LUNENBURG — On a sunny Saturday morning, the senior class of Lunenburg High School gathered to accept their diplomas and graduate to new endeavors, cheered on by their administrators and classmates.
“Graduates, as we venture forth, never forget the lessons we have learned,” said Class President Charlotte Caiozzo.
She noted how the students had continued despite the many bumps in the road, and said, “The challenges we have faced have shaped us into the individuals we are today.”
“May your impact be everlasting. Together, we will change the world.”
Salutatorian Iliana Thomas also reflected on the path the seniors had taken, saying “We’ve overcome obstacles like hybrid learning during COVID, and (making a Brazilian float for Homecoming) … “Through it all we made it to the finish together … we watched each other change and grow. … We all played a major role in each other’s lives.”
“High school has had its ups and downs for me and I think for everyone. Despite the sadness I feel in leaving … I am still excited by the new adventure ahead of us.”
Valedictorian Sage Orni said the whole day added up to lot of accomplishments and emotions being played out on the playing field of Lunenburg High School, but, she said, “Life is more than numbers and labels,” and is more about the special moments, such as building the Brazilian float for Homecoming and a thousand other such moments along the way, “the ones that involve laughter with friends … from Nature’s Classroom to awkwardly singing ‘Landslide’ together. Good luck Class of 2026 and congratulations!”
“Slow it down,” was Senior Class Vice President Brett Richard’s advice. “If you don’t slow down and enjoy the moments that often don’t feel impressive, but feel meaningful (you’ll miss out on the best parts, as) “those meaningful moments will actually make up your life.”
“It has truly been a pleasure to walk these halls of Lunenburg with all of you,” Richard said. “Life is too short to dwell on bad days, failures and setbacks, all you can do is wake up the next day and make that day better than the last.”
He said that when he was 5 years old he had a lot of big dreams, such as becoming a pro ball player, which might already be a dream he’s waking up from, but he still wants the whole class to dream big.
“Keep making your 5-year-old self proud,” Richard said.
“Congratulations to the amazing Class of 2026,” said Class Advisor Tamara Yourk. “It feel like just yesterday we were beginning this journey together and now we’re looking forward to what comes next.”
She also mentioned building the float, saying that some of the meetings, Mariah Carey’s song, “All I Want for Christmas is You,” was played a number of times and at one point everyone started singing along.
“Some of you may deny that today, but I still have the video evidence,” said Yourk. “It was then that I knew you were my people.”
“Wherever your journey takes you … I hope you carry those memories with you and experiences that helped shape the people you are today. … Life is about embracing the journey and becoming the person you are going to become next. Never underestimate the impact you can have on the world around you.”
Principal Timothy Santry said, “Today’s the day, the culmination of challenges, hard work and growth. It’s been a privilege to be along with you on this journey.”
He said, “Sometimes you’ll take risks that down work out. That’s all right. Learn from that. Don’t be afraid to find the greatest victories are found by those who are willing to embrace failure as part of the process … never stop learning.”
“You’ve made it and I have no doubt you will continue to make us proud in everything you do.”
All the graduates wore a green ribbon in honor of Hadley “Haddie B” Boucher, the dek hockey superstar, family and friends loving seven-year-old who passed away peacefully on May 27 in her hometown of Lunenburg following a courageous 13-month battle with DIPG, an inoperable brain tumor.
Superintendent Jodi Fortuna noted that it was her first year as superintendent and she felt like her and the Class of 2026 went through a trial by fire together, literally beginning with a fire on the first day of school.
“It certainly set the tone for an amazing year.”
She said the Class of 2026 surprised her, with many turning out to quite adept amateur meteorologists when it came time to predicting snowstorms, deciphering weather patterns and deciding that school should be canceled.
She said she saw that the Class of 2026 “genuinely care about each other. I’ve seen you learn and just as importantly, I’ve seen you question … never stop learning.”
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