St. Mary’s High School Principal Matthew Collins stands with graduate Michael Kelly, center, his parents Brian and Stacey and his brother Patrick May 24 in an early graduation ceremony where Kelly received his diploma before heading to basic training. (Hope E. Tremblay Photo)
WESTFIELD – St. Mary’s High School senior Michael Kelly always knew what he wanted to be when he grew up: A soldier.
“Some kids wanted to be firefighters of police officers when they were five or six, but I always said I wanted to be a soldier, and as I grew up, that didn’t change,” said Michael.
His parents, Stacey and Brian Kelly, said he was unwavering in his quest to join the US Army.
“From day one, he was always driven by a sense of duty and honor,” said his father Brian.
His mother Stacey said even as a toddler he gravitated toward camouflage clothing and wanted to play Army.
Michael is making his lifelong dream come true and was accepted into the US Army Ranger program. He leaves for basic training this Tuesday, a week before his high school graduation.
Michael said although he will miss the pomp and circumstance of the graduation ceremony and the fun with friends leading up to graduation, there was no question that he would go when he was accepted into the program.
“The special forces contract is offered to very few and there is only one group in 2019, so I’d have to wait a year if I didn’t go now,” he said.
St. Mary’s Principal Matthew Collins didn’t want Michael to leave without a proper send-off and arranged to have Michael’s family and classmates recognize him May 24 with a graduation ceremony and reception.
“Every student deserves to be a part of his high school graduation,” said Collins, who awarded Michael his diploma Friday. Collins said he was a little emotional because it was the first diploma he gave as principal.
“I know leaving before graduation has to be hard and this is an honor for us to do this.”
Stacey and Brian said they were so happy to watch their son receive his diploma in his green cap and gown.
“I’m beyond ecstatic,” said Stacey. “St. Mary’s went out of their way to make Michael feel special. I couldn’t ask for a better school for him to graduate from.”
Brian said he was very proud of Michael’s decision and passion.
“We sat down with him and we talked about military college, but when he explained his reasoning for wanting to enlist and do this ‘the old-fashioned way,’ there was no question this is the right thing for him,” Brian said.
Michael said he would take lessons learned at St. Mary’s with him as he makes his way in life and earns his spot on the Rangers.
“St. Mary’s taught me to go with the flow, work hard and take nothing for granted,” he said.
