MONADNOCK LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT
GRADUATION 2026
JAFFREY-RINDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Conant Middle High School graduates Class of 2026
Orioles fly the nest
By ASHLEY SAARI Ledger-Transcript
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he Conant Middle High School Orioles flew the nest on Friday, as the 2026 graduating class walked the stage to accept their diplomas in the Franklin Pierce University field house. “At graduation time, we often use the word ‘commencement’ instead of graduation. The reason we prefer that word is because this time of transition, the first major one most people face in their lives, should, in the best scenario, be more of a beginning than an end,” said Principal David Dustin in his welcome speech. Dustin praised both the class and the community, pointing to the SEE CONANT PAGE 4 Graduates ready to receive their diplomas.
ASHLEY SAARI / LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Conant 2026 Graduates!
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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Harris Center announces scholarships
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England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital by creating and selling hand-painted reusable tote bags, jewelry and other sea-themed items. In high school, she continued her conservation work, including participating in a field ecology research trip to Belize to study coral reefs and rainforest ecology. Charron plans to attend River Valley Community College to study
he Harris Center for Conservation Education has named Heidi Bell of ConVal Regional High School and Kaiden Charron of Conant High School as recipients of its 2026 Environmental Leadership Scholarship Award. The $2,500 scholarships are awarded annually to two graduating seniors who have shown a commitment to environmental issues, a
passion for the natural world and an interest in creating positive change in their communities. The awards were presented during each school’s year-end awards ceremony. Bell plans to attend Northeastern University this fall to major in marine biology. Her interest in ocean conservation began at a young age, when she raised money for the New
CONANT FROM PAGE 2
lessons they’ve learned in their close-knit community as they go on in their lives, with the main message being, “Keep showing up.” Morgan Baker, the senior class advisor, spoke to the students, reminding them of the times they had spent together, reminiscing on made-up classroom sports, helping students — and students helping him — with car troubles in the ASHLEY SAARI / LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT ASHLEY SAARI / LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT parking lot, students single-handPrincipal David Dustin welcomes Senior Class President Emma Norris edly keeping class pets alive, going families to graduation. gives the farewell speech. on label-making sprees in his classroom, and becoming champions in fellow students to reach that goal: Class President Emma Norris Scattergories or pie-eating. perseverance. spoke to her classmates about the Baker said the class of 2026 “Looking back at the last four nostalgia of looking back, as they “never lacked personality, never years, I think one thing that many finished their high school careers. lacked energy, and somehow manof us have learned is that high “When I was a kid, I always aged to leave an impression on school rarely turns out exactly like wished to be like the older kids. every teacher they encountered.” you expected it would,” Bellofatto Now that I am one of the older “These graduates are a group of young people who made this school said. “One of the most important kids, I wish to be a kid again,” lessons high school has taught us is Norris said. “I wish to be sitting in a more interesting, more energetic, and more joyful place to be,” Baker that success cannot be measured by class doing timed multiplication said. a single number. Success can only tests and having fun at the As a class gift, Norris and fellow be found through persevering, and Christmas parties before Christmas every single one of us had to perse- break, or participating in field day class officers Spingola, Violet Bennett and Caroline Rockhill prevere to be here tonight. We had to or going on field trips, back when sented plans to redo the school’s push through all the challenges we life was about being a kid.” front garden and donate metal faced, even when it seemed imposShe also encouraged her fellow benches for outdoor seating. sible at times.” students to continue to apply the
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
class’s accolades, including high participation in Advanced Placement classes, and 23 students, or about a third of the class, earning distinction as New Hampshire Scholars. He also thanked the community for its contributions to the $100,000 in scholarships offered to graduating seniors this year. Valedictorian Sophia Spingola spoke on the first time she remembers having to think about what she wanted to do with her life — sitting in the pediatrician’s office at the ripe age of 7, she told her doctor she wanted to run a hot dog stand. She encouraged her fellow graduates to keep dreaming. “Every single one of us on this stage has a dream. A lawyer, a teacher, a doctor, each one different from the rest. But today, as I stand on this stage, I ask each one of you to dream something new. Dream to be different, dream to create change, dream to dissent, dream to stand in front of your peers and coworkers and say no to injustice, and finally dream to find a goal,” Spingola said. Salutatorian McKenna Bellofatto spoke of what it would take for her
business administration. He hopes to combine his interest in the outdoors with sustainable business practices by one day owning and operating a family campground focused on environmental stewardship. The scholarships are funded by an anonymous donor and are intended to support the next generation of environmental leaders.
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Conant Middle High School Class of 2026 Braeden Marshall Dion Richard Joseph Driscoll Dylan Michael Dubois Gabriel Ivan Fenton Kaleb Patrick Fenton Carlee Judith Flinkstrom Mia Angelina Garcia-Crevedi Sawyer WQuinn Gaudrealt Myiah Elizabeth Gauthier Veronika Nazely Geloran Dominic John Gnoza Chase Joseph Goguen Tegan Marie Greene Scarlett Lois Kay Griffitt Ronald Michael Guilmette Nex Harris Luke Walker Harnett Amelia Rose Hill
Jesse James Johnson Brady Joseph Karpinski Kaden Jacob Kirby Khloe Rose Kirby Chase Jarome Laffond Connor Evan Lajoie Jacob Michael Levesque Emily Lindsey Lewis Ella MacKenzie Little Miles Lynn Lundsted Nicholas James Marson Maddox Gerald Nordahl Emma Lacy Norris Amelia Mary Paquin Magin Paige Parmenter Tate Maverick Pawlowicz Athina Justine Pretto Delgado Helen Alice Quill
Noah James Reed Cody Jared Reini Caroline Rebekah Rockhill Cristina Navi Roeun Ava Nicole Rollins James Robert Schwertz Chase Adams Seppala Drey Ethan Seppala Makayla Marlene Shelley-Clay Noah Robert Short Allies Anna Sisombath Sabina Noelle Smith Sophia Rita Singola Alise Grace Sulin Riley Grace Vitello Kailyn Faith Wade Tyler Allen Weston Alex Wood
THE STEPHEN C. RECORD SCHOLARSHIP to the recipients of this year’s Scholarship: Sophia Spingola Amelia Hill Braedon Dion Awarded for excellence in sports, academic achievement, and community service
Congratulations Class of
STEPHEN RECORD SCHOLARSHIP FUND P.O. BOX 14, JAFFREY, NH 03452
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Special Congratulations
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Valedictorian: Sophia Spingola Salutatorian: McKenna Bellofatto Lia Raili Aho Sharlise Madelyn Aho Djileyr Excel Fourier Assi Gracie Adams Aucoin Destanee Rose Baird Sophia Marie Battisti Gary Alan Beaton McKenna Rae Bellofatto Violet Grace Bennett Charles Evan Burrage Kaiden James Charron Analiese Bishop Deaton Joshua Christopher Demanche Isabella Grant Demmons
JAFFREY-RINDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Leadership change at RMS New co-assistant principals appointed to run elementary school By ASHLEY SAARI
the wonderful work that is taking place in our school,” said Gallagher. Dean echoed this sentiment, he Jaffrey-Rindge School Dissaying, “I look forward to the adtrict has announced the appointment of two elementary ministrative opportunity to work alongside Jimmy Gallagher at RMS. assistant principals for Rindge Memorial School, which will make RMS has been my ‘home’ for the up the new leadership team for the past 23 years, and I want the staff within the building to know I am inschool. vested in supporting them through The current principal of RMS, Nicola Fraley, submitted her notice this next change process. We will of resignation in May. She has been maintain collaborative systems where all staff and community the principal since 2022. She has been hired as the new principal for members unite and support the acathe Greenfield Elementary School. demic growth of learners, so that they can thrive each day as well as Heather Dean and James Galshape the goals and expectations of lagher will now co-lead the school the school.” as assistant principals. Dean had been with the district Both Dean and Gallagher are long-time employees of the district. since 2003, including as a classroom “I am very excited to take on ad- teacher for Kindergarten, first and second grade. For the past four ministrative duties with Heather Dean at RMS. RMS is a special place years, she has served as the district with an amazing staff and commu- mentor coordinator. Dean holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary nity. I look forward to continuing Ledger-Transcript
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Heather Dean and James Gallagher will now co-lead the school as assistant principals.
