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The Ayer Shirley Regional High School Class of 2026 Valedictorian Devyn Gibbons had these inspiring words to say to her fellow classmates during their graduation ceremony.

“The truth is, just as we had no idea where we would be today four years ago, we can’t possibly know where we will be four, 10, or 20 years from now,” the wise young woman declared. “All that we can do is make smart choices to move us forward and to get us where we want to be.”

All in all, 102 graduates walked across the stage that Friday to accept their diplomas, successfully wrapping up one chapter of their lives and beginning another. Student Council Representatives Collin Holbrook and Troy Leighton also spoke, and the Ayer Shirley Regional High School Concert Band conducted by Michael Powderly provided lovely music for the special occasion.

Ayer Shirley Regional High School Class of 2026 Student Council Representatives Troy Leighton, left, and Collin Holbrook at the podium during the June 5, 2026 graduation ceremony. (COURTESY SARAH GIBBONS)
Ayer Shirley Regional High School Class of 2026 Student Council Representatives Troy Leighton, left, and Collin Holbrook at the podium during the June 5, 2026 graduation ceremony. (COURTESY SARAH GIBBONS)
Members of the Ayer Shirley Regional High School Class of 2026 decorated their caps for the June 5 graduation ceremony. (COURTESY SARAH GIBBONS)
Members of the Ayer Shirley Regional High School Class of 2026 decorated their caps for the June 5 graduation ceremony. (COURTESY SARAH GIBBONS)
The Ayer Shirley Regional High School Concert Band conducted by Michael Powderly provided music for the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 5. (COURTESY SARAH GIBBONS)
The Ayer Shirley Regional High School Concert Band conducted by Michael Powderly provided music for the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 5. (COURTESY SARAH GIBBONS)
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