Final preparations are underway for the Marblehead High School Class of 2026 graduation ceremony, set for Friday, June 5 at 6 p.m.
The school will graduate 183 seniors this year.
Commencement exercises are scheduled to take place on Piper Field, with the ceremony moving inside the field house in the event of rain.
The MHS concert band and orchestra will perform several pieces, including “Vienna” by Billy Joel and “Rivers and Roads” arranged by 2023 graduate Griffin Collins.
This year’s valedictorian is Joy Meshulam, while Ian Chemel has
been named salutatorian.
Class officers are President William Cruikshank, Vice President Owen Dulac, Secretary Abdullah Al Janabi and Treasurer Samara Dosch.
For many seniors, graduation marks the end of a school journey shaped by unusual challenges and historic moments.
Members of the Class of 2026 were in sixth and seventh grade when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schools, forcing students into remote and hybrid learning during formative middle school years.
The class also experienced the Marblehead teachers strike in 2025, one of the most significant disruptions to the local school system in decades.
Over the course of their 12 years in school, the class witnessed major national and global events, including the pandemic, the widespread use of virtual learning technology, growing concerns over student mental health, and rapid advances in artificial intelligence that began reshaping education during their high school years.
Now, after years marked by uncertainty and change, the Class of 2026 is preparing to celebrate a more traditional milestone together at commencement.
Chair Al Williams shared this message from the School Committee:
“Today we celebrate a graduating class defined not by
any single moment, but by a long journey of persistence, growth and shared experience.
You arrived here as individuals, each carrying your own strengths, challenges and hopes.
Over time, those individual paths formed something larger — a community shaped by effort, resilience and connection.
There were days that tested you, and days that revealed what you were capable of. You learned how to adapt when things changed, how to keep going when things were difficult,and how to support one another along the way.
Now you stand at the edge of something new. Not the end of a story, but the beginning of many different ones.
Wherever you go next — college, work, service, travel, or paths not yet defined — you carry forward what you have already proven here: that you can begin with uncertainty and still move forward with purpose. This moment belongs to you. Take it with you, and let it remind you of what you are capable of becoming.
NOTE: This message is a result of AI attempting to use all the characters of the graduating seniors’ first names. Therefore, in a sense, you all had a part in creating this message. The School Committee looks forward to all the contributions your class and character will contribute to our society going forward. Congratulations.”
BY LEIGH BLANDER
As president of the Marblehead High School Class of 2026, Will Cruikshank has spent the year helping lead his classmates toward graduation while reflecting on a high school experience shaped by challenges, friendships and miles of running through town streets.
“Remote learning during COVID and the teacher strike were probably the two biggest challenges,” Cruikshank said.
“My class has been fortunate to be a part of some memorable and unique events — a special football game at Fenway, hockey at TD Garden and so many state championships along with some really great musicals over the years.”
A lifelong Marblehead Public Schools student, Cruikshank began kindergarten at Eveleth School before moving to the newly built Glover School.
“Yes — MPS since day one!” he said.
Asked to describe the Class of 2026 in one word, Cruikshank chose “dynamic.”
“We have standout athletes, artists, actors, musicians, bright minds, leaders and creators, but what I admire most is that nobody I know is just one thing,” he said. “Nobody fits into just one category, and I think that says a lot about who we are.”
While Cruikshank has participated in a wide range of activities, he said running had the greatest impact on his high school years.
“Hands down, the highlight of my time at MHS has been running cross country and track under coaches Brian Heenan and Will Herlihy,” he said. “Running made my high school career. Through running, I’ve met the best of friends, and I’ve learned so much about myself. Marblehead is a beautiful place to run, and I think I’ve been down just about every street. I’m grateful that it’s something I can continue for years to come.”
Academically, he said two classes stood out.
BY LEIGH BLANDER
When Marblehead High School senior Joy Meshulam got a call from Principal Michele Carlson the day before February break, her first thought was panic.
“I was in the library studying,” she recalled. “Dr. Carlson called me and I thought, ‘Oh my god, what did I do wrong?’”
