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A blue-ribbon day

By CLARA MACDOW Concord Monitor

TheBelmontHighSchool

Graduationprogramcontainedawelcomesurprise: Afterthevaledictorianaddress, graduateWyattKratzerwouldbe performing“Time”byPinkFloyd.

Kratzer,knownforplayinghis guitarinthehallway,isthereason manyotherBelmontstudentsplan ontakingIntroductiontoGuitar nextyear.(“Youhavetocomeback andteachit,”saidLaurenFountain, theschool’smusicteacher.)

“Heisprobablyoneofthecoolest freakingbrothersintheworld,”said sisterStellaKratzer.“Hejustreally hasincredibletalentwithanything thatheputshismindto.AndIlove him.AndIwishhimthebestforhis future.Andfortoday.”

Thegraduates,girlsinwhite gowns,boysinred,gatheredon Fridaytocelebratetheirachievementsastheypreparedfortheir nextstepsinlife.

“IthinkI’mquitereadyforanotheradventure,”readSamantha Johnson’smortarboard,quoting fromJ.R.RTolkien’s“Lordofthe Rings”trilogy.

Forher,thenextadventureliesat MaristUniversityinNewYork, wheresheplansonstudyingpoliticalscienceandglobalstudiesin hopesofbecomingapoliticalanalystinNewYorkCity.

PrincipalMatthewFinchhighlightedthedifferent-yet-shared traitsamongthestudents,asking themtostandwhencategoriesthat appliedtothemwereannounced. Amongtherecognizedwereartists, athletes,clubmembers,working students,collegecreditearnersand thosegoingtothemilitary,the workforceorcollege.

“Ourfriendsandfamilieswill watchuswalkacrossthestage,but fewhaveseenthefullpictureofthe effortthatittooktogethere,”said ValedictorianAnnaMcDonaldin heraddresstothecrowd.

Astheschool’smusicteacher, Fountainoriginallymetmanyofthe BelmontHighSchoolClassof2026 infifthgrade.Inherkeynoteaddress,shehighlightedeachofthe

Artists, club members, working students, college credit earners all recognized for their hard work

65graduates,pointingouttheir “qualities,quirksanddetails”one byone.

“Asyouenterthisnextchapterof freedom,responsibilityandopportunity,dowhateveryoucantoprotectthethingsthatmakeyou uniquelyyou,”shesaid.

ForMcDonald,thethingthat makesheruniqueisherfourScottishHighlandcows,oneofwhom, Poppy,hasplacedfourthatthe DeerfieldFair.Graduatingwitha

DiplomaofDistinction,hercommunityserviceprojectinvolved makingachild’swishofhaving ScottishHighlandcowscometrue inconnectionwiththeMake-AWishFoundation.

McDonaldwillbeattendingthe UniversityofConnecticutinthe fall,studyingengineeringandparticipatingintheschool’sdressage program.

“Continuefillingyourlifewith blueribbons,”shesaid.

CLARA MACDOW / FOR THE MONITOR

Belmont High School graduates toss their caps at the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Belmont.

CLARA MACDOW / FOR THE MONITOR SamanthaJohnsonhugs ateacherat Belmont HighSchool's graduationon Friday, June 12, 2026 in Belmont.

CLARA MACDOW / FOR THE MONITOR Graduates processinto thefield atBelmont HighSchool's graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Belmont.

‘Resilience in the face of challenges’

Graduates urged

By CHARLOTTE MATHERLY

Concord Monitor

AlexPelletiertookhisclassmatesforatripdown memorylane.

Teenagerscladinthebrilliant greenrobesandgoldstolesindicativeofaBishopBradyHighSchool graduatewereinstructedtoclose theireyes.Ignorethecreaking floorsofthegymnasiumandthe hardseats,Pelletiertoldthem,and thinkoftheblissfultimesofchildhood:acoolbreezeorthefamiliar smellofyourparentscooking dinner.

Then,recallhighschool:finding yourfirstclass,facingmorerigorousacademics,passingyour driver’stest,stayingoutpastyour curfew.Manyofthesememories, Pelletiersaid,arethe“perfect meltingpotofjoy.”Others,they maywishtoforget.

“Sometimeswejamupthispain intoadarkplace,choosingtobe numb.Buttakeitfromme:Thatis theworstoption.Wearehuman andwefeel,andIamtellingyou rightnowitisalwaysbettertofeel thanbecomearobot,”saidPelletier, thesalutatorian.“Goddidn’tputus onEarthtobeperfect.Heputus heresothatwemayliveandlearn fromourmistakes tobetterserve others,ourselvesandHim.”

Hisspeechstruckachordwith his70fellowgraduatesonanemotionalFridayevening.Students spenttheirlasthourofhighschool congregatedinthelibrary,affixing theircapsandgownsandgigglingas theytookselfiesandsignedyearbooks.Sometearedupasthey marchedthroughacheeringaudiencetotheirseats.Othersoptedfor asilentsqueezeoftheirparents’ handsastheypassedby.

ForretiringprincipalAndreaElliott,whochokedupasshebidthe schoolgoodbyeafter12years, BishopBrady’severydaymoments, morethanthebigceremonies,will stickinhermind:laughterpouring outoftheclassrooms,ateacher stayinglatetohelpastudent.

“Iwitnessedresilienceintheface ofchallenges,kindnessandcompassionwhenitwasneededmost andgrowththatoftenhappened quietly,withoutrecognition,but

to continue serving others and 'do more than is required'

RyanCasey,thevaledictorian, saidhisdadsendshimthesametext almosteveryday:“Begreattoday.” Byallaccounts,heis.Caseyplays ontheBishopBradybasketball team,attendedayouthprogramat theU.S.Senateandservedasclass president.HeplanstostudymathematicsandeconomicsatHarvard Universitythisfall.

“Foralongtime,Ithoughtgreatnessmeantachievements,awards, victoriesandrecognition.ButBrady hastaughtmesomethingdifferent,” Caseysaid.“IfIhadtosummarize thegreatestlessonBradyhastaught us,itwouldbethis:Domorethanis required.”

Workharderthanisrequired,he said.Bekinder,moregenerousand morehumblethanyouhavetobe. Aboveall,actwithintegrity.

[that]mattereddeeplynonetheless,”Elliottsaid.

Theevening’smessagefocused

notonacademicsuccessesorbig dreamsbutonleadingwithkindnessandcompassion.

“Inaworldincreasinglydivided bypolitics,outrageandconstant criticism,kindnesshasbecomea surprisinglypowerfulact,”Casey said.“Everypersonwemeetcarries burdenswecannotseeandstories wecannotknow.Ourfaithhas taughtusnottomerelytolerateone another,buttoactivelyserveone another.”

CHARLOTTE MATHERLY / MONITOR

The Bishop Brady High School class of 2026 throws their caps into the air.