ucation from Keene State College. Gallagher attended the Teacher Leadership Academy in 2023. Superintendent Reuben Duncan expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, “Heather and James are both exceptional educators who understand the unique needs of our students Education from Plymouth State and community. Their leadership University and a Master of School will help us continue to provide a Administration from Keene State nurturing and invigorating learning College. In 2019, she attended the environment at Rindge Memorial 2019 Teacher Leadership Academy School.” cohort, developed by the district in The district will hold a meet-andpartnership with Keene State Colgreet for Dean and Gallagher at Rindge Memorial School on June 9, lege. from 6 to 7 p.m., where parents and Gallagher has been with the discommunity members can meet the trict since 2016, working as a spenew co-leaders and discuss their vicial education teacher and case sion for the school. manager. He holds a Bachelor of For more information, contact Arts in Liberal Studies from Saint Reuben Duncan at 603-532-8122 Anselm College, a Master’s in Philosophy from Boston College, and a ext. 290 or by email at r.duncan@ Master’s in Education in Special Ed- sau47.org.
Congratulations
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Cody Reini and Conant CLASS OF 2026!
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MASCENIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Highbridge Hill assistant principal retires Lisa Wilkinson has spent almost 40 years in education By KIERA MCLAUGHLIN
who retired five years ago. After buying a house in Florida, she and her husband have discussed fter close to 40 years as an edspending their winters in the sunny ucator and more than 25 climate. years as an EMT, Lisa “We want to be able to enjoy that Wilkinson, assistant principal at house and enjoy retirement toHighbridge Hill Elementary, has gether,” she said. learned to think on her feet. Over the years, Wilkinson feels Whether she’s greeting students grateful for the people who have in the morning or riding in an amsupported her along the way. bulance at night, no day is the “I’ve had lots of support. Whether same. it was support from administrators “It’s making decisions based on when I was teaching or support the information you have,” from other teachers or support from Wilkinson said. parents and families,” she said. As this school year comes to a Saunders wrote he feels the “utclose, Wilkinson is retiring as an edmost respect for her as a person and ucator, with hopes to slow down KIERA MCLAUGHLIN / LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT a professional.” during the day but continue as an Lisa Wilkinson at her desk surrounded by the notes and messages from “She will be a tremendous loss for EMT. students and coworkers. the school and the community as “I want to go out when I still have she moves into retirement,” he energy, when I’m still positive, “She takes the work seriously and stant. I like doing it,” she said. added. when I’m still passionate,” she said. has a great deal of care and compasStill, Wilkinson knows she will While she said she feels excited to ‘I love being a part of it.’ sion for everyone in the Highbridge never be bored in retirement. retire, leaving is bittersweet. She is looking forward to having “The Mascenic community is a Wilkinson joined the Highbridge community. While she is often the one managing student discipline, time to clean, garden and golf, but great community. They rise up, and Hill team 10 years ago as a school they help each other,” she said. she also conveys to students that also spend time with her husband, administrator. Before that, she she has their backs and that it is her taught eighth-grade English for 25 job to make sure everyone is safe years at Jaffrey-Rindge Middle School, then stayed as assistant while here at Highbridge,” he wrote principal for four years. in an email. She credits the longevity of her He remembers when he first took 39-year career to her transition to on the role of principal three years Highbridge Hill. ago and having to constantly ask “For me, working at the elemenWilkinson questions. “She just had tary level has been a real career re- such a great understanding of the juvenator.” school and the community.” Her office walls and shelf space “It wasn’t for some time before I are filled with coloring pages, think she felt comfortable letting thank-you notes and inside jokes on her sense of humor come out with Post-its from students and me. It still often takes me and others coworkers. by surprise when she has a great “I love being a part of it. The staff one-liner,” he wrote. here is wonderful,” Wilkinson said. While her role has changed from Instant gratitude teacher to administrator, she still In addition to teaching full time, loves to build relationships with the Wilkinson remembers starting as an students. EMT in 2000 at Jaffrey-Rindge “When these kids get off the bus Memorial Ambulance. in the morning, they are smiling ear One night, her friend brought her to ear. They hug, they love, they are as a plus-one to a bring-a-friend kind, and I’m able to have an impact event at the station, and she hasn’t by teaching them … I’m teaching stopped since. them the consequences of their acJust like at school, no shift is identions, thinking before doing, what tical. “There’s no way to tell,” she the expression, ‘I’m sorry,’ means,” said. she said. Wilkinson said she really enjoys Chris Saunders, principal of High- helping people when they need it. bridge Hill Elementary, confirmed “You’re arriving to help someone Wilkinson is just as wonderful as at a time of need or the scariest day the staff. of their lives … the gratitude is inLedger-Transcript
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Class of 2026
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Conant High School
MASCENIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Mascenic Class of 2026
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Drew Anderson — Lakes Region Community College Olivia Archambault — Fitchburg State University Emily Ashour — Keene State College William Austin — United States Army Ava Beauregard — New England College Alexys Bernard — Employment Brooke Bishop — Keene State College (Salutatorian) Dylan Callahan — Bryant University Victor Cappas — Employment Leeannah Cora — Nashua Community College Holly Cormier — Fitchburg State University Allison Csikany — Saint Anselm College (Valedictorian) Wesley Desrosiers — Mount Wachusett Community College Alaina DesSureault — Employment James Dye — Continuing Education
Thomas Edgar — Employment Madelyn Elliott — Employment Charlotte Fortier — Keene State College Joseph Fortin — Employment Katelyn Geanuracos — Continuing Education Zavian Gill — Employment Sienna Gregory — Fitchburg State University Elizabeth Guerin — Employment Ava Haavisto — Keene State College Evelyn Holman — Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Allison Hughes — Employment Laila Jacob — Employment Kayson Jacques — New Hampshire Technical Institute Peter Juchnevics — Employment Jenna Knisley — Mount Wachusett Community College Ava Krook — Keene State College Payton Lafreniere — New Hampshire Technical Institute Logan Lambert — Employment
