MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Under a cloudy sky, 89 seniors marched the Joseph M. Hyland Field at Manchester Essex Regional High School for their graduation ceremony Friday evening
The hundreds of family and friends gathered braved a few raindrops as the Creagan More Pipes and Drums lead the school faculty to their seats, followed by the members of the Class of 2026 marching onto the field serenaded by “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Manchester Essex Regional School District Band.
Many of the evening’s speakers focused on the support the seniors have given and will give each other, and their drive to succeed.
Class President Lila Brady addressing the crowd, said she was nervous while preparing for her speech.
“The truth is life is not black and white,” Brady said. “Learn to focus on what’s happening right now. Something that has stood out to me about this class is how we stick together. I really want us to recognize this. This class is filled with some strong people. It’s about being the best you can be.”
Salutatorian Anna Gardner pointed to friends, family and school staff.
“None of us would be sitting here today without your help,” she said. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Following Gardner, Valedictorian Penelope Riggs echoed the idea that the students’ social circles served and will continue to serve as the vehicle needed to find success.
“We have supported each other through loss and difficult times,” Riggs said. “What matters most is the impact you have on others. We will continue to evolve as we move beyond high school.”
Social Studies teacher Jennifer Coleman, delivering commencement address, jokingly said the graduation ceremony was the last time the Class of 2026 would be a “captive audience.”
Coleman praised the graduating seniors for being studious, achieving, and continuing to be polite.
“In 16 years of me being here, it still surprises me that everyone still says ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’” she said.
Coleman reminded the seniors they should not allow obstacles to stop their many pursuits.
“If you run into a wall, don’t give up,” she said. “Find the people who’ll allow you to be your authentic self. Never isolate yourself from your support systems.”
One-by-one, the graduating seniors walked up to the podium to collect their diplomas, handed out by School Committee Chair Chris Reed, Superintendent Pamela Beaudoin and Senior Class Advisor Alicen Shaw.
Following the time-honored traditions of “turning the tassel” and tossing their mortarboards, the seniors then exited the field to their class song — “Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac.
Erika Coletti was among the first to arrive so as to pick one of the best seats to watch her daughter Maeve graduate.
“It’s a little surreal,” Erika Coletti said. “I’m very proud of her and excited for her next steps.”
Scott Hickey said the day was symbolic of his niece Emma Hickey’s many achievements. He said his niece may major in biology with her eye toward the field of medicine.
“It’s fantastic,” the uncle said. “She’s off to Trinity College in Connecticut.”
Sue Rohrer said granddaughter Sydney Hemme plans to attend Clemson University.
“She’s worked very hard,” Rohrer said. “She deserves a good college education and a good life.”
Rob Brigham said daughter Samantha Brigham is headed to the University of Rhode Island with plans to major in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences.
“It’s exciting and sad,” he said of the day. “It’s a mixed bag.”
For Don Moore, a man with eight grandchildren, seeing granddaughter Annie Pinkin walk through the ceremony stuck a nerve.
“I went to the hospital the day she was born,” Moore said. “She’s a good student. Her passion is dance.”
Nearby, Alli Pinkin, Annie Pinkin’s mother, said the day was filled with an assortment of feelings.
“I’m extremely proud of her,” she said. “But I’m very nostalgic.”
For William Connell, the father of William W. Connell, the ceremony was familiar.
“He’s my fourth child so I’ve experienced this a few times,” he said. “It went by so quick. He’s stepping into manhood.”
Principal Julie Sgroi described the Class of 2026 as one whose members have grown individually even as they remained connected to each other.
“They are a class that consistently supported one another, embraced challenges and demonstrated a genuine commitment to the MERHS community,” she said. “They approached everything — academics, athletics, the arts, service and leadership — with purpose and heart.”
“They challenged themselves academically while also positively contributing to the school culture,” Sgroi said. “As they move forward into the next chapter of their lives, my advice to them is to remain curious and open to growth. Success is rarely a straight path and some of life’s most meaningful opportunities come from taking risks, embracing uncertainty and learning through setbacks.”
Sgroi said she hopes the Class of 2026 continues to lead with integrity, stays connected to the people and communities that support them and never underestimates the impact they can have on others.
“It has been an honor to watch this class grow over the past four years,” she said. “They leave MERHS with so much to be proud of and I have no doubt they will continue to make a positive difference wherever life takes them.”