Instead, Carlson delivered unexpected news.
“You’re valedictorian.”
For Meshulam, the announcement marked the latest milestone in a long Marblehead journey that began at the Gerry/Coffin School, continued through Village School and Veterans Middle School, and will soon take her to Dartmouth College this fall.
At Dartmouth, she hopes to pursue two passions that may seem unrelated at first glance.
“My two interests right now are evolutionary biology and art history,” she said. “I want to pursue my passions.”
Science has long fascinated her, especially the natural world. While many students interested in animals gravitate toward veterinary medicine, Meshalum discovered that path was not for her.
“I don’t want to be my veterinarian… I think it would be too stressful taking care of sick animals,” she said.
Instead, she hopes to study animals from another angle.
“I want to study animals, without providing medical care,” Meshulam explained.
In fact, Meshulam dreams not just of studying wildlife but of discovering something entirely new.
“My overall dream in life right now is … I want to discover a new species,” she said.
The criteria are specific.
“It has to be an animal, multi-cellular and terrestrial,” she explained.
Meshulam recently read about newly discovered geckos in a cave, an example that reinforced her fascination with exploration and discovery.
At the same time, Meshulam has
COURTESY PHOTOS
Joy Meshulam was the first female captain of the MHS golf team.
After four years of early mornings, finals weeks, and everything in between,the Class of 2026 is ready to moveon. Thanks to the Instagram account @mhs2026futureplans, which has been collecting submissions fromseniors all year, we now have apretty clearpicture of where this class is heading after graduation. Iused datafrom this account to put aspreadsheet together of the most common states, colleges, and majors.
It’sno surprisethat Massachusetts is by far the mostpopular destination state.Between UMass Amherst, UMassLowell, UMass Dartmouth,Northeastern, Bentley, Wentworth,Salem State, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and ahandful of others, alarge portion of the class is staying in-state. For alot of seniors, the combination of close to home and lower tuitionmakes them choosetostay in-state.
If there is one school that dominates the class list, it is the University of MassachusettsAmherst. More seniors are heading to UMass than any other school,with students planning to studyeverything from computer scienceand chemical engineering to psychology and microbiology. It is close, affordable,has strong programs across the board, along with familiar people.
While plenty of seniors are stayinglocal, others are heading in every direction.South Carolina is ahot destination this year,with the third largestamount of students committed,largely thankstoClemson University.This groupinthe south is joined by lots of students going to college in Florida. Wisconsin and the midwestisanotherpopularpick, with severalstudents going to UWMadison. Colorado draws agroup of 8students heading to CU Boulder New York was the secondlargest pick, sending studentstoSyracuse, NYU, Fordham, Colgate, Pratt, LIM College, and Parsons School of Design.
When it comestowhat people are actually studying, business and STEM fieldsare the two biggest categories. Business majors are going into marketing, finance, real
estate, entrepreneurship, and international business, amongother tracks. On the STEMside, students are pursuing computer science,engineering, chemistry,bioengineering,and more
Health and science-related fieldsmake up astrong third category, with pre-med students, nursing majors,kinesiology students,and future veterinarians represented. Another solid group is heading into the humanities and arts, including film,journalism, history, fashion design, communications, and political science. A handful of students are going to be studyingeducation, which the school will no doubt appreciate someday.Ifyou’re still figuring it out, don’tstress. Plenty of seniors listed theirmajor as "undecided," and that is completely fine; it can be good to give yourself time to explore before locking anything in.