CHARLOTTE MATHERLY / MONITOR

Bishop Brady graduate Arianna Mistretta shakeshands with the dean of students, Keith Bergeron, as she receives her diploma on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The quest for exponential growth

By LILA DE ALMEIDA Concord Monitor

AtBowHighSchool’sgraduation onFriday,theroboticsteamexecutedonelastproject.

GraduatesDerekBaier,Dirkvan derMerweandColtonCurrier donnedLEDmatricesatoptheir graduationcaps,illuminatedwith wordsanddesignsoftheir choosing.Eachcaphaditsownwifi networkand,byconnectingtoit, theroboticistscouldmanipulatethe brightness,colorandanimationof thetinybulbs.

Currierproudlytippedhishead downwardstoshowhiscap’smessage:UNH,wherehewillstudy mathematicsinthefall.

“Istartedyesterdayat9,”Baier said.“Iwasupuntil3a.m.building them,andthenweprogrammed thematPaneraearliertoday.”

Roboticsclubco-presidentsBaier andvanderMerweledtheirteamto theworldchampionshipthisyear. Asidefromtheirelectroniccollaboration,thetwoareoldfriends. Theirsharedinterestsandsimilarsoundingfirstnamesbuiltatight bond.

“Infifthandsixthgrade,wewere inthesameclass,andtheteachers mixedusupallthetime,”vander Merwesaid.

Now,thetwoareboundfor WorcesterPolytechnicInstitute, whereBaierwillstudyelectricalengineeringandcomputerscienceand vanderMerwewillstudymechanicalandroboticsengineering.

“Igrewuptryingtofigureout howthingswork.Programminghas alwaysfascinatedme,”Baiersaid. “Like,youcantakecomputerchips madeoutofsand,andyoucanmake themdoincrediblethingsthatwe takeforgrantedeveryday.Ijust wanttobeapartofthat.”

Robotics club co-presidents Derek Baier and Dirk van der Merwe headed to Worcester Polytechnic Institute next year

WhileBaierplanstofocuson software,hisfriendhaschosena differentroute.

“I’vegrownupwithLegosand buildinggo-kartswithmydad,so I’vealwaysbeenfairlymechanically-inclined,”vanderMerwe said.

Theco-presidentsdidnothesitate topointtotheirroboticscoach, PamCafasso,asasourceofinspiration.

“She’sthebestteacherever,” Baiersaid.

VanderMerwewillmisshowhis calculusteacher,Dr.PaulCohen, pushedhimacademically.Noother classhastoppedhisinstruction,he said.

Anythingelseis“justnotaDr. Cohenclass,”hesaid.“Idon’tknow howelsetodescribeit.”

Althoughthetwowillmissthe educatorswhomadeanimpacton thematBow,leavingNewHampshireforMassachusettsexcites them vanderMerweespecially.

“There’snotmuchotherthan woodshere.It’snicetobeabletogo somewhereandexplorenew places,”hesaid.

FinanceteacherandcommencementspeakerLeesaHudakaddressedgraduatesfromtheSullivan

ArenastageatSaintAnselmCollege,encouragingthemtoleavethe safetyoftheircomfortzonesto pursuehigh-risk,high-rewardopportunities.Shespokeinfinancial termsforonelastlesson.

“Nowisthetimetochallenge yourselves.Movetothecitythat

scaresyou.Takethosedifficult classes.Startthebusiness.Ask themout.Applyforthejobthat you’re40%qualifiedfor,”shesaid. “Volatilitymightbehigh,andyou mightseesomedownturns,but thisiswheretheexponential growthhappens.”

GEOFF FORESTER / FOR THE MONITOR

BowHighSchoolgraduatesapplaudtheirteachersasthey processintotheauditorium at Saint Anselm College at the start of the ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026.

GEOFF FORESTER / FOR THE MONITOR

Bow High School graduates get their photographs taken outside the auditorium at Saint Anselm College before the ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026.

COE-BROWN NORTHWOOD ACADEMY

Graduates impart tokens of wisdom

By ADDISON MASON Concord Monitor

IsabelleGrenierborrowedthe wordsofanEnglishmathematicianinaddressingherclassmates.

ShehadfoundthequotebyEdwin Elliotinherbedroomandfeltpersonallyinspiredbyit:“Bybeing yourself,youputsomethingwonderfulintheworldthatwasn’tthere before.”

So,Grenier,thevaledictorianof Coe-BrownNorthwoodAcademy’s classof2026,impartedthosewords ofmotivationassheandherfellow graduatespreparedtotossuptheir

Saying goodbye to the class of 2026

capsandstepintotheadultworld. Sheurgedthemtotakethatlesson toheart.

“Weforgetthatourvoices,our perspectivesandourpersonalities arewhatmakeussovaluable.Ihope thatasweareleavingeachother, you’veallrealizedwhatyouarereallycapableof,”shesaid.

Coe-Brown’sgraduatingclass filedintothesoccerfieldtocommemoratetheiryearsofdetermination,friendshipandaccomplishmentonWednesdayevening.

Astheplasticseatsfilledwithred gowns,familiesandfriendsunfoldedlawnchairsandcrowded aroundtheedgesoftheaisle,and TylerFullermadesurethattheyreceivedthethankstheydeserved.

Fuller,theclasspresident,kicked offtheceremonycongratulatinghis fellowclassmatesandextending gratitudetothepeoplewhohelped themthroughouttheirhighschool years.

“Thankyouforbeingthereduring notonlythelowestmoments,but

thehighestmoments,too,”hesaid.

Overtheyears,supportfrom lovedoneshastakenvariousforms: ridestoschool,encouragementin pursuingextracurricularsandtokensofadvicethathelpedthem persevere.

OnewisewordgaveOlivia Zadakistheperspectivesheneeded inrunningtrack,whichshepassed alonginafarewellmessagetoher class:Treatraceslikearoller coaster,relisheverymoment.

Notonlydidthatadvicechange heroutlookonracesbutitaltered howsheviewedlife.

“Lookingforward,Ihopeevery oneofuscanenjoyboththeexhilarationofthedownhillruns,while alsofindingvalueinthechallengeof theuphillones,too,”shesaid.

HeadmasterDavidSmithtookthe timetorecognizeeachstudentand theirfutureplans,fromenrollingin collegetoenlistinginthearmyor directlyenteringtheworkforce. Studentswithstellarattendanceand academicrecordsreceivedawards

andscholarships,andthegraduates thencrossedthestageonebyoneto receivetheirdiplomas.

Followingtheceremony,thegraduatesfiledoutofthefieldtothe frontofSmithHallandtossedtheir capstothesoundoftheirfamilies’ applause.

Friendsandfamilyfloodedthe circleofgraduates,rushingtofind theirown.

Studentshungbackaroundthe flagpole,soakinginthemoment. GraceBilodeaustoodwithasmile plasteredonherface.Nearby,NatalieGeorgeandBriannePeters huddledtogether,takingphotosand laughinginthatspotforthelast time.

“It’soverwhelming,butingood way,”Peterssaid.

