BURRILLVILLE – A Harrisville resident who received a bachelor’s degree in psychology has been named one of two valedictorians at a Connecticut college.
Kat Takita, a 2017 graduate of Burrillville High School, shares the title of top student with Amanda Cherniske of Bethel, Conn.
Takita, who has completed a bachelor of arts, represents on-campus learners at the college, based in Waterbury, Conn., while Cherniske represents virtual students.
A player on the hockey team, Takita achieved honors program distinction and completed the Fulbright-Mitacs fellowship.
Takita now works as a family support navigator for Individuals with disabilities and their families in Massachusetts and will be attending Simmons University in the fall to complete a masters in social work.
In a brief interview with the college on the achievement, Takita said, “Growing up, my hockey coaches always told me ‘play like every game is your last because you never know which one will be.’ If current students take anything away from the class of 2021, let it be this: Don’t take your time for granted. Take every opportunity that comes your way, and go 100 percent.”
The graduates will be celebrated at the college’s in-person commencement, to be held at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Waterbury on Saturday, July 24 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The university has also invited the Class of 2020 to the ceremony after cancelling that class’s in-person commencement last year. More than 1,000 undergraduate and post-secondary graduates are reportedly expected to attend.
The ceremonies will be broadcast online for those unable to go in person. Details for each ceremony can be found on the 2021 Commencement Ceremony website.
