LEOMINSTER — Change was the theme woven throughout commencement exercises for the Leominster High School Class of 2026 on June 6, as 492 graduates reflected on how far they had come and looked ahead to the opportunities awaiting them.
Family members, friends, educators and city officials gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduates as they marked the culmination of their high school careers and prepared for the next chapter of their lives.
The Class of 2026 selected Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide as its class song. Its message of growth, change and self-reflection echoed the emotions shared by many graduates as they left behind familiar routines and friendships while preparing to embark on new journeys.
The graduating class included 430 students from Leominster High School and 62 students from Leominster Academy, a single-district virtual school that provides a virtual option for high school students who are Leominster residents, according to the Leominster Public Schools website.
The ceremony featured musical performances, remarks from school and city leaders, student speeches and the presentation of diplomas, recognizing the accomplishments and perseverance of the Class of 2026.
Superintendent of Schools Robin Desmond encouraged graduates to embrace the future with confidence and purpose.
“Dream big, work hard, and never underestimate the impact you have on others,” Desmond said.
Student speakers reflected on the friendships, challenges and lessons that shaped their high school years.
Hersch Vijay Patel, Valedictorian of CTEi, reminded his classmates that their paths may differ, but each would find success in their own way.
“Every single one of these students will find their place in the world,” said Patel. “In ten years we’ll look back on these last years as the most formative of our lives. Never forget there are always people who are cheering you on.”
Danica Roy, Valedictorian of Leominster High School, acknowledged the uncertainty many graduates feel as they move forward, while encouraging them to embrace both ambition and compassion.
“But with endings, also comes new beginnings,” Roy said. “Most of us don’t have everything figured out yet, but that’s okay.”
Quoting Taylor Swift, Roy offered one final piece of advice to her classmates: “Never be so kind, you forget to be clever. Never be so clever that you forget to be kind.”
As the ceremony came to a close and graduates tossed their caps into the air, family members and friends rose in applause, marking both the culmination of years of hard work and the start of a new chapter.
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