Smith,whohadcarefullyturned eachstudent’stasselastheycrossed thestage,watchedasallhisstudents metwiththeirfamiliestotakepictures.Hebeamedwithpride.

“Alotofgreatstudents,butmore importantlygoodpeople,”hesaid.

ADDISON MASON / MONITOR

Graduates gather around the flag pole at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy.

Power of perseverance

By ALEXANDER RAPP

Concord Monitor

ConcordChristianAcademy seniorOwenBurrellquoted SaintThomasAquinasinhis chargetohisfellowgraduates.

“Happinessdoesnotlieinaphysicalplace,butinaspiritualone,”he said.

Hecontinuedabouthowthenext phaseoftheirliveswilltakethem tonewplacesandchallengetheir identityitself.

Iftheyallremembertostaytrue tothemselvesandtowhotheyare calledtobe,thatwillbringthem happiness,hesaid.

“Ichargeyoutouseittoseethe loveGodhasforyou,”Burrell added.

Allofthestudentspeakers,from theopeningprayerbyEthanLeland toRaelynTaylor’svaledictorianad-

Seniors urged to live up to their calling

Happiness does not lie in a physical place, but in a spiritual one.”

Owen Burrell, Concord Christian Academy senior

dress,hitkeyreflectionsonfaith.

Forthesmallgraduatingclassof 27students,theirsharedfaithwas apresentpartofdailylifein school.

Ontheirlast-everdayatOne ChurchinBedfordonSaturday morning,thatdidnotchange.

“Iwill,”urgedConcordChristian Academy’scommencement speaker,RickGarland,leadpastor atEpsomBibleChurch.

Hispowerfulspeech,encompassingsportsanalogies,scripture andfirst-handaccounts,reminded theclassofthepotentialtheyhave andthepowerofperseverance.

Garlandremindedthegraduates andtheirfamiliesthatthosetwo words—“Iwill”—makeallthedifference.Totellthemselvesthat theywillsurroundthemselveswith thewordofGod,tosurround themselveswithwinnersandthat

theywillchoosetobelieve.

SalutatorianMakaylaBaglioand valedictorianRaelynTaylorboth spokeaboutthedeepfriendships theyformedwiththeirclassmates. Yettheyalwaysreturnedtotheimportanceoffaithintheirlives.

Theybothspokeabouthowithas helpedthemthroughupsand downsandhowitwillcarryallof themforwardintothenext chapter.

Theseniortripvideoandphoto slideshowwereendearingtraditionsthathadthecrowdlaughing andsmiling.Itremindedeveryone ofjusthowfartheiryoungones hadcome.

Graduatesalsogaverosesoutto theirparentsasanappreciation,a heartfeltmomentatthecoreofthe ceremonythatbroughttearsto manyeyes.

CONCORD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

ALEXANDER RAPP / MONITOR

Concord Christian Academy graduates celebrated the closing of a chapter in their lives at One Church in Bedford on Saturday.

‘Mosaic of moments’

Crimson Tide class of 2026 displays diverse identities and future plans

By EMILIA WISNIEWSKI

Concord Monitor

DraydenNyambohadalready addressedfellowstudentsin hispublicspeakingclass andmadepubliccommentsduring aschoolboardmeeting.Hehad participatedintalentshowsfor ProjectS.T.O.R.Y.andemceedat InternationalNighttwoyearsina row.

ConcordHighSchool’sgraduationceremonymayhavebeenhis

biggeststageyet.

Thejourneydidn’tcomeeasyto Nyambo:Sinceelementaryschool, hestruggledinhisEnglishcourses. Hecametohighschoolandfound methodsthatworkedforhimand practicedenoughtoreceivehigh gradesinhiscoursesandevenwin anawardforpublicspeaking.

“Gettingtheawardkindoffinalizedmyachievementofnotbeing

GEOFF FORESTER / FOR THE MONITOR

Concord High School graduates process into their seats at NHTI during the opening ceremonies on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

CONCORD FROM PAGE 10

abletoreadandwriteverywellto beingabletoreadandwriteout loudanddoitinawaythatitwas goodenoughtogetanaward,” Nyambosaidtotheclassof2026 onSaturdayatNHTI.

ManyotherConcordHighgraduatessaidtheygrewintheireducation,theirtalentsandtheiridentity whilepartoftheCrimsonTide.For CaledoniaMahon,thatmeant growingherconfidence.

MahonmovedtoConcordHigh atthestartoffreshmanyear.She feltoutofherelementafterbeing homeschooleduntilthirdgrade andattendingaMontessorischool untileighth.Butthisyear,sherememberedakayakandcamping tripalongtheMerrimackRiver,finallylandingonshoreafter12 hoursofpaddling,andtalkingto peerssheneverthoughtshewould becomefriends.

“I’vebeenthinkingalotabout myattitudeinthoseearlyyears, andhowIwasprettyreserved,” Mahonsaid.“Idon’tthinkI’vereallybecomecomfortablewithmyselfuntilthispastyear.Senioryear hasreallybeenayearofjustconfidenceandcomfortabilityforme, andIwishIwasn’tsoclosedoffto becomingfriendswithpeopleIhad preconceivednotionsof.”

GabriellaProvenchergrewher cookingskills,somethingshe didn’texpecttolove.WhenapplyingtotheConcordRegional TechnicalCenterjunioryear,her firstchoicewasthetheaterand filmprogram,butsheendedupin

theculinarytrack.

Provencher’stwoyearsinthe programweresoimpactfulthatshe committedtoJohnson&Wales UniversityinRhodeIslandtostudy bakingandpastryartsfortwo years.Herfavoritethingtomakeis cheesecake,shesaid.

“Ihadalotofopportunitytodo hands-onlearning,andwedid cateringevents andcompetitions,”Provenchersaid.“Idida chilicompetitionandIendedup makingoneofmybestfriends whilethere,andweendedupwin-

ningthecompetition.”

Throughclassesandclubs, WyaittButeaufoundapassionfor business,whichhewillstudyat SuffolkUniversityinBoston.He waspresidentofConcordHigh’s LGBTQ+clubandsaidtheschool gavestudentsachancetoexpress themselveshowevertheychose.

“Ithinkidentityisjustabouteverythingthatmakesushuman, honestly,”Buteausaid.“Ifeellike withoutbeingabletorespecteach other’sidentitiesandalsobeing abletorespectourownidentities,I

LEFT:Concord

HighSchool

SalutatorianMadeleine Shortbreaks out into a danceduring her speech at the 2026 graduationat NHTI on Saturday, June 13.

feellikewejustlosewhatthepurposeofbeinghumanevenis.”

SalutatorianMaddieShort,inher speech,likenedherclass’sgrowth andexperienceatConcordHighto amosaic:avastcollectionofmemoriesthatcreate“onebig,beautiful detail.”

“Ihopeyoucanallseenowthat, whetheryouknewitornot,you justspentfouryearscraftingamosaicofmoments,”shetoldher peers.“Andsure,thisonemaybe done,butyou’vestillgotthewhole galleryofyourlifelefttofill.”