Keegan Little — Community College Anna Long — Mount Wachusett Community College Serena Luongo — Continuing Education/Italy Gabriella Muhonen — Mount Wachusett Community College Kali Norton — Nashua Community College Matthew O’Connor — Nashua Community College Erin O’Shea — Franklin Pierce University Kaitlin O’Shea — Franklin Pierce University Evan Ordemann — Nashua Community College Blake Orosz — Nashua Community College Charles Phillips — Employment Elijah Piche — Employment Shayla Saari — Employment Chase Sasner — Mount Wachusett Community College Landon Scott — University of Maine, Orono
Brody Shaw — Eastern Kentucky University Finnian Shippee — Nashua Community College Belle St. Cyr — University of Evansville (Indiana) Lyla Stauffeneker — Holistic Academy of Natural Disciplines Alejandra Suarez-Cotrina — PostSecondary Education Addison Traffie — Nashua Community College Madalyn Vaillancourt — Employment Kyra Veilleux — Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Deviny Viglione — Nashua Community College Cayden Walden — Monty Tech Trade School Angel Williams-Lamarre — UMass Lowell Zachary Wilson — University of New Hampshire Thomas Wylie — Nashua Community Collegeommunity College
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalms 126:3 (NIV)
MASCENIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
'Meant to live, not just keep up' Mascenic grads reflect on connection, growth at commencement
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he Mascenic Regional High School gymnasium was full of anticipation as the class of 2026 lined up outside on Friday. “These past four years we’ve made a lot of memories together, which is true, but I’ve known most of you for the past 12 years. And for those that I have met, I’m glad to have met you and we were able to share our high school experience together,” Dylan Callahan, treasurer of the class, said in the class officer reflection speech. All 62 graduates sat on the stage facing the crowd during the ceremony, allowing loved ones to take countless photos. In his speech, Callahan referenced the many years the class spent together, most of them knowing each other since elementary school, and the bond they all shared. He paid tribute to the annual fourth-grade “Living Museum Project,” where students choose an important figure in the community to memorialize. “Looking back, I can see how much, but also how little people have changed … I do not know your personal goals and aspirations, but I can see, however, that you adopted the qualities of the people that you found inspirational, and this is how people grow,” Callahan said. The salutatorian, Brooke Bishop, encouraged her peers to engage during her speech. She spoke in place of the valedictorian, Allison Csikany. “Yes, hard work is necessary. You
“You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So, get on your way.” should give your full effort at every moment, but we can’t lose sight of the fact that we are meant to live, not just keep up,” Bishop said. She also noted how grateful she was for the phone ban implemented this past year. “It opened the door to new relationships that may not have ever happened otherwise … We made the decision to engage with one another, whether it was our closest friend or a peer we’d never spoken to before,” she said. Bishop and Callahan joined the rest of the class council to present the class gifts to the school, doGraduates process into the gym. nating their remaining funds to Boynton Middle School sports and new stairs to the stage for future graduates to receive their diplomas. This year they used plastic aerobic step platforms. Soon after, the students presented flowers to family members and friends as a form of appreciation for their support over the years. Cassie Peterson, social studies teacher and class advisor, left the class of 2026 with a quote from the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” “You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So, get on your way.”
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Class of 2026
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Ledger-Transcript
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By KIERA MCLAUGHLIN
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
MASCENIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
District mourns the loss of beloved teacher Jennifer Labelle died suddenly in April By ASHLEY SAARI Ledger-Transcript
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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n mid-April, the Mascenic school community said goodbye to longtime teacher Jennifer Lynn LaBelle, who died at 55 following a sudden, life-threatening medical condition. In her memory, the 2026 eighth-grade class awarded a $200 scholarship as its class gift. It went to graduating senior Charlotte Fortier, who LaBelle plans to study education and wrote an essay her teacher would have appreciated — grammatically perfect. That was something LaBelle would have been proud of. LaBelle’s colleague Carolyn Cormier read a eulogy during LaBelle’s funeral, co-written with 10 of her colleagues. Cormier joked that since LaBelle joined Mascenic as a reading and writing teacher, she had loved words, sentences, and things “not many people like … like grammar.” LaBelle, a Temple resident and graduate of Mascenic Regional High School, earned a Master of Education in elementary education from the University of New Hampshire. In 1994, she married Jeff LaBelle at the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge. Together, they had two sons, Chase and Ian. The couple would have celebrated 32 years of marriage this year. Beyond the classroom, LaBelle loved the outdoors and hands-on creativity — snowmobiling, motorcycling, crafting stained glass and hosting friends. Cormier described how LaBelle showed affection for friends and the school community, organizing gatherings and appointing herself cruise director of the Boynton Love Boat, a group of colleagues who regularly met to talk and share life together. “She had a story and a song for every situation and she was known
for singing and laughing through the school halls with Alice [Wolfe]. She had a unique and contagious laugh and a good singing voice,” Cormier said. LaBelle kept a playlist ready for just the right moment — “Money, Money, Money” for a math unit, or “Hammer Time” recast as “Grammar Time.” Marlowe Gautreau, who taught alongside LaBelle for 16 years, called her “one of the friendliest people I know.” “That’s not just a nice thing to say,” Gautreau said. “She truly invested in people. We teachers, when we’re reminiscing about her, often joke about how she would be at school long after everyone else had left … but the truth of it is that she spent many, many after-school hours talking to people, or more importantly, listening to people.” And it wasn’t just fellow teachers LaBelle invested in, Gautreau said. She considered anyone in the building her friend. “Jen was wholehearted. Anything she did, she did well. If she committed to something she was all in,” Gautreau said. “Jen was a blessing to her students and their families; to her colleagues and all the staff because of these traits. She truly is one of the best teachers I know.” “Mrs. LaBelle made her students feel seen and truly cared for,” Cormier said. “Her ‘LaBellians,’ as she would call them, were her No. 1 priority.” Whether that meant creating a reading nook out of an old bathtub, providing rides to and from tutoring, or sharing a blanket when students were cold, Cormier said LaBelle made it her mission to know each student and committed to spending real time with them. LaBelle’s family has asked that those who knew her pay forward her gift of kindness to a friend, neighbor, elder or someone in need.
MASCENIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Lions Club presents scholarships
COURTESY
Mascenic Regional High School seniors Deviny Viglione, Drew Anderson and Brooke Bishop are presented scholarship awards by Brenda Salmonson of the Souhegan Lions Club.
Congratulations graduates!
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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ConVal High School Class of 2026
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Cronin, Ava Cummings, Madelyn Cyr-Underwood, Judah Damata, Charles Davison, Jazmin Deschenes, Mason Dodge, Alia Dube, Alexa Dube, Violette Durgin, Makayla Eliopoulos, Nora Ellis, Miranda Emanuelson, Ayden Flynn, Thomas Gagne, Cameron Gammon, Avaya Gochee, Gage Gonzales, Jace Gonzalez ,Michael Goodwin Jr., Dale Graves, Lilly Guislin, Matthew Hagelberg, Mae Hall, Tucker Hamlin, Alyssa Hardwick, III Donald Harris, Kendall Hatmaker, August Heider, Riley Hellwig, Amelie Hendrickson, Arianna Henley,Joseph Higgins, Killian Hilton, Taylor Hodgen, Joseph Hollingsworth-Gold, Craig Houle, Charles Howland, Emma Hutchinson, Cleopatra Huxley, McKenna
Janis, Nathan Kalvaitis, Nakoa Kalvaitis, Surasa Kekuewa-Colon, Remy Kelley, Evan Kemp, Madison Kimball, Gabriel Kleeberg, Brooke Lambert, Carson Lamothe, Makayla Lamothe, Aubree Laurie, Anna Lavoie, Kyra LeBlanc, Leo Lenehan, Arrianna Lyons, Evan MacKenzie-Hartwell, Henry Mackie, Sara MacNeely, Finnegan Magee, Ian Maggs, Campbell Maki, Lillian Marony, Aidan Marshall, Zadie Mattson, Bryanna Mays, Serenity McCarthy, Savannah McClusky, Rowan McKay, Samantha Medeiros, Evolytt Merchant, Jayden Michaud, Benjamin Michaud, Maisie Millbauer, Megan Minckler, Gavin Morris, Lucy Mueller, Laura Niemela, Gavin Ouellette, Bryanna
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CONVAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Class of 2026 crosses the stage
In an age of AI, ConVal principal tells grads: Your thinking still matters
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onVal High School was blessed with a perfect summer day for its 55th commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 15. The school awarded 148 diplomas to graduates. After thanking families, friends, guardians, and the high school faculty and staff for their support in helping graduates achieve their goals, Principal Heather McKillop spoke to the graduating seniors about the unprecedented role of AI in students’ lives. “Today, we are celebrating a remarkable achievement. You are closing one chapter and stepping into another: one filled with possibility, uncertainty and opportunity; and you are doing so at a moment when ‘answers’ have never been easier to find,” McKillop said. “With a few keystrokes, you can generate ideas, information, and even advice. Artificial intelligence is powerful, and it can be a very good tool. But this is what I want you to remember: in a world full of answers, your thinking still matters.” McKillop urged graduates to value their personal perspective on the world around them. “No technology, no matter how advanced, can know what you noticed. It cannot know what challenged you, what moved you, what made you pause, and what changed your mind,” she said. “It cannot know what it felt like to struggle, what it felt like to belong, to fail, to try again, or to finally understand. You are your own database, built over years of lived experience. No system can replicate it,
your intelligence, and your passion,” she said. “Being surrounded by people with that kind of brilliance is transformative.” Marshall said she spent the weeks before graduation asking friends, family, and people in the community: “If you could go back and tell your graduating self one thing, what would it be?” “I realized I was gravely underqualified and should not be giving a JESSECA TIMMONS/LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT field full of my peers life advice,” Graduates recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Marshall said. “My speech today is a compilation of some of my favorite responses.” The advice Marshall received advised graduates to slow down, live in the moment, be kind, work hard, and trust in the process. “Love who you are now, and be excited for who you will become,” Marshall said. “Don’t give up when life gets hard, because challenges and obstacles are part of success. Remember that you are a product of your habits. Don’t forget to have grit, because rarely will success just fall into your lap.” Marshall praised the many experiences ConVal had provided her classmates, including the annual Day of JESSECA TIMMONS/LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT Service. ConVal principal Heather McKillop addresses the crowd. “We put our individual selves aside to build something great, as a team,” she said. and you are not replaceable.” achieve your dreams.” “Success looks different for evAll the student speakers, including Bates lauded the achievements of eryone. Every single one of us is on a Valedictorian Hadley Bates, Salutaher classmates, including “comtorian Zadie Marshall and Brayden bating climate change, saving sea tur- different path, moving at a different Boice, spoke about their strong tles, flying planes, and creating beau- pace, and for a different purpose.” Special Education Department bonds with their classmates and the tiful art.” chair, coach and English teacher inspiration they took from their “Your hard work, devotion and Tyler Mudrick presented the ConVal fellow graduates. perseverance have gotten you to Faculty and Staff Award. where you are today. I am continuBates told the crowd: “If I can beSEE CONVAL PAGE 14 ally astonished by your creativity, come valedictorian, you can all
Our caps are off to the teachers!
For all your hard work throughout the years to ensure a successful graduation for so many students. Thank you from the
Congratulations to the
Class of 2026!