Someseniors are taking pathsthat stand out from the crowd. John Schieffer is heading to the United States NavalAcademy to study naval architecture and marineengineering. Lillian Reddyisgoing to Massachusetts Maritime Academy on aNavy ROTCtrack. On the creative side, SadieBeaneand Lucia Gaunt are both heading to Parsons School of Design in New York City.Izzy Pricher is going to Pratt Institute for fashiondesign.Nic Flores is heading to Berklee College of Music. And Matias Watts Cruz is pursuing film and television production at Chapman University in California
To conclude,the Class of 2026 is going to over 80 different schools, across more than 20 states, plus Canada.Some are heading to large researchuniversities, some to small liberal arts colleges, some to technical institutes, and afew to military academies. There is no single mold this class fits into, which showsthe wide range of interests MHS students have.Whatever comesnext, this class has earned it. Good luck to all seniors, wherever the road takesyou.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Grey
Marblehead JV Baseball caps off strong 12–5 season under Coach Strzempek
Jack Buckley, Reporter,Sophomore
Marblehead's JV Baseball team under Coach Strzempek put together an impressive 12-5 record this season, with players stepping up in important moments throughout the year.From experiencedupperclassmen to younger players earning their roles, the team received contributions from all parts of its roster
Nolan Glass, the star freshman catcher,really helped out the team this season. With varsity carrying two catchers, Glass stepped in and caught more than half of the JV games.
The two junior standouts were Pete Rhodes and Sam McComish. The first baseman, Rhodes, hit .438 with an OPS of 1.031 throughout 10 games with the squad. The hard-hitting 3rd baseman, McComish, slashed .439/.489/.585.
Trusted lead-off hitters Yanzel Fuentes and Kyle Pitzer always found away to get on base. Pitzer led the team in hits with 20, with his elite bat-to-ball skills. Fuentes hit .406 and capitalizedonhis hits by swiping 10 bags.
Marcus Waiketus led all pitching with a0.4 ERA across 17.1 innings pitched. Lucas Riley was another do-it-all guy who started and came in in relief. Junior Ryan Stockbridge also turned in asolid season on the mound, posting a3.50 ERA while giving the team reliable innings throughout the year.The team had agreat depth chart of pitchers, and many guys were rotated in throughout the games. Alec Griffin was one of these dominant pitchers, striking out 25 batters across the season. The outfield trio of Cole Benedeto, Zachary Chipman, and Aidan Aniello was ano-fly zone this year.With Max Wales and Jovani Quinonez also rotating in, this outfield impressed throughout the year Short Stop Jack Murphy was the heart of the team this spring. The best fielder on the team also helped out behind the plate and on the mound. Overall, the team experienced alot of growth over the season. This spring was agreat season for the JV team, and we can't wait to see what they will do next year
Signing off from the newsroom: What two years taughtme
Evan Eisen, Assistant Editor,Senior
Ifirst discoveredthe MHS Headlight when I noticed an issue hanging in the hallway.What started as simple curiosityquickly became one of the best decisions of my high school career. Headlight becameaplace where Icould share stories, ask meaningful questions, and connectwith my community in ways Inever expected. Now,asIwrite my final articleasanassistant editor,I’m reflecting not only on what this newspaper has meant to me, but on why journalism still matters
WhenIfirst joined, I mainlywanted to improve my writing. Iexpecteddeadlines, edits, and interviews and those were definitely part of it, but Isoon realized journalism is much more than putting words on apage. It’slistening, understanding different perspectives,and tellingstories that deservetobeheard. Reporting pushed me out of my comfort zone. Interviews helped me build confidence and communication skills I’ll carry long after high school. Each articlechallenged
me to think critically and pay attention to the world around me. Every story,no matter its size, held value because it reflected the experiences and concerns of our school and community
Becominganassistant editor in my secondyear gavemeanew perspective. Instead of focusingonly on my own writing,Ihad the chance to support other reportersand help them find their voices. Ilearned how to lead by example and work toward ashared goal. Watching each issue come together showed me the dedicationbehind the scenes from late nightedits to making sure every piece had purpose
Looking back, Headlight gave me far morethan writing experience. It gavemefriendships, memories, and lessonsI’ll take with me. In aworld where misinformation spreads quickly and attention spans shrink, student journalism remains essential,especially because it highlights storiesthat might otherwise go unnoticed.
For anyone consideringjournalism or looking for aplace to belong, Iencourageyou to give Headlight a chance. Youdon’tneed to be aperfect writer just curious, dedicated, and willing to learn.Joining this newspaper has been one of the most rewarding parts of my high schooljourney,and as Ifinish my final article, Iknow I’m not just leavinga club, but acommunity that helped shape who Iamtoday.