GEOFF

The 2026 graduating class of Concord High School at NHTI on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

ABOVE: Concord High School graduate Wyaitt Buteau receives his diploma at the graduation ceremony at NHTI on Saturday, June 13.

Taking life’s lessons to heart

School graduates 68 at ceremony filled with special messages

By EMILIA WISNIEWSKI Concord Monitor

Beforeheevenreceivedhis diploma,JacobOsbornewas holdinghisfamilyclose.His littlesisterjitteredwithexcitement whilestandingbesideherbig brother,adornedwitharoyalblue robeandagoldentasselduringhis graduationceremony.

DespitebeingatFranklinHigh Schoolforonlytwomonths,Osbornehadnotroublefindinghis peopleatschool.Oneofhisfavorite memorieswasbeingintroducedto thehide-and-seekgameSardines duringtheafterpromparty.

“Forme,it’sdefinitelyachangeof scenery.It’salotsmallerofaschool but…there’sabigfamilyhere,”he said.“Theyallcareforeachother likeabigfamily.”

FranklinHigh’sclimatespecialist, JamieSmith,notedOsborne’sdedicationtoshowingupforhissister withoutquestion.Infact,Smith mentionedonethingshelearned aboutallofthe68graduatesofthe FranklinHighseniorclassduring theirgraduationceremonyonJune 12.

SmithmentionedhowSage Slocumspenthoursoncommunity serviceandshoweduptimeand timeagain.Shesharedhowproud NathanHolmes’momwastosee himinachampionshipmeetinhis firstseasonoftrack.Sheremarked onhowshenoticedBrayden Turner’stalentonthepianosince hisfreshmanyear.

Turnersaidhegrewhistalentsat school,especiallywhilelearning underthenewmusicteacherChristineChaisson.

“Shereallypushesyou,whichis whatIlovethemostisthatshechallengesyou,”hesaid.“Shedoesn’t justletyoufallintoyourself.…She pushesyoubeyondwhatyouthink youcando.”

Severalstudentsreceivedsenior awardsthatincludedacademicexcellence,sportsaccoladesandeven recognitionsofloyaltyandcitizenship.OliverFoskeywonthedrama awardforworkingbehindthescenes onseveralschoolproductions. Foskeyfellinlovewiththeater afterseeingFranklinHigh’sproductionof“SchoolofRock.”Foskeydid

costumedesignfor“WizardofOz” andtransitionedtomusictechnology,whichthey’llstudyat FranklinPierceUniversityalongside psychology.

“Ithinktheworstpartabout [graduating]isleavingtheater,becauseit’ssuchabigcommunity,” Foskeysaid.

Co-classpresidentMaddieDohertystartedherspeechbytelling herpeerstotakethemomentin

youonlygraduatehighschoolonce, afterall.Shesaidshe’salways lookingbackoraheadandnever trulyinthepresent,soshetoldher graduatingclassthat“everything willeventuallycometous”andto enjoyrightnow.

Dohertysaidinaninterviewthat FranklinHighgetsabadreputationa lotoftimes butithasinnovatedin waysthatallowedstudentstotake classesatcommunityandtechnical

collegesandevenbuildtheirown courses.Thatinnovationearned themN.H.SchooloftheYear,with the2026classbeingthefirsttograduatewiththathonor.

“Onceweleave,takeawaythe lessonoffocusingonwhat’srightin frontofyou,ratherthanwhatyou don’thave,”shesaidinherspeech, “becauseonedaythethingsyoudo haverightinfrontofyouwillbethe thingsthatyoudon’thave.”

EMILIA WISNIEWSKI / MONITOR STAFF

Franklin High graduates throw their caps in the air at the end of the ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026.

EMILIA WISNIEWSKI / MONITOR STAFF

Jacob Osbornestands while the"National Anthem" issang, with hissister standing byhis side, duringFranklin High School's graduation on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Celebrating an interwoven community

Graduates thankful for closeness that comes with growing up in a small town

By LILA DE ALMEIDA Concord Monitor

ThegraduatesofHopkinton HighSchoolcouldn’tavoid eachotheriftheytried.

Theclassof2026walkedthe stageonFriday atotalof70students.Formany,HopkintonHigh andthetownofHopkintonareindistinguishablefromeachother.

“Itisasmalltown,andthere’sno doubtthatwewillseethese teachersandthiscommunityagain. Actually,Ithinkit’dbemuchharder nottoseeanyoneagain,”saidcovaledictorianRebeccaLeWine,who willattendBrownUniversityinthe fall.

Toanoutsideobserver,thatmay seemstifling.Butthisgenerationof Hawksbegstodiffer.

“I’mjustso,sogratefultohave grownupinacommunitylikeHopkinton.…Thepeopleherearejust socaringandaltruistic theyalwaysputothers’bestinterests

abovetheirown,andit’sbeeneverythingIcanaskforandmore livinghere,”saidKyleBuelte,studentbodypresidentandfuture FairfieldUniversitybusinessstudent.

Buelte’sbestfriend,Kip Hedquist,describedtheirgraduatingclassinasingleword:interwoven.Indeed,whenLeWinecalled outthequirkyhabitsofseveralof herpeersinherspeech among themHedquistandBuelte,whoapparentlyplayedagameintheir mathclasscalledHowLongCanWe GoWithoutTalkingAboutMath thegraduatesonstageseemedto moveasone,elbowingoneanother withsmilingfaces. Theircamaraderieispalpable, “somethingthatcanonlybeforced inasmall-towncommunity,”said co-valedictorianJuliaMartel,who willattendHobartandWilliam SmithColleges.

Partofwhatencouragesthatin-

terwovennessisthediversityofstudentinvolvement.

“SinceHopkintonhassomany extracurricularsandopportunities forstudents,it’sprettyeasyactually tofindotherkidsthathavevery similarintereststoyou,”saidHelen Yeaton.SheisboundforUNHthis falltostudyneuroscienceonapredentaltrack,butbeforethatshe’s securedasummerjobataperiodontist’soffice.

YeatonherselfledthePeerOutreachClubwithoneofherclose friendsasco-president.Shealso playedvarsitybasketballand lacrosseandparticipatedinthestudentcouncilandInteractClub.The latterstoodoutasahighlightfor Yeaton,BuelteandHedquistalike.

InteractClub’smotto,“Service AboveSelf,”especiallyresonated withHedquist.Hewillattendthe AirForceAcademyinthefall a decisionmadenotonlyforitseducationalmeritsbutalsofor“theop-

portunityto…beapartofanentity thatputssomuchemphasison communityandserving,”hesaid.In hisfuturecareerasafighterpilot, hehopestofulfill“agreaterpurposethanmyownglorification.”

CommencementspeakerandsocialstudiesdepartmentchairKate Sintrosurgedhernow-formerstudentstochasethecareersthatexcitethem,notsolelybecausethey areimpressiveorprestigious.

“Whensomethingisrightfor you,itwillgiveyouenergy.That’s howyouknow,”shesaid.

Asan8-year-oldteachingcursive toheryoungerbrotheronalittle blackchalkboard,Sintrosfeltthat telltaleenergythatcalledherto teach.

Hervoicewaveredassherevealedthatsamelittleblackchalkboardfrom1980totheclassof 2026.

Writtenonit:“Whatgivesyou energy?”

LILA DE ALMEIDA / MONITOR STAFF

ABOVE: Best friends Kip Hedquist (left) and Kyle Buelte (right) are parting ways for the Air Force Academy and Fairfield University, respectively.

LEFT: PrincipalChristopher Kelleypresented theclass of2026 withtheir diplomas on Friday. His welcome speech compared their time in middle school to the Upside Down from Stranger Things.

JOHN STARK REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Thousands of paths ahead

By CLARA MACDOW Concord Monitor

Gatheredonthetrackfieldup thehillfromtheschool,the largecrowdoffamilyand friendswatchedastheJohnStark RegionalHighSchoolgraduates walkedthetrackonelasttimebeforefilingdowntheaisletotheir seats.

“WhenIwasyounger,myparents wouldoftentakeBatmantothe store,”beganAdamBogleinhis speechtohisfellowgraduateson Saturday.

“Eachday,Iwakeuptomaketwo peopleproud:Myselfat6,andmyselfat80,”saidBogle,whohadbeen chosenbytheJohnStarkHigh SchoolfacultytobetheClassof 2026’sstudentspeaker.

“Allwecandoistryandmake momentsalittlemoreexciting,so wecantellthosestorieswhen they’regone,”hesaid,openinghis bluegowntorevealtheBatmanlogo beneathashedonnedtheDark Knight’smask.

NolanNelson’sfriendsandfamily haveplentyofstoriestoshareabout him.Ontheautismspectrum,he competedinthe2023Special

Graduates celebrate new ‘starting point’

JohnStarkgraduates celebrateaftertheirgraduation ceremonyonSaturday, June 14, 2026.

OlympicsSummerGamesatUNH andwonasilvermedalintherunninglongjumpandagoldmedalin boththeminijavelinandthesoftballthrow.Hisolderbrother,Jaden Nelson,ishiscoach.

Amemberoftheschool’sBest Buddiesprogram,Nelsonis“always smilingandalwaysaskinghow

somebodyelseisdoing,”said MoniqueNelson,hismother.

EricHoule,who’sdaughteralso graduated,saidthatNelsonis“part ofthefamily,”andthathe“knows everyone.”

“EveninBoston,heknew people,”saidMileyHoule,fellow graduate.

Nelsonplansonattendingthe NewHampshireTechnicalInstitute inthefall,andHoulewillbegoing toRivierUniversityinNashuaasa biologymajor.

LucasArlenalsoplansonstaying closetohome,attendingColbySawyerCollegeinNewLondonin hopesofbecomingaphysicaltherapistorphysicianassistant.

“Iplayhockey.Ilikebeingphysical.Ilikedoingstuff.Soit’sjusta perfectmatchforme,”hesaid.

Likemanygraduates,whatArlen willmissthemostaboutJohnStark ishisfriends.

“I’veknownsomeoftheseguys sinceImovedhere,inlike,kindergarten,”hesaid.“Iknowacouple goingtoCalifornia,soI’mnotclose tothem,soI’llmissthemalot.”

Addressinghisclassmates,ValedictorianWyattPuzasaid“graduationisoftentreatedlikeafinish line.Butinreality,it’smoreofa startingpoint.Formostofourlives, thepathinfrontofushasbeenrelativelyclear.…Now,forthefirst time,thereisn’tonepath,butthousands.”

CLARA MACDOW / FOR THE MONITOR

CLARA MACDOW / FOR THE MONITOR.

John Stark graduates finish their walk around the track on Saturday, June 14, 2026.

Graduates come full circle

Annual tradition of having kindergarteners sing at commencement continues

By REBECA PEREIRA Concord Monitor

Whencarriedbythethin voicesofkindergarteners,

“GodBlessAmerica”fizzes throughtheairwithgigglesassmall handsmimicundulatingwaves.

Thecommencementtraditionat KearsargeRegionalHighSchoolhas delightedgraduatesandtheirfamiliesforyears:Kindergartenstudents fromthroughouttheschooldistrict whichencompassesthetownsof Bradford,Newbury,NewLondon, Sutton,Springfield,Warnerand Wilmot formacharmingchorus beforeanaudienceseatedbetween endzonesofthefootballfield.Little childrengrowtobecomehigh schoolseniors,amusingtheir friendswithcigarsandselfiesas they’representedtheirdiplomas, andtheritualbeginsanew.

MasonChristensen’smemoryof histurnatcenterstagemightnot havecrystallizedwithouttheaidof the“Kearsarge2026”T-shirthe’d wornasachildtroubadour.Butluck wouldhavethatChristensen’smom heldontotheshirt,andonSaturday theseniorclasspresidentunfurled itoverthepodiumforhisfellow graduatestosee.

Hepumpedthesleevesandletthe bodyballoonagainstthewind.The white-and-bluenumberwould hardlyfithim,butafter12yearsof schooling,theallusiontohisgraduatingclasshadfinallybeenimbued withmeaning.

“Backthen,seeing‘Classof2026’ printedonthefrontfeltlikelooking intothedistantfuture.Itallseemed

impossiblyfarawaybut,likeall things,thedayhasfinallyarrived,” hesaid.

Hedirectedhisremarkstothe13 kindergartnersintheKearsargeRegionalclassof2038,whojustjoined thedistrict’sannualtradition.

Heurgedthemtotrysomething new,eveniftheyfindthemselves chartingapathalone.Heassured themthatthere’sgrowthonthe othersideofdiscomfort.Treasure eachmoment,hesaid.Hugyour mom.

“Say‘yes’toasunrisehikeof MountKearsarge.Say‘yes’tobeing onthetug-of-warteamatwinter carnival.Say‘yes’toalate-night drivetoDenny’s.Becausebefore youknowit,everyoneyouwere singingwithinkindergartenwill havemovedontothenextchapters

oftheirlives,”hesaid.

OnSaturdaymorning,Christensenand118othergraduates turnedapageintheirs.

Undauntedbyvulnerability, WilliamReidbaredaseriesofregretsfromhishighschoolyears:He couldhavepushedhimselfharder, stuckwiththestudentcouncilhis sophomoreyearorovercomehis fearofbeingflattenedwithatackle andjoinedthefootballteam.

Themisstepsofthepast,although immutable,caninformthefuture, heconcluded.

“Luckyforme,I’vegotawholelot oflifeleftandmoreopportunities tonotsellmyselfshort.Thereare plentymorechancestochallenge myself,andthesamegoesforallmy classmateshere,”hesaid.“Be honestwithyourselfaboutwhere

youfeelyoumayhavegonewrong, butthentakethetimetounderstandwhathappenedandjustaim todobetterthenexttime.”

Atthepodium,EmmaGeraghty effusedacascadeofcompliments forherclassmates’accomplishments:GageRichard,whoended theyearwith100careerwinson thewrestlingteam;JacobDunn, whoisheadedtotheAdidasTrack andFieldnationals;Ainsley Frenkiewich,whorecentlymatched theschoolrecordforthegirls’pole vaultat9feet,6inches.

Theacknowledgmentflowed fromthemicrophonelikeaburst dam,drawingthunderousagreementfromfamilyandfriends.

Forthefirsttimesincethe1990s, Geraghtynoted,theKearsarge boys’varsitysoccerteamadvanced tothestatechampionshipgame.

Evenwithoutthetitleofcaptain, Christensenhadbeenaleaderon theteam.

HistoryteacherCouperGunn’s secondyearascoachcoincidedwith Christensen’ssophomoreyear.The youngstarterhadbeenthevanguardofhisteam’sapproachto pressingdefensively,andthatyear he’dmusteredthecouragetoask Gunnformoresupportforhimself andotherunderclassmen.

“Whenyou’recominguptoa coach,anauthorityfigure,and askinghimtodobetter thatwas essentiallywhathewasdoing.He wasupthereadvocatingforhimself,”Gunnsaid.“Iwasstill learning,andthewayhewasableto helpmebeabettercoachwasareallygoodeducation.”

Caelin Stockbridge

Franklin High School

Congratulations to Cael Stockbridge on his graduation as a member of the Class of 2026.

ThepairbuilttrustoverChristensen’sfouryearsontheteam.In thehalls,theyexchangedaproprietaryhandshake,twofingersanda thumboutstretchedlikechicken feet.

Through hard work, determination, and perseverance, Cael has reached an incredible milestone and is looking forward to the next chapter as he pursues studies in film and psychology at Keene State College.

WhenChristensen’smotherrecentlypostedaphotoofhimasan infantonFacebookwithasoccer ballframedinthecorner,Gunn madethefacetiousreply:“Ican’t seeitthroughthetears.”

We are so proud of the young man you have become and cannot wait to see where life takes you next.

Heknewbeforetheceremony beganthathewas“probablygoing tocry.”

Onlythistime,thetearsthatran wouldbereal.

REBECA PEREIRA / MONITOR STAFF

Graduates process onto the football field at Kearsarge Regional High School.

Charting their own way

By JEREMY MARGOLIS Concord Monitor

Whenhelooksbackonhigh school,Andover’sNathan Bainwillrememberthe eveningduringfreshmanyearwhen hefinallybuiltupthecouragetoask outhisnow-girlfriend,fellowgraduateTessaLynch.(Bainreciteda poem,andLynch“squealedandran aroundincircles.”)

LorenzoGuzman,alsoofAndover,willremembertwomilestones:drivinghimselftoschoolfor thefirsttimeasasophomoreinhis mother’sNissanRogueandgetting hisfirstvarsityhitayearlater,a line-drivesingle.

TimothyGordon,analtosaxophonist,willrememberpreseason marchingbandpractices,wherehe madesomeofhisclosestfriends.

AndRutgerGilliland,ofLoudon, willrememberSaturdaymorning, whenheand162ofhisclassmates threwtheirnavybluecapsintheair asthenewestgraduatesofMerrimackValleyHighSchool.

“It’sasurrealfeelingseeingeveryoneatoneplaceatoncethatI’ve seenoverthelastfouryearsor12 years,”saidGilliland,whohasbeen inthedistrictsincekindergarten.

Thoseyearshavebeenmarkedby momentsbothidiosyncratically personalanduniversallyshared.

Addressinghisclassonhis birthday,classpresidentNicholas Gelinasrecalledparkingspot paintingday(“somespotslooked amazing,andsomelookedlikethey werepaintedat7:40onthefirstday ofschool”),seniorsunrise(the numberofpeoplewhoshowedupat 5:45a.m.was“probablyourclass’s mostamazingaccomplishment”), andthepettingzoounveiledforthe class’sseniorprank,whichfeatured boththehighlypettable(dogsand cats)andtheslightlylessso(20 goldfish).

Nowtheclasswilldisperseto pursuetheirindividualjourneys.

RhiannaCruz,ofPenacook,will headtoJohnson&WalesUniversity inRhodeIslandtostudyhealthscience,intentonbecominganoccupationaltherapisttohelppeople likeher93-year-oldgrandfather.

CarterGarland,ofBoscawen,will headtotheUniversityofOregonto studybiochemistry,inhopesofultimatelyworkingonpharmaceuticals

Lily Moser urged fellow graduates to freely explore ‘new paths’

Merrimack

graduate

thatcanhelppeople.

BodeWood,ofBoscawen,willenlistintheU.S.Marinesbeforehopefullybecomingastatepoliceofficer.

Somestudents,meanwhile,are stillchartingtheirnextmove,aperiodoftransitionandreconsiderationthatgraduationspeakerLily Moserendorsed.

“Withnewlifeexperiencesand

opportunities,sometimesnew pathsarediscovered,”saidMoser, whousedtowanttobeaveterinarian.“Youcan’talwaysknow whereyouwanttogountilyou knowthatoptionexists.”

Nomatterhowfartheytravel fromMerrimackValley,specialeducationteacherandcoachRobert Mullen,inhis36thandfinalgraduation,remindedthestudentsthat

June 6, 2026.

theywillalwayshaveacommunity intheValleytofallbackon.

“Nomatterwhereyourpathtakes you,orhowfaryouarefromhere,” Mullensaid,“Ihopethatyoucan lookbackandcontinuetofeelthe supportfromallofthosewhohave helpedyoutogettowhereyouare today.”

GEOFF FORESTER / FOR THE MONITOR

Merrimack Valley High graduate Lily Moser receives her diploma during the graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Moser gave both the student address and the senior accomplishments' speeches.

GEOFF FORESTER / FOR THE MONITOR

Merrimack Valley High School graduates process out to the athletic fields at the school at the beginning of the commencement ceremony on June 6.

GEOFF FORESTER / FOR THE MONITOR

ValleyHigh School

Timothy Gordon shows his poster after the graduation ceremony on Saturday,

Preparing for the next adventure

Concord school’s four graduates celebrated community with loved ones

By CLARA MACDOW Concord Monitor

TimothyComptonenrolledat ParkerAcademyintheseventhgrade,andforhim,small classsizesandmorefocusedattentionfromteachershavemadeallthe difference.

“EvenwhenIwasfrustrated, angryanddidn’twanttobehere,” hesaid,“Ididn’twanttoleave.”

ParkerAcademyprovidesprivate out-of-districtplacementsforstudentswithhighersupportneeds thancanbemetbythepublic schoolsystem.Gradesarerarely biggerthanfourstudents,andmany individualclassesenrollonlytwoor three.

There,Comptonmadeconnectionsandfoundacommunitythat supportedhisinterests.There,he grew.Hereflectedonthestrength ofthatcommunitywiththefamily, friendsandstaffwhofilledthe school’sparkinglotonFridayto celebrateitsclassoffourgraduates.

Sydney, your high school journey has been a standing‑ovation perfor mance from start to finish. From the stage to the classroom to the pag es of the yearbook, you’ve shown style, strength, and determination. You’ve pushed through challeng es with grace and grit, and you’ve

earned every success coming your way. As you head to Suffolk Univer sity to continue your artistic path, know that I am so proud of you and so honored to be your mom. Keep shining, keep creating, and keep be ing exactly who you are. I love you deeply. Love, Mom

Hestillremembershowone teacherpushedhimtobearole modelforthosearoundhimwhen hewasstrugglingtoadjust.He thankedhisfriends,too:“I’mgoing tomissthechessgamesduring lunch,”hesaid,addressingtheaudience.

Followinggraduation,Compton hopestobecomeachesscoach.He nowplayscompetitivelyandhas talkedwithchesstutorsaboutpursuingthatpaththroughtheMajor ChoiceProgram,whichParker Academyoffersinconnectionwith N.H.BureauofVocationalRehabilitation.

Comptonreceivedtwohonors duringtheceremony:theReflect, Reset,RiseAboveAwardforhis growthinreflectingonhimselfand thePhoenixAward,whichisgiven tostudentswhoembodythe school’sfiery-featheredmascot.

PrincipalGinelleJohnsonpresented theaward,highlightingCompton’s abilityandwillingnesstomeetany challengehefaces.

DanielleKrautmann,theschool’s CEO,directorandoccupational therapist,spokehighlyofthecommunitythatupliftedParker’sstudentsandthattheyhad,themselves,helpedtobuild.Thesmall, casualceremonywasfullofthe communityshespokeof.

Studentsrantogreetalumniand formerteachers,andgroupsquickly formedaseveryonemingledtogether.

Krautmannfocusedonthe growththefourgraduateshad shownintheirtimeatParker. Whilethestudentshadallcomethe schoolatdifferenttimesandfordifferentreasons,theyallmadestrides intheirlearning.

TheceremonyclosedwithaperformancebyCompton,fellowstudentJadaBlanchetteandmusic teacherHunterBolduc,whoisalso aParkerAcademyalum.

Compton,whohasbeenheavily involvedintheschool’smusicprogram,typicallyplays‘PompandCircumstance’atgraduations.This year,hechosetoperform“AdventureofaLifetim”’byColdplay.

Thesong,hesaid,capturedhis journeyandthatofothersfinding theirplaceatParkerAcademy.

Sydney Kohalmi Pembroke Academy

ALEX MILLER / FOR THE MONITOR

TimothyCompton,a studentatParkerAcademy,performs “Adventure of a Lifetime” during the graduation ceremony on Friday.

ALEX MILLER / FOR THE MONITOR

Timothy Compton, a student at Parker Academy, speaks during the graduation ceremony on June 5, 2026 in Concord.

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‘Seeing what the world needs’

Graduates bring their passion from classroom into the future

By RACHEL WACHMAN Concord Monitor

PembrokeAcademydidn’t haveanenvironmentalclub whenEmmaSettleswasa freshman.Thenextyear,shehelped createone.

Fromorganizingschooltrash pickupsandtrailcleanupsatBear BrookStateParktocollecting1,000 poundsofplasticbagsovertwo years,Settlesrelishedeveryopportunitytogetherhighschoolpeers involved.

“Ourhealthisreflectedthrough theenvironment’shealthaswell. AndIjustwanttoeducatepeople aboutthat,”shesaid.

Whenshestartedhighschool fouryearsago,shehadlittleidea whatshewantedtodoafterward. Now,asshetossedherforestgreen capintotheairatDeltaDentalStadiumonWednesdaynightalongside161othergraduates,Settles hadaclearvisionofherfuture onethatshecreditsherschoolfor helpingcrystallize.

Anhonorsbiologyclassandmany conversationswithherSpanish teacher,ChristineFerguson,expandedSettles’shorizons.

“Justseeingwhattheworldneeds andhowwecanbethechangethat wewishtoseeisreallycool,”said Settles,whotransformedherloveof theoutdoorsintoconcreteplansto becomeaconservationofficer.In thefall,she’llbeginstudyinghuman ecologyatTheCollegeoftheAtlanticinBarHarbor,Maine.

SettlescreditsFergusonforbelievinginherdreams.

“Shereallymotivatedmetogo intoactivismwithintheenvironmentandthenalsopushingother studentstoreachtheirpotential,” saidSettles,whoalsoservedasthe presidentoftheSpanishHonorsSocietyandaco-captainofthegirls’ tennisteam.

Herclassmates,too,hittheir stridesindifferentwaysoverthe pastfewyears.

DominicDavisfoundcamaraderieinthosearoundhim,beit throughthesoccerteamorhis classes.

“I’mgoingtomissthecommunity part,”hesaid.“Itfeelslikeabig familyalmost,especiallywith

himself withhisdadasarole model.

“Nothingismoretragicthannot livingyourlifebecauseyou’re afraidofdying,”hesaid.“And nothingismoretragicthanreaching theendofyourlifeonlytorealize youspentittryingtobesomebody else.”

Ashissonspoke,MatthewBenard satonthefieldamongtheotherfacultymembers,beamingwithpride. Thosearoundhim,too,haveseen thegraduatesblossomoverthepast fouryears.

“Whotheywerewhentheywere littlefreshman,howmuchgrowth they’vehadandperseveredthrough alotofhardshipsandchallenges, that’swhyIlikecoming,”saidoutreachcounselorAmberZmuda. “Someofthem,walkingacrossthe stageisjustincredible.I’msoproud ofthem.”

sports.ItfeelslikeeverytimeIstep onthefield,I’mjustplayingwith mybrothers.”

Heplanstostudybusinessand exploredigitalmarketing,firstat NHTIthenattheUniversityofNew Hampshire.

“Themostmeaningfulpartof highschoolformehasjustbeen makingatonoffriendsandbasing everythingIdooffofthepeopleI metinhighschool,”headded.

ForElliotKroll,who,likeDavis, livesinEpsom,highschoolbrought thelessonthat“ifyouwantsomething,yougottogoforit.”

Krolllongdreamedofbeingan EMTbutdidnotgetintotheprogramatConcordRegionalTechnicalCenterthefirsttimearound. Heappliedagainandenrolledasa senior,takingasupplementalclass outsideofschoolandputtingin manylatenights.

GraduatingWednesdayevening asanEMTcandidate,Krolleagerly lookedtothefuture,embracingthe unknownwhileremainingconfidentinhisabilitytomakehis dreamsareality.

“Ilearnedthatifyoureallywant something,youcan’twaitforitand waitfortheperfecttime,”Kroll said.“Becauseyouknow,peopleare alwayslike,‘Ohit’snottheright timetodothis.Idon’tthinkthisisa goodtime.’Lifeisshort.”

ValedictorianKevinBenardofferedsomewordsofwisdomtohis peersonWednesdayevening,recountinganexperiencefromtheir seniortriptoFairlee,Vt.

Hestumbleduponawooded castletowerwithamessageinscribedatthetop:“Nothingismore tragicthannotlivingyourlifebecauseyou’reafraidoffailure,or dying.”

Benardspentthepastyear mullingoverthesewords,parsing aparttheirmeaning.

“Sometimeswearen’tafraidof failurebut,rather,we’reafraidof becomingourselves.Wespendso muchofourlivesmeasuringourselvesagainststandardsthatwe nevercreated,”hetoldthecrowdof graduates,teachers,relativesand friends.“Weworryaboutwhatcollegewe’llgetinto,whatjobswe’ll have,howmuchmoneywe’llmake, whethereveryonearoundusthinks we’resuccessful.Wespendsomuch timetryingtoliveuptoexpectations,weforgettoaskwhether thoseexpectationswereeverours tobeginwith.”

Herecountedhowhisfather, MatthewBenard,adecades-long teacheratPembrokeAcademy,set animpeccableexampleofhowtobe amaninthisworld.Benardlearned, however,thathedidn’tneedtobecomehisdad.Hejustneededtobe

SchoolCounselorBarbara Michaudhaseveryconfidencein thestudents’abilitytosucceed.

“Hardworkanddetermination, andyoufindyourplaceincommunity,”shesaid.

Settles,forone,iswellonher way.Sheplanstohike50milesof theAppalachianTrailattheendof thesummerforanorientationtrip beforedivingintoherstudies.

Astheceremonyprogressed,she satamongherclassmates,their greengownsmatchingthestadium seats.Forher,themomentrepresentedaculminationofallher learning.

Beyondthat,highschoolprovidedhertheopportunitytolean onothers,includingteachersand friends.

“I’maveryindependentperson, soIthinkthehardestorthemost difficultthingwas,Idon’tknow, goingoutofmycomfortzoneand askingforhelp,”shesaid.

Assheentersthenextchapter, herdedicationtothenaturalworld growsmoresteadfastthanever.

“Trytofigureoutsomethingthat youloveandyoucanactuallygoto workeverydaynotnecessarilywith asmileonyourfacebutwithagoget-itattitude,becauseyou’regoing tobedoingthatforalongtimeand it’simportantthatyouenjoywhat youdo,”shesaid.

ALEX MILLER / FOR THE MONITOR

Pembroke Academy studentstoss their caps incelebration after receiving diplomas during graduation on June 10, 2026 in Manchester.

Alternate route to graduation

Seven earn diplomas after leaving traditional high school format

By CLARA MACDOW Concord Monitor

MariahJamesoncameto graduationwithamessage.

Ontopofhermortarboardforall tosee,shepastedthewords,“I wantedtogiveupbutIremembered whowaswatching.”

“Iwouldn’thavegraduated” withoutSecondStart,Jamesonsaid.

SecondStartoffersclassessostudentscanearnahighschool diplomafromtheirsendinghigh school,withadditionalprograms teachinglife,socialandworkskills.

JamesoncametoSecondStart afterleavingConcordHigh.She thrivedattheschool,withits smallerclasssizes,supportive teachersandhands-onlearningenvironmentthatallowsstudentsto discoverandexploretheirinterests attheirownpace.

Shewasoneofsevengraduates whogatheredFridaynightinthe WesleyUnitedMethodistChurch onClintonStreetinConcordtocelebratetheirgraduationfromtheal-

Jamesonformedaparticularly closerelationshipwithMichelle Ball,whoteachesphysicaleducationandtransitiontoemployment.

“Sheknowswhatshewants,”Ball saidwithprideaboutJameson’s dedicationtoachievingherdreams, highlightingthatevenwhenher othercreditswerecompleted,she stillshowedupandgaveherallto Ball’sphysicaleducationclasses, havingfunwithherbestfriendand fellowgraduate,KayleighHall.

Wherethetworeallyconnected wasinthetransitiontoemployment classesBalltaught.Intheseclasses, professionalsfromavarietyofindustriescometotalkwithstudents aboutwhatitisliketoworkinsaid industries.Jamesonfoundinterest andpassioninhairandeventually decidedshewantedtobecomea cosmetologist.

ternativehighschool.

Agreenbannercongratulating theClassof2026greetedtheattendeesinthelobby,wheregraduates gatheredwithfriends,familyand teacherstotakepictures.Greenbal-

loonslinedtheaisleleadingupto thestage.

Forthesmallcrowdgatheredin thechurchpews,thiseventwasmomentous,anachievementsome thoughttheywouldnevermake.

Jameson,withhercreditscompleted,hasbeenspendingher summerhangingoutwithher friendsatthebeachandislooking forwardtostartingattheEmpire BeautySchoolinthefall.

GEOFF FORESTER / FOR THE MONITOR

Second Start graduate Mariah Jameson flashes the victory sign during the ceremony at Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord on Friday night, June 5, 2026.

GEOFF FORESTER / FOR THE MONITOR

The writing on Destiny Locke's cap at the Second Start graduation at the Wesley United Methodist Church on Friday night.

‘We are changemakers’

Small graduating class shows big promise and a healthy dose of humor PITTSFIELD

By ALEXANDER RAPP Concord Monitor

Therewasaspecialandunique toastforthePittsfieldMiddle HighSchoolgraduatingclass.

SeniorJoaquinSalasandkeynote speakerLoganLaRoche,asocial studiesteacher,tooklargeforkfuls ofpastaonstage.Theychowed downgladly.Itwasonlyappropriateforthegraduationoccasion.

Threeyearsago,duringatalent show,studentsshowcasedallsorts ofskills.Music,singing,dancing anything.Salasdecidedtoshowoff hiscompetitiveeatingskills.The

ensuingapplausethatdayshowed LaRochejusthowtight-knitthe schoolwas.

Salasalsoperformedarendition of“SomewhereOnlyWeKnow”by Keanewiththechorus.Hehelped turngraduationintoabitofatalent show.

Beforethepastatoast,LaRoche madesuretoleavethemwith wordsofwisdomfromformer presidents,intypicalsocialstudies teacherfashion.

Saturday’sgraduationceremony forthesmallclassof24Pittsfield graduateshitonallthemoments thatmadetheirtimetherespecial.

SalutatorianAshleyClarkhadthe packedgymlaughingearlybyrecountingthemanymistakesshe madeinhighschool.Thebiggest mistake,shesaid,notsayinganythingatall.

Sheremindedherclasstospeak upwhentheythinktheyshould,to bebraveandtostepoutoftheir comfortzone.That’swhatgraduationisallabout,afterall.

“Thegraduatesbehindmewill notmakethesamemistakeImade