Honor Essayist
By SUCHETA SRIKANTH
“It will be magical. Nostalgic. Classy.” All words that define our senior year. Interestingly, this was also how Grace Higgins, our junior class Secretary, described last year’s prom in a Buzz article I published.
North Reading has allowed me to find my passion as a writer through the Buzz, as well as through the various classes I have taken throughout the years. Thank you, Mrs. Carmichael, Mrs. Boggs, and Mrs. Dabrieo, for helping me build these skills, and for keeping Shakespeare ever-present in our lives. I hope that Mr. Lynch, my third grade teacher, still keeps the World Book in his shelves, crafted by a few of my friends and me. All my teachers have helped me to become a better communicator and creator.
But, more importantly, my passion for writing has allowed me to share your voices. Whether it be Mike Del Vecchio’s music journey, Owen Phillips’ inspiration behind “ophillms,” or the midterm stressors featured in the “What’s Buzzin’?” videos, our high school lives remain memorialized in these articles.
To me, writing isn’t about perfection, but rather, the power of voice. I use my words to advocate for equality and representation and seek to uplift my peers by documenting their stories. To that point, you might be wondering why I’m not going to pursue a career in journalism. I am fascinated by the human mind, something I portray in my storytelling. So, if you know me, you know that I will be going on to study cognitive science, a major focused on psychology and data analytics.
Finding your passion is a lifelong journey, and I still don’t know what the future holds for me. What I do know is that technology will be a part of it, just as it will be a part of all of your lives.
I believe that the inauthenticity of artificial intelligence comes from its lack of humanity. As someone who will be working in AI in the future, I hope to find a balance and ensure that people remain people, not datapoints. No matter how challenging it may seem, I beg of you to not lose your humanity, your creativity, or your passion. That is how we keep up with the robots that will inevitably take over the world, and that is how you use your voice.
In art, in science, in music, in sports—however you choose to tell your story—I implore you all to continue to fight for your values. I know that each and every one of you will bring light and inspiration to any community you find yourself in.
To my fellow Class of 2025 graduates: thank you. I am incredibly honored to be your top scholar and to be leaving this school with such exceptional, talented, and kind individuals. To my family, I thank you for making me the person that I am, and I hope that I have made you proud by walking across this field today.
To the faculty, administration, and all the teachers I neglected to mention, I would not be where I am without your unwavering support and dedication. Dr. Daly, Mrs. Alonzo, Mr. Friedman, your commitment to the growth and well-being of the North Reading community is incredible and admirable.
I want to thank Mrs. Molle, my elementary school principal, who is retiring from the Little School. In my formative years, she would always make sure I had a safe space, and I know that no matter where she ends up, she will bring that same comfort to those around her.
I’d also like to give a special thanks to Mr. Loprete—a principal who has always sought to be a helping hand for all of us, and who has made sure that we have received the best education possible. We are so incredibly grateful to have had your leadership and guidance, and as you leave with the Class of 2025, please remember the ways in which you have personally changed all of our lives. We wish you all the best in your retirement.
As I conclude, let me leave you with this. Your voice is an incredibly powerful thing. Use it. To speak up for yourselves, to speak up for those you love, and to speak up for those who cannot.
Thank you.