Friends, faculty and family joined the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s graduating seniors Sunday at the Tabernacle to celebrate the class of 2026, a group of 173 students that prioritized community, excelled in academics and had fun the entire way.
Master of ceremony Nora Motahari opened the graduation, speaking to her classmates with a reflection on their very first day of high school.
“Somewhere in between the freshman year nerves and the fleeting senior events, we became a community,” she said, as guest speaker and classmate Rayssa Moraes translated to Portuguese.
Salutatorian Teagan D’Arcy and Ms. Moraes also reflected on the on-Island community that allows its people — from all corners of its shores — to connect in meaningful, unexpected ways. Ms. Moraes, speaking in Portuguese as Ms. Motahari translated, found her community in choir.
“Be the kind of person who reminds others they have a place in this world,” Ms. Moraes said in Portuguese. “Be the reason someone feels less alone.”
Senior class president Milo Sullivan urged his classmates to take in the moment, and to continue to be present in a world dominated by phones and online activities. Interim principal Sean Mulvey also reflected on the concerns and innovation of technology, but with confidence that the graduating seniors will be able to navigate it thoughtfully.
“The world waiting for you after graduation will not stand still,” Mr. Mulvey said to the seniors. “As the world continues to change at an exponential pace, you are well prepared to change right along with it.”
Richard Smith celebrated his final year as Martha’s Vineyard public schools superintendent, reflecting on moments from his career in education. Turning to the class of 2026, he urged them to build community and lead their lives with empathy.
It’s something the class has already done. Over the past four years, the class of 2026 has shown up for each other at sports events, class events and community service initiatives. They packed the PAC to cheer on Brazil during the 2022 World Cup, which guest speaker Lucas Ferreira reflected on in his speech. The class also turned out in droves to support freshman Nycolas Al Varenga Lima, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in May.
“I am so pleased by the kind of people you have chosen to be,” said superintendent of schools Richard (Richie) Smith. “You have chosen to be kind. You have chosen to be curious. You’ve chosen to stand up for others. And you’ve proven that you understand the necessity of making others feel seen and welcomed and valued.”
Co-valedictorian Katie Becker reflected on stressful and delightful moments from the past four years, and looked ahead.
“Taking this next step is exciting and terrifying, but we are so ready,” she said. “This Island, and everyone we have crossed paths with here, has given us something to carry forward.”
Fellow co-valedictorian Penny Haddad encouraged her classmates to embrace the contradictions that will certainly come when they leave home, moving forward with a “both/and” mindset.
“While you’re experiencing the ups and downs of moving on, the Island community will always be here, ready to welcome you back whenever you return,” she said.
This class was special not only for its achievements and how it nourished community, but the electric and joyous energy the students prioritized, day after day.
“I could feel very positive energy,” said Mr. Smith of this past year. “There were more smiles, more hellos to the superintendent. More laughter, and more expressions of welcomeness.”
That energy continued as students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. Lucas Souza did a backflip onstage, and Brady Vought threw up a handful of flower petals. As light filtered through the stained glass windows of the Tabernacle onto the class of 2026, the graduates moved their tassels and tossed their caps into the air.
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