Some worry about high school graduation and others see it as liberating. For the MVRHS Class of 2024, there is likely a vast array of emotions, but the bond that will keep them connected is a strong one. Axel Abrams, Kestutis Biskis, Bryce Cioffi, Peter Miller, Robert Moore, Jack Tully, Sam Zack and Aquinnah friend, Laina Benoit, will not only toss their caps at the end of this weekend’s graduation festivities, they will take a moment to remember those who they are carrying across the stage tucked away in their hearts.

Also graduating this weekend are Clara Athearn and Oona Carroll. Their festivities at Falmouth Academy will give them opportunity to pomp and circumstance with Aquinnah kid Noah Manning.

The Ruel Gallery will host a collaborative art show Thursday, June 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. The Chilmark Preschool students each had an opportunity to begin a painting and each was completed by artist Colin Ruel. Each piece will be for sale with all the proceeds going towards the new home of the preschool.

There’s been a whole bunch of activity at the descendants of the Hancock’s family home on Larsen Lane. Jill and David Johnstone have been enjoying the company of daughter Heather and her bride Markel Elkins who traveled over the river and through the woods all the way from Georgia to put their feet on the sand of Menemsha Beach and toes in Vineyard Sound.

I didn’t actually know Carol Mayhew Mays well, but whenever she was in town and I had an opportunity to chat with her she would make me feel like we’d known each other forever. Carol, sister to the late Ted Mayhew, called New Hampshire home after growing up in town. She would do her best, until recent years, to visit and make the rounds touching base with her extensive list of family and friends. Heartfelt condolences go out to all who loved her.

The next time you see Elliott Fankuchen he will be wearing an ear to ear smile. He is the proud grandfather of baby Zia born at UCLA Santa Monica on May 22. She is welcomed by big brother Bash, parents Ana Sophia Sada Zambrano and husband Sam Kantrowitz Fankuchen. The family looks forward to gathering at their Sheep Pen Lane home with Aunt Alexa and Uncle Alex from Nairobi, Aunt Ally and Uncle Peter from Los Angeles, and Aunt Olivia from New York. Grandma Ana Sophia Sada Zambrano and Grandpa Manuel Sada Zambrano from San Pedro, Nuevo León, Mexico are exceptionally thrilled as well.

Wayne Iacono traveled to Provincetown to enjoy the promotion of Adam Smith to Chief Warrant Officer in the US Coast Guard. Adam was stationed in Menemsha a couple of tours back as a novice member of the Coast Guard. He was under the command of Chief Robert Reimer who also had the opportunity to proudly see him take command of Station Provincetown. Dear friend and Coastie Joel Behr was also in attendance. It was a Menemsha reunion of sorts way out on the tip of the Cape. Congratulations not only Adam, but to his bride Meghan and their daughters Elliana and Adelaide.

The announcement has been made. Jonah Maidoff is wrapping up his teaching career at the Charter School and embarking on the time-consuming adventure called retirement. Congratulations, Jonah.

Bradley Carroll and Cory Medeiros burned some banked airline miles and some vacation time. Their adventure took them to Hawaii where they watched the setting sun from the summit of Mauna Kea, explored Volcanoes National Park and, among other things, swam with manta rays.

The 95-year-old Little Lady set out of the harbor with Capt. Denny Jason at the wheel. It was just a little shakedown cruise to kick the tires, but upon return Denny stated, “She still wants to go so that’s a good thing.”