Find out what you're passionate about and what challenges you."

Doherty Memorial High School

Class of 2007

Alyshia M. Abbascia, Angel L. Acevedo, Jeanelle A. Acosta (H), Miguel A. Acosta, Barbara Addo-Yeboah, Beverly L. Adjokatcher (H, NHS), Miguel Agosto Jr, Gabrielle M. Aguiar, Nana O. Agyemang, Maria O. Aisagbonhi, Christopher D. Albert, Ketacha J. Altena, Tracy Amankwah-Darkoh, Anibal E. Antuna, Kaitlin M. Badjo (H, NHS), Elayne E. Badrigian (HH), Susanne M. Bahnan, Kyse S. Banat, Ryan M. Bateman (H), Amanda A. Beahn (H, NHS), Sherrelle M. Beasley, Joseph F. Beckwith (HH, NHS), Jessica J. Bellerose, Jodi M. Belliveau (H), Sean W. Bergstrom, Vanessa E. Berrios, Hrisoula Bezas (H, NHS), John R. Bicknell (H, NHS), Mairecait Binienda, Matthew F. Blanchard (H), Brittney J. Boisvert (NHS), Mark A. Borenstein (HH, NHS), Zachary S. Boyer, Jonathan M. Brennan (H, NHS), Matthew J. Brennan (HH, NHS), Nichole M. Brennan (H, NHS), Andrew W. Brown, Mark D. Brown, Makaliah T. Browne, John F. Brunell, Danielle M. Bullard, Shron E. Bullard, Tshawn T. Bullard, Michaela R. Bunker (H, NHS), Shareece R. Burbo (NHS), Cesar J. Burgos, Jennessa M. Burks (H, NHS), William A. Caceres, John A. Caffrey, Lynsie A. Calderwood, Adamaris A. Candelario, Shauna L. Cannon, Andrew M. Cao, Jennifer G. Card, Melissa A. Caton (H), Blendi Ceci (NHS), Michael J. Celularo, Manuel Centeno Jr., Charlotte A. Chase (H, NHS), Jason R. Cohen (H, NHS), Sean M. Conroy, Stacey M. Cooper, Jeffrey R. Cordero, Jose M. Cordero, Gregory W. Cristy, William J. Cronin, Danielle E. Crossen, Jeremy R. Culberson, Alvana Cule, Daniel C. Cunha, Nhan T. Dao (HH, NHS), Flavia Dejesus (HH, NHS), Wilkins J. Deleon, Adrian J. Demers (HH, NHS), Ara H. Derderian, Megan A. Deschenes (H, NHS), Krist Dhima (H, NHS), William J. Diaz, Thu Thuy...