Wr itte nbyt he students of Marbl ehe ad Hi gh Scho olfor ou r school and community
Marblehead High School seniors shared everything from dog-training techniques to motorcycle repair, kayak building and social media marketing during the school’s annual Senior Project Gallery Walk on May 29, where nearly 170 students presented months of independent work to parents, teachers, School Committee members and Superintendent John Robidoux.
Held inside the high school field house, the event highlighted the wide range of interests pursued by the Class of 2026 through internships, creative projects, research and hands-on learning experiences.
For senior Callie Curtis, the project offered a first look into a possible career in marketing and public relations.
Curtis managed social media accounts for PowHer by Stef, a Pilates studio on Tioga Way, where she created graphics, scheduled posts and launched a new TikTok account for the business.
“Every day I was responsible for posting schedules to Instagram, and I learned how to make graphics on Canva,” Curtis said. “We saw a big increase in engagement.”
Curtis plans to attend Chapman University in California in the fall, where she hopes to study marketing, public relations and communications.
Nearby, senior Mia Mabry introduced visitors to Moose, a Newfoundland dog she worked with during her project at Canine Kingdom.
Mabry’s project focused on dog training, socialization
Valedictorian
From P. S1
cultivated an artistic side. She enjoys creating “a lot of graphite sketches,” including a drawing of her turtle, Pumpkin, rendered in ink wash. Her high school years were equally defined by athletics and leadership. Meshalum served as captain of both the golf and
President
From P. S1
“It’s a toss up between AP Art History with Ms. HullerWhite and AP Biology with Mr. Heenan,” he said. “Those classes stand out simply because I learned so much. The material was fascinating, and the teachers were excellent. I’d love to study more art history and biology in college.”
This fall, Cruikshank will attend Middlebury College, where he hopes to explore several academic interests
and understanding canine behavior. She worked with dogs of different breeds and ages, including young puppies learning basic obedience and housebreaking skills.
“I learned how to read dog’s body language,” Mabry said. “I learned a lot about dominance.
I learned about the needs of different breeds of dogs.”
She said the experience also gave her insight into the behavioral challenges faced by rescue dogs.
“They can be super skittish and definitely take time to earn trust,” she said.
Although Mabry plans to study engineering rather than veterinary medicine, she said the project taught her skills she expects to use throughout her life.
“I know that in the future I will have a dog, and I figured that these skills would definitely come in handy,” she said.
Across the room, senior Ariana Ruiz displayed photos of a restored 1983 Yamaha RX 50 motorcycle, a rare model she repaired during her project.
Ruiz explained that only a limited number of the motorcycles were shipped to the United States, making replacement parts difficult to
tennis teams and made school history along the way.
“I was the first female captain of the MHS golf team,” she said.
She played golf all four years of high school — three years on varsity.
Despite her many accomplishments, Meshalum said the last four years were not without challenges.
“The biggest challenge has been managing my anxiety,
before choosing a concentration.
“Their international politics and economics major stands out to me, but honestly, I’m looking to study a wide range of things, including biology and possibly Japanese,” he said.
Beyond school activities,
Cruikshank said his work with the youth leadership nonprofit Project 351 has had a lasting influence on him over the past five years.
“One of the coolest parts of it has been getting to work with students from all over Massachusetts, people from
find.
Ruiz said she has been interested in motorcycles and cars since childhood and viewed the project as an opportunity to deepen that interest, even though she does not plan to pursue engineering professionally.
“I’m not going into school for engineering; I’m going for social work,” she said. “But it just was just like a little side thing. I was like, ‘You know what? I’m kind of interested in it; why don’t I do it?’ And I’m really glad I did.”
The project also gave Ruiz a greater appreciation for the complexity of automotive systems.
“If one thing goes wrong, everything just falls apart,” she said. “Everything has to work together for it to run.”
Twin sisters Kayla and Avery Kroon showcased a 14-foot wooden kayak they constructed through the school’s Manufacturing and Engineering Technology program.
The sisters assembled the kayak from a Chesapeake Light Craft kit using the Marblehead High School wood shop.
“We’ve done small jewelry boxes and stuff; we’ve never done anything like this,” Kayla
which is something I’ve struggled with,” she said. “But I’m better now.”
She speaks openly about those struggles, viewing them as part of her growth throughout high school.
As an only child, Meshulam said one of the most meaningful parts of senior year has been finding a strong circle of friends.
“One of the highlights for me this year…. I found some
towns and backgrounds that are completely different from my own,” he said. “I’ve helped mentor younger ambassadors and worked on outreach projects together, and through all of that I’ve seen how much young people can actually accomplish when they care about the same goal.”
Looking ahead, Cruikshank said he hopes to build a meaningful career while remaining connected to Marblehead.
“I’m not sure yet what I plan to do professionally, but I hope to find a meaningful career
Kroon said.
The kayak features a fiberglass sheet beneath multiple coats of epoxy, giving it a glossy finish.
Although the sisters had not yet launched it, they hoped to have it in the water within days.
The project came with unexpected challenges, including delays in receiving materials and learning to work together on a long-term build.
“I have trouble working with people sometimes because I want to do it my way, but we figured it out,” Kayla said.
The sisters also learned an important lesson about handling materials safely.
“Don’t mix epoxy with other glue,” Kayla said. “It caught on fire a couple times.”
Music also had a strong
amazing friends,” she said. “I feel like community is something that’s always hard to find at the high school.”
As she prepares to graduate, Meshulam said her upcoming valedictorian speech will center on taking chances instead of holding back.
“The general idea is that it’s better to regret things you do than regret the things you never do,” she said.
where I can make a difference,” he said. “Ultimately, I’d love to work in Boston and end up in Marblehead.”
Cruikshank said he hopes people recognize the strengths of Marblehead’s schools and community.
“I want people to know that I and many of my friends and classmates have done well at MHS,” he said. “Our schools are not perfect — no place is — but I’ve had some amazing teachers and coaches, and I feel prepared for college.”
He also reflected on the
presence at the showcase.
Senior Lily O’Keefe and several classmates formed a band, Boomstick, writing and recording music.
The group members entered the project with varying levels of musical experience. O’Keefe, who normally plays guitar, picked up the bass for the band because the group needed a bassist.
“So, I just learned,” she said.
The band has recorded several cover songs and has been working on an original track. Members also planned to perform later that day at the MHS Culture Feast.
O’Keefe said one of the most valuable lessons from the experience involved teamwork and communication.
“Definitely conflict resolution,” she said about the biggest challenge. “I’m very shy. I don’t like making problems with other people, but definitely all of us learned how to raise questions and work with each other without getting into actual arguments.”
The showcase drew a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, with students standing beside tri-fold displays, demonstrations and hands-on exhibits while discussing their work with community members.
The senior project program is designed to give students an opportunity to explore interests outside the traditional classroom while developing real-world skills and independent learning experiences before graduation.
A special shoutout to Grey Collins, who spent his Senior Project working at the Current, where he has reported and snapped photos for a few years.
Meshulam traces much of her success to a willingness to pursue opportunities even when failure feels possible.
“Maybe I’ll experience failure along the way, but I want to take chances,” she said. “Maybe I’ll fail, but that’s better than never trying.”
You can read Meshulam’s blog about being a female golfer at shegolf.org/post/ hole-yeah-joy-golf
connection he feels to the town itself.
“I also feel very much a part of my community, and I’ve loved being able to ride my bike to MHS nearly every day,” he said. “This town is a special place. For years, people have invested in our schools, arts programs, athletic fields, libraries and the spaces where we grew up.”
He added, “As my fellow graduates and I become voters for the first time, I hope we remember that communities stay strong because people choose to participate in them.”
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
Twins Kayla, left, and Avery Kroon built this kayak as part of their Senior Project.
Mia Mabry shows off her friend Moose, a Newfoundland, at the Senior Project Gallery Walk.
Members of the band, Boomstick, at the Senior Project Gallery Walk.
