ROCKPORT— In front of a packed gymnasium, Rockport High School graduated 50 students in the Class of 2026.
The graduation was held Friday evening at Rockport Middle High School where students and staff recounted what the last four years have meant, what the future may hold and more than $300,000 in scholarships were announced.
Many of the student speakers thanked family, friends and school staff for the everlasting impact their experience in Rockport public Schools will have. