Character is the Theme for the Top Three Townie Grads in 2016

Students will Attend: Plymouth State, Brown University and Stonehill.

When The Reporter sat down with the East Providence High School top ranked students for 2016 last week, it quickly became evident what these scholars would be saying to their classmates on graduation night June 3rd. "I will urge my classmates not to be afraid to dream, to make dreams come true and never be afraid of character," said class valedictorian Matthew D'Amico. The number two ranked student, class salutatorian Nicholas Guarino immediately chimed in; "It's a call to service, tying in Townie Pride is important to keeping our sense of community. I urge the class to keep a willingness to serve, wherever in life we go after EP," he said. And not missing a beat was the third highest ranked Townie, Christina D'Amico, who just happens to be the twin sibling of Matthew. "I hope our class maintains its individuality. The important thing is who you are don't follow a crowd automatically. Do what's right," she said.

First year high school principal Shani Wallace stopped in during the interview. Although Wallace is a veteran teacher and East Providence administrator, this marks her first year as EPHS principal. "I guess I'm graduating, too," laughed Wallace. "A number one priority for me has been to see respect in our student body. This class in general wants to succeed. As a whole, this class has brought back lots of pride to our school and community," beamed a proud Wallace.

Townie Pride may seem to be an over used term by some in East Providence, but for the top three academic Townies of EPHS, the slogan has become real. "I wasn't sure how I felt about Townie Pride when I got to the high school," said Christina D'Amico. "I had known about pride in elementary and middle school but was a little skeptical when entering grade 9. While I didn't at first, I now embrace Townie Pride fully, I feel it," she said.

Another recurring theme from these scholars was their admiration and respect for teachers and administrators. Seeming to acknowledge that Townie Pride had hit a bump in the road in recent years, the students were adept at not slinging arrows but they did want to heap some praise. "You came out to see us. You told us the first day of school that you would visit us in the classroom and on the fields and in the bandroom and you actually did it," valedictorian Matthew D'Amico told Principal Wallace. "You were the first (principal) to do that for us. We won't forget. In August you came to our band practice and all year you were there for us." D'Amico continued to remark on the support he feels the class received from teachers and others. "Teachers go to so many events that we are in. The pride and commitment that teachers have shown us has never been stronger," he said.

Of course throughout the interview all three students marveled at the family support they have known since elementary days. Nicholas Guarino recalled how he has heard generational stories about family members being so active at EPHS. "Since forever, it seems that the Guarino family has been very involved here. Hearing those old stories, I used to think that those were the glory days of EP. But now I feel it is still here. That pride and character may have been hidden for awhile, but it exists now for me," Guarino said with a smile.

As if to keep the pride movement going, principal Wallace explained how she came to East Providence as a non-Townie. "I was hired to teach math and then became an administrator in middle school and now the high school. I'm an adopted Townie but I feel embraced and I'm proud that I've earned my Townie status." "Yes, you earned it for sure," said all three students in unison.

"I think there has been a lot of unfair representations of Townie Pride," said Matthew D'Amico. It is more than mascots or sports alone. It is all these things. Here, pride means something. Sometimes against the odds, but we make it work as Townies."

Matthew D'Amico will attend Plymouth State University and concentrate on meteorology. He was the vice-president of the National Honor Society, Vice-president of the Student Council, Harvard Book Award recipient and received a State House Leadership award among other academic honors. Matthew is particularly proud of his band experience. "Band gave me a sense of community, I loved every part of it." he played clarinet and was the band Drum Major. "A wonderful sense of pride!" he said.

Nicholas Guarino will attend Brown University majoring in Political Science and history. "I really enjoyed social studies and English. What great teachers we have, all of them." Guarino was also in the National Honor Society and received a State House Leadership Award. He is involved with U.S. Senate Youth Leadership and was the Vice President of Skills USA RI representing the Career Center. He won the Brown Book Award and also received many other accolades. "I really enjoyed my extra curricular activities. They kept me so focused."

Christina D'Amico will attend Stonehill College and plans on a career teaching elementary school. "I would love to give back as a teacher and will also pursue Spanish. I also loved my band experience. I sincerely believe that it helped in building character. This is the third year in a row that the class valedictorian was also a band member," D'Amico notes with a big smile. She too is in the National Honor Society, won the Bausch and Lomb Book Award and was a section leader in the band as well as other academic awards.

On testing arguments that rage across the nation, Matthew D'Amico said he was pleased with Principal Wallace's approach. "You believe in a balance," he told Wallace. "Well I didn't like the idea of a school judging students on one exam. Testing is a good measurement and is needed but shouldn't be the only focus," added Wallace.

Would the top three Townies recommend incoming 9th graders any advice? "Owning character and discovering self won't be easy," said M. D'Amico. "Don't be afraid to take risks when it comes to issues of self. If you don't you may regret it when you look back. Take risks to build character," he said.

"Character is important for being respectful. Regardless of your achievements, be friendly to all students and staff. Be a nice person. You will gain respect," said Nicholas Guarino. "I have found that teachers and kids will respond well to you if you are a good person," he said.

And Christina D'Amico's advice to incoming students was to "keep positive, keep involved and don't stay isolated. "Enjoy life more, be yourself," she urged.

The top three at EP have a special bond. They have been together since kindergarten. Not only are Matthew and Christina twins but all three attended Silver Spring Elementary School and then Riverside Middle School before entering East Providence High.

"Many speeches can be cliche speeches at some schools," said Matthew D'Amico. This year I am confident that we will offer much substance to our classmates as we address them on graduation. We must progress with character," he said.

The EPHS graduation is scheduled for Friday night at 6:30 P.M. at Pierce Stadium, weather permitting. The ceremonies will be held inside the school's gymnasium should Pierce Stadium be canceled. The Providence Country Day Field house is not available this year.