Manchester School of Technology Class of 2022: A day of milestones and memories

286064215 331360089170509 8887993855368085896 n — Senior Class President Edna Ndayisaba delivers remarks to MST’s Class of 2022. Photo/MSD

MANCHESTER, NH – In the first of what was to be four city high school graduation ceremonies at SNHU Arena, Manchester School of Technology Senior Class President Edna Ndayisaba recognized a milestone for the school this year since becoming a full-time high school 10 years ago.

“We are the biggest graduating class this school has ever had, and I would say the best. As I look before me, I see future doctors, lawyers, engineers, directors, and many more successful professionals in their chosen fields. Ultimately, I see a lot of success,” Ndayisaba said.

She went on to talk about her personal take on making it through to the graduation finish line by reflecting on her family’s journey to the United States as refugees.

MST’s Class of 2022 was the school’s largest graduating class to date. Photo/Stacy Harrison

“Twenty-eight years ago, my parents had to endure and flee from genocide in Rwanda, a country they grew up in, which they loved so dearly. After a lot of harsh years of simply surviving, they were able to find refuge in South Africa, where I was born. I grew up there learning many of my life lessons, like riding a bike, crossing the street by myself, learning not to put my hand on the stove when it’s hot, and processing loss and grief. At 10 years old I packed up everything I ever knew and got on a plane that took me on a huge journey across the world. The plane ride was really long, but I loved it because I knew I would have enough time to watch about six full-length movies, but truly it was because I knew this plane ride was going to be taking me to a new home full of opportunities and hope,” Ndayisaba said.

“When we think of our parents or the people that have raised us, we think of all the sacrifices and hardships they have made for our success. We sometimes get nervous about living up to their expectations of us and think “ugh, this is a lot of pressure.” but, now you can look at them and say that it was all worth it, because you’re here today, in this room graduating. You are so worthy and so deserving of all the sacrifices. So please keep going and never give up,” she said.

Ndayisaba ended her remarks with a shout-out to MST instructors.

“I know that I, and the rest of my classmates, are equipped with all the knowledge and skills we need because we were lucky enough to have had teachers like you. You do such an important job that often goes by without the praise it deserves,” she said.

MST Principal Timothy Otis issued a statement published in the program that acknowledged MST’s status as a district-wide magnet school for students who choose MST over their “home” school based on where they reside. He said that he hoped the school’s 7th graduating class, which experienced a unique education centered around project-based learning and competency grading – and also lost out on 18 months of in-person experience due to the pandemic – are as proud of their accomplishments as he is.

“As you gather here today for the culminating activity of your high school years, hopefully you are looking back and are glad that you made the decision that you did,” he said. “You have persevered through it all and we are all here today to celebrate your accomplishments. Even though it was a very trying time during remote learning, you have gained strength from that experience that will help you greatly in your future endeavors.”