20-30 Depot Street • Peterborough, NH • (603) 924-3086
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Ledger-Transcript
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By JESSECA TIMMONS
CONVAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
District presents scholarships, awards By JESSECA TIMMONS
First Seth Fowler scholarships awarded his death in October 2025.
Over $185,000 in financial aid donated by 36 different businesses, local nonprofits, and private donors was presented to members of the Class of 2026 at ConVal’s annual Scholarship Night June 10 in the ConVal gym. ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars, a chapter of the national Dollars for Scholars organization, awarded $76,000 in scholarships to ConVal seniors, including individual scholarships ranging from $5,000 to
$15,000. The program also pairs students with mentors to help guide them through the transition to college. A total of 45 members of the class of 2026 received scholarships, which can be applied toward trade certifications and tools, college tuition and course fees, books, equipment, supplies, and other expenses. Jeff and Kathy Fowler, the parents of Seth Fowler, ConVal Class of 2025, presented the inaugural Seth
Fowler Memorial Scholarships to two members of the Class of 2026. The scholarships were awarded to Elijaiha Torres and Degan Wing for pursuing training in the trades in welding and linework. “We are so proud to be able to help these two men start their careers,” Kathy Fowler said at the ceremony. Seth Fowler was apprenticing in automotive repair at Fowler Automotive and Fowler Fabrication and Design in Greenfield at the time of
CONVAL FROM PAGE 13
and this student worked hard for everything they have accomplished. Another faculty member described this student as ‘completely committed to personal growth,’ as this student has overcome significant challenges and setbacks in their personal life, meeting them head on, and never letting them deter them from the goals they have set for themselves.” Mudrick described the student’s transformation over four years at
ConVal, and their evolution from a “self-described difficult student” to a mentor and leader in the school. “This student is fearless, dedicated, relentless, and dedicated for such greatness. This student will be attending a college, a goal that at one point they never thought was possible,” Mudrick said. “Now that dream is a reality this student has built for themselves, and the faculty has been overjoyed to see this student turn into a well-respected
Ledger-Transcript
“I could stand here and speak all day long about a number of graduates sitting in front of me, but this award is for one of you, specifically,” Mudrick said. “Our faculty describes this student as instrumental in making things happen, both in our school and our wider community. The word ‘inspiring’ was a common theme among faculty members when describing this student. This is a student for whom nothing came easy,
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Congratulations Sarah Rowan Liam Surasa Ava Peterborough, NH (603) 567-4130 New London, NH (603) 526-4032 Claremont, NH (603) 542-8882 Lebanon, NH (603) 448-6551
www.huberts.com
Whitney Adair: Grand Monadnock Rotary Club GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Alexandra Akerley: Dr. Herbert Flewelling Scholarship Damien Allen: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship; Michael Gallagher Memorial Scholarship Liam Armstrong: ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars PJ
SEE CONVAL PAGE 15
leader for our ConVal community. Words cannot express how incredibly proud of her I am.” Mudrick presented the faculty award to Alida Brissette of Bennington. The class of 2026 selected their classmate Jordan Sweet of Greenfield to play “The Star-Spangled Banner” on electric guitar. Sweet is the lead guitarist for the metal band “Under the Horizon,” which includes Class of 2025 graduate Matt Palmer.
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Scholarship Nora Eliopoulos: Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship; Hari Simran Scholarship; ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars Scholarship; Peterborough Woman’s Club Janet G. Reilly Memorial Scholarship Michael Gonzalez: Pops Wescott Scholarship Mae Hagelberg: Silent Servant Scholarship Alyssa Hamlin: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Kendall Harris: ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars Mary Lou O’Neil Scholarship; Dr. James W. Jameson Scholarship Riley Heider: ConVal Education Association Scholarship; Daniel A. Blanchette Scholarship Remy Kekuewa-Colon: Edward French Memorial Scholarship Madison Kemp: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Makayla Lamothe: ConVal Education Association Scholarship Sara Mackie: Doris Belcher Scholarship; Friends of ConVal Athletics Scholarship; Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship Zadie Marshall: Contoocook Valley Board of Realtors Scholarship; Hari Simran Scholarship Bryanna Mattson: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship
Megan Millbauer: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Gavin Minckler: Dublin Community Scholarship; Timothy J. Donaruma Memorial Scholarship Lucy Morris: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Bryanna Ouellette: Amy Zaluki Stone ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars Scholarship; Mary Lou O’Neil Scholarship; Diane McClintock Scholarship; Dr. James W. Jameson Scholarship Jack Phelps: David Day Memorial Scholarship Brielle Proctor: Beverly N. Tenney Scholarship; Dr. James W. Jameson Scholarship; Keith M. Sullivan Foundation Scholarship Charley Pyle-Cunningham: Adam Vaillancourt Roofing, LLC Scholarship; ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars PJ O’Rourke Scholarship; Grand Monadnock Rotary Club Scholarship; Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship; Kiwanis Club of Peterborough Ann Geisel Memorial Community Service Award; Monadnock Roller Derby Scholarship; Peterborough Woman’s Club Scholarship Adeline Regis: Derek Witherell Memorial Scholarship Fund; Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship; Hari Simran Scholarship Ema Richardson: Joan C. Schnare Scholarship; Keith M. Sullivan Foun-
Graduation isn’t the end of the journey...
It’s the beginning of a beautiful one!
HELFRIED ZRZYZAVY / COURTESY
Degan Wing was one of two students who were awarded the Seth Fowler memorial scholarship.
dation Scholarship; Todd Warner Burgess Memorial Scholarship Cillian Robbins: Dr. James W. Jameson Scholarship; GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Cayden Sullivan: ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars Scholarship; Dr. James W. Jameson Scholarship Elijaiha Torres: Seth Fowler Memorial Scholarship Liam Webb: ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars Mary Lou O’Neil Scholarship Nora Whicker: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Harley Wilson: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Degan Wing: Edward French Memorial Scholarship; Seth Fowler Memorial Scholarship
Congratulations
to ALEX AKERLEY and all of the
Congratulations Mia and the entire graduating class of 2026!
2026
ConVal Graduates! Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization
Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care (603) 924-3691 • jennifer.boyd@scott-farrar.com
10 Main Street, Peterborough, NH • 603-924-7155 NE-488015
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
O’Rourke Scholarship; Dublin Community Scholarship Opale Barrick: Peter Michael Abbott Scholarship Heidi Bell: Angel St. Pierre Scholarship; Harris Center Environmental Leadership Award; Peterborough Lions Club Scholarship Brayden Boice: Peter Michael Abbott Scholarship Nora Bond: Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship Alida Brissette: ConVal Community Dollars for Scholars John Vance Scholarship; Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship Wesley Brisson: Dr. James W. Jameson Scholarship Max Cail: Grimshaw-Gudewicz Scholarship Kaylie Chartier: Alice R. Thompson Scholarship; Benjamin Tenney Scholarship Brady Clark: Daniel A. Blanchette Scholarship Isaac Clough: Alice R. Thompson Scholarship; Benjamin Tenney Scholarship Ava Cronin: ams OSRAM Scholarship; David Day Memorial Scholarship; Hari Simran Scholarship Jazmin Davison: GrimshawGudewicz Scholarship Alia Dodge: Friends of ConVal Athletics Scholarship; Hari Simran
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CONVAL FROM PAGE 14
CONVAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Educator retires after 29 years ConVal honors outgoing student services director Cari Christian-Coates By KIERA MCLAUGHLIN Ledger-Transcript
‘C
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
ouldn’t have done it without Cari,’ was the shared sentiment as teachers, administrators and friends mingled in the shade with their slices of fresh wood-fired pizza outside South Meadow Middle School. After 29 years, Cari ChristianCoates, director of student services, bid farewell to the Contoocook Valley School District on June 30. Coates started her career atHarbor School Residential Program in Newburyport, Massachusetts as a childcare worker, and worked her way up to supervisor and then assistant director. After eight years, she moved back to the Granite State to work for Monadnock Family Services as a Children Case Manager. She remembers working closely with the surrounding schools and supporting parents one-on-one, at school board meetings and in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Eventually, she was offered a job as a school social worker at the middle and high school level by the Director of Special Education at ConVal. After two weeks, she moved up as the part-time Assistant Director of Special Education while continuing her work as a social worker in the schools. Ultimately, the assistant director position became full-time. Once she became the Interim Director of Student Services, which included special education, the department was split into student services and special education as separate sections. Then she took on the title of Director of Student Services, and her job included (but was not limited to): 504 plans, English Language Learner programs, school counseling, school nursing, social workers, community partnerships, budgeting, crisis intervention, district and behavior consultation, transportation and more. During her time in the district, she has had lasting impacts on all aspects of public education. Coates said she treasures the relationship
only as her mentee for three years, but Coates helped Ramsden get her state certification. “I’ve learned a lot from her, and she has done amazing things for this district as far as mental health, as far as Preschool for All. She’s the one that really got things going, and is the reason I have a job,” Ramsden said. Ramsden used her skills as a scrapbooker to create a book filled with letters, thank you notes and photos for Coates’ retirement party. “We’ve had a lot of tragedy in this area, and her steadfast, calm, supportive presence for the families and the social workers. She always KIERA MCLAUGHLIN / LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT recognized that we had needs too,” Teachers, administrators and friends gather to celebrate Cari Christian- Ramsden said. Coates.
‘Warms my heart’
As Coates finished out her final month in the position, she worked closely with Alisa LaSalle, the new Director of Student Services and prepared for a month-long vacation in Maine. “I really want to get to know who I am as me, not as director of student services at ConVal,” she said. She said she also looks forward to spending more time with her grandkids and avoiding the daily commute from Keene. Coates considers herself quite an emotional person and doesn’t try to hide it. Surrounded by friends and coworkers, she was grateful they knew her well enough to throw her an intimate party after the school KIERA MCLAUGHLIN / LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT day. Scrapbook by Ramsden, accompanied by note cards for attendees to write “This has been emotional for me,” messages on. she said, teary-eyed. “It warms my heart that people make the effort after a full day of work.” she fostered between the district This project provides three and When reflecting on her career, four-year-old children with fulland community. she said she feels grateful to the feday, affordable education in “One of my strengths is male leaders she worked beside and working in difficult situapreparation for Kindercame before her. tions with families,” she garten. “I’ve evolved over a very long pesaid. There are currently eight programs at four schools, in- riod of time. It was through hard ‘Really got things work. It was through breaking into a cluding Antrim, Greenfield, male-dominated system as a young going’ Hancock and Peterborough woman. It wasn’t always great,” she Coates feels especially Elementary. Christiansaid. proud of her contribution Angela Ramsden, social Coates Coates will receive the Extraordito the expanded and inteworker with the preschools nary Women of the Year Award grated preschool program: in Hancock and Antrim, from the Keene Sentinel in July. Preschool for All – First Friends. worked closely with Coates. Not
CONVAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
GES principal transitions to consultant role
STAFF PHOTO BY JESSECA TIMMONS
GES Principal Shawne Hilliard hugs returning students.
Longtime administrator will help with faculty mentor program By JESSECA TIMMONS
principal at Weare’s new upper elementary school and eventually became principal of the elementary and middle school. It was at this point that Hilliard briefly considered retiring, but after the inspiring words from her superintendent, she applied to the community principal position for Dublin Consolidated School and Hancock Elementary School in the ConVal district, “The district decided that the community principal model was not the right thing for those schools, and then I applied here in 2023,” Hilliard said. In her three years at GES, Hilliard has helped implement the new math curriculum, Illustrative Math,
So many of our public schools are so supportive of educators receiving continuing education and advanced degrees, so I was able to do that while teaching.”
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
A
need of housing, she and her husband made a deal that she, “Wouldn’t start bringing work home with me.” “I did start bringing work home, to the point where I wanted to bring some kids home with me when certain circumstances arose,” Hilliard said. “So it was time to look at something else.” Hilliard then taught fourth- and fifth-grade in Chester and, at the same time, earned a Master’s in School Administration. “So many of our public schools are so supportive of educators receiving continuing education and advanced degrees, so I was able to do that while teaching,” Hilliard said. A few years later, Hilliard became
Shawne Hilliard, principal of Greenfield Elementary School
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Hilliard’s first role in education was running a private preschool and fter a long career in the class- kindergarten in Chester, before the room, Shawne Hilliard, prin- state offered free preschool and kindergarten programs. Following cipal of Greenfield Elementhat, she worked for Families in tary School, is stepping into a difTransition, running programming ferent role for the ConVal district, for participants and organizing which will free her to spend more fundraising. time with her family, including “Then I had a friend who called me soon-to-be eight grandchildren. and told me there was an opening for “I thought about retiring several a reading interventionist in her years ago, but my former superinschool in Chester, and she encourtendent in Weare said, ‘Shawne, if not us — who?'” Hilliard said. “That aged me to apply,” Hilliard said. “I loved my job at Families in Transireally stuck with me.” tion, but like any job, there are parts Hilliard, who has been principal that you enjoy, and then there are at GES for three years, is a New parts that are hard.” Hampshire native. Hilliard said that when she went “I’ve always been in education, to work for the social service but only came to public education agency, which assists families in 21 years ago,” she said. Ledger-Transcript
SEE HILLIARD PAGE 18
ConVal High School awards By JESSECA TIMMONS Ledger-Transcript
O
n Wednesday, June 3, ConVal High School celebrated the achievements of its freshman, sophomore, and junior students during a special Underclassman Awards Assembly. In recognizing excellence, this annual event highlights outstanding student performances in specific subjects and builds on a culture of achievement at ConVal. The following students were recognized: ■ Art Awards: Freshman level: David Faber, Ava Marony, and Liz Tatro; Sophomore level: Violet Cannon, Kaylee Lagasse, and Larianna Trudel; Junior level: Emi Hall, Freyja Maguire , and Laura Mueller. ■ Applied Technology Center Awards: Automotive: Joseph Cole; Business: Sydney Borges; Careers and Education: Cheyenne Costi; Computer and Information Technology: Abagail Parker; Digital Photo & Vide: Gabriel Michaud; ELO Student Award : Aaden Mercier; Graphic Design: Mallory HILLIARD FROM PAGE 17
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
which she believes will be “transformative” for young math students. “It’s a very different program, because it asks the ‘why,'” Hilliard said. “It’s not just memorizing an algorithm; students have to prove why something works. Even with our youngest learners, we’re not just teaching them to memorize ’10 minus two equals eight,’ we’re asking them to draw a picture to show why that is true. Without knowing it, they are actually working on proofs.” Although she is leaving her fulltime role as principal, Hilliard will be returning to the district as a consultant to the faculty mentorship program, which she is working on with Assistant Superintendent Amy Stevenson. “It will be the best of both worlds, because I will get to keep my hand in public education, but I will also have more time to spend with my grandbabies and help out with them,” Hilliard said. Hilliard will assist with implementing the new mentorship program, with onboarding of new administrators, and advise the School
Congratulations to all recipients! Mason; Manufacturing: Sarah Jackson. ■ English and Theater Arts: English, Freshman level: Jay Couturier, Chasith Gamage, and Breigha Rodgers; English, Sophomore level: Violet Cannon, Kaylee Lagasse , Ryan Lacasse, and Lindsay LaPlante; English, Junior level: Sydney Borges and Alexis Douquet; Perseverance Award: Trenton Scholl. ■ Health and Wellness, Level 1: Bella Hatt; Level 2: Ethan Whitaker. ■ Mathematics: Jessica Couturier, Chasith Gamage, and Kaylee Lagasse. ■ Science: Freshman level: Chasith Gamage and Della Sutherland; Sophomore level – Addison Hardwick and Noralie Sysyn; Junior level: Chris Bouyounes and Sequoia Salisbury; Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award: Griffin
Schultz. ■ Social Studies: Freshman level: Stella Arnone; Sophomore level : Jaxson Lewis and Samuel Stacy; Junior level: Iris Palmer. ■ World Languages: German 1: Maddison Aubin; German 2 : Caitlyn Fowle; German 3 : Addison Hardwick; Harlan Bielagus; AP German: Christopher Bouyounes; Spanish 1 – Noralie Sysyn; Spanish 2 : Samuel Stacy; Spanish 3 : Keira Schaub; Spanish 4: Emma Landry. The following students were the recipients of book awards or other special awards: ■ Bowdoin College Book Award: Iris Palmer ■ Clarkson University – Achievement Award: Chris Bouyounes ■ Clarkson ■ Dartmouth Book Award : Marcus Jordan ■ Endicott College: Grayson
Yergeau ■ Harvard Book Award-Boston: Alexis Duquette ■ Le Moyne College: Ava Van Horn ■ NH Humanities Council: Harlan Bielagus ■ Rochester – Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony Award: Marcus Jordan ■ Rochester – George Eastman Young Award: Colby Harris ■ Rochester Institute of Technology – Science and Math Award: Emilija Hall ■ Simmons University: Emma Landry ■ Smith College Book Award: Keira Schaub ■ St. Anselm College: Paxton Lothrop ■ St. Lawrence University: Ethan Danforth ■ St. Michael’s College: Regan Kirlin and Grace LaCroix ■ Tulane University: Keira Schaub ■ Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Gavin Lyons ■ Yale Book Award: Grace Lacroix
cessful. Last we did K-5, we’ll roll it up to K-6 next year, and we’ll keep going through K-8. One really wonderful thing about this program is it is open source — parents or anyone can go online and see the exact lessons; it is very open communication,” she said. Nicky Fraley, who was formerly the principal at Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial School, will be replacing Hilliard at GES. “I am absolutely thrilled that Nicky will be my replacement,” Hilliard said. Hilliard says it has been a “true joy” to work at GES, and she says the town and community are “incredibly supportive.” “One thing we always say when we are trying to make decisions is, ‘What is best for the students?'” Hilliard said. “And I will say, in this district, that is true all the way through all the leadership, at every level to the whole school board, all the administrators, and the superintendent. There is this underCOURTESY Principal Shawne Hilliard of GES reading to students. district's faculty standing that no matter what we are mentorship program. doing, the last question is always, ‘Is this best for students?’ So it is very exciting to be in this district right Board as the district continues to curriculum through eighth grade. implement the Illustrative Math “The program has been very suc- now.”
MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Seniors return to elementary school for grad send-off By ASHLEY SAARI
Ledger-Transcript
M
ason high schoolers attend Milford High School. The Mason graduates for 2026 are: George LeClair Thomas Schongar Braden Sullivan Jaden Jodoin Victor McEnnis Tucker Sabotka. Olivia Connolly Hunter Jones David Nelson Colton Schuster COURTESY
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Mason seniors George LeClair, Thomas Schongar, Braden Sullivan, Jaden Jodoin, Victor McEnnis, Tucker Sabotka visit Mason Elementary before graduation.
WILTON-LYNDEBOROUGH COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT
27 Warriors cross the graduation stage By ASHLEY SAARI Ledger-Transcript
O
n Friday evening, 27 Warriors walked the graduation stage, leaving high school behind to take on adult responsibilities. The Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative School District ceremony included recognition of the class of 1976, several of whom attended to mark the 50th anniversary of their graduation, and a speech by Kimber St. Lawrence, a 2005 WLC graduate who is now an author. School board member Brianne Lavallee said she prepared for graduation day by speaking with the teachers and staff who have worked with the class of 2026 over the years. What she heard again and again, she said, was that they were “a joy”: a joy to teach, a joy to watch and a joy to be around. “As a school board member, our role is to create policies and help steer the vision of the district. But honestly, being here today, being a spectator to your success, is my favorite part of the job. It’s the reason
pranks and games. Among them, a suspected gas leak that prompted a school evacuation turned out to be a particularly odorous fart spray. She also recalled class trips to Lake Winnipesaukee, Boston and Six Flags. “I believe that we all made the most out of this last year we had together,” Rondeau said. Salutatorian Jason Benn said he remembered the early days after moving to Lyndeborough and that he wasn’t thrilled about it. “I was so nervous on the first day. ASHLEY SAARI / LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT I’d left everyone behind at my old Valedictorian Madison Labrecque gives her address. school, and I was basically starting I’m a volunteer.” sities, some to community college, from scratch. It was a lot,” Benn Valedictorian Madison Labrecque some to the military, some into the said. “But slowly and surely, I came to love WLC.” thanked her family, friends and trades, and some into the workBenn spoke about the pressure of teachers, including William Comer- force, and the truth is, every single exams, the struggle of masking ford, her most challenging teacher, one of those paths is valuable and whom she called both an adversary meaningful. Don’t follow a path just during COVID-19 and now trying to figure out what to do after high and a friend, and Catherine Blais, because someone expects you to. school. It’s not easy, Benn said. who offered emotional support and Follow it because it makes you His words to his classmates: Keep nurtured her passion for science. happy.” trying. “We all took different paths to get Class secretary Kasey Rondeau “It’s hard, it seems almost imposhere, and we will all take different recalled what the class had been sible, even, but always try,” Benn paths after tonight,” Labrecque said. through together: the hard times said. “Some of us are going to big univer- during COVID-19, as well as the
Let your caps fly and futures soar.
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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High Mowing School Class of 2026
COURTESY
The High Mowing School Class of 2026 poses for a photo.
The WLC Class of 2026.
COURTESY
Vittorre Anzalone Korey Begley Jason Benn Jack Bennett Jonathan Benson Ana Bella Boettcher-Weinheber Savannah Brown Taylor Cole Alexander Collins Delaney Dowling Teagan Fleury Jackson Galzarano Nathan Gill
Olivia Hussey Alivia Jacques Madison Labrecque Caiden Lambert Joshus Lord Kenan Medic Molly Meehan Haidyn Paquette Cianna Peckens Aynsley Potter Kasey Rondeau Jack Straw Cailin Swett Lillian Wrobel
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WLC Class of 2026
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
WILTON-LYNDEBOROUGH COOPERATIVE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dublin High School Class of 2026 Hayden Anderson (Paul W. Lehmann Award) Juliana Araujo Fabi Barile Walker Bartlett Brooklyn Besler Avery Bregman Jerry Chen Alaria Clauss Karma DeLevie Avery Delworth Yalda Dildari Aaliyah Dimanche Shane Eastman-Grossel Molly Foreman Maxwell Gorer Yazmin Guillermo Chris Han Harper Howell Maya Lampman Anais Lemus Velasquez Berkeley Linton Keityn Mackay Stuart MacNaughton Laurel McNeary Benjamin Melo Clement Mikheev Sarah Mundorff Jeremy Olson
BEN CONANT / COURTESY
Dublin School Class of 2026.
Thea O’Rourke Addison Ouellette Amelia Prindle Morgan Rash Helen Ren (Summa Cum
Laude Award) Amelia Roberts Josephine Rosen Tyler Ruggieri Tythiana Sainthelmy
Elias Sieswerda Lilith Sperber Mars Sutton True Williams Trevor Wisdom
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Dublin Christian Academy Class of 2026 COURTESY
The Victory High School graduating class of 2026: Aurora Picknell, Deven LeRay, Gabriel Vennard, Chance Derosier,Josiah Cutler, and Abriella Krook.
VICTORY HIGH SCHOOL
Victory graduates six in Class of 2026
By ASHLEY SAARI
niors this year. The class of 2026 consisted of Aurora Picknell, ictory High School in Jaffrey Deven LeRay, Gabriel Vennard, Chance Derosier, Josiah Cutler graduated a total of six se-
Ledger-Transcript
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and Abriella Krook. Vennard was recognized as the class Valedictorian. Desrosier graduated with honors.
Jacob Brunjes Kexuan (Priscilla) Cheng Enmin (Amy) Chi Owen Doremus Samantha Fletcher Mark Hlavaz Qien (Timothy) Jin Nathan Johnson Yuhong (Katherine) Lin Julia Murray Yayi (Mary) Ni Silas Paquin Aiden Pass Jillian Russo Joshua Villena Alyssa Winters Yinou (Enoch) Xu Yitian (Daisy) Zeng Qingxin (Maxine) Zhang
CHARITY RUSH / COURTESY
Dublin Christian Academy's Class of 2026.
DUBLIN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
DCA celebrates 1,000th graduate D
Dublin graduates celebrate.
CHARITY RUSH / COURTESY
moved inside due to an unusual latespring storm that brought rain and snow to the region. School officials said it was the first commencement in the academy’s history to feature snowfall. The graduating class included nine international students from China and Peru. Timothy Jin was named valedictorian and Nathan Johnson was named salutatorian. The commencement address was
delivered by Dr. Rand Hummel, staff evangelist for The Wilds, Inc., who encouraged graduates to ground their identities in their faith and the teachings of Scripture. Founded in 1964, Dublin Christian Academy is a private prekindergarten-through-grade-12 Christian day and boarding school in Dublin. School officials said the milestone reflects more than six decades of academic and spiritual education.
- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
tory. The graduation ceremony honublin Christian Academy cel- ored 19 members of the Class of ebrated its 62nd commence- 2026, bringing the school’s total number of alumni past the 1,000 ment ceremony May 30, mark. The event, originally schedmarking a milestone as the school surpassed 1,000 graduates in its his- uled to take place outdoors, was
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By RYANN BROOKS
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- GRADUATION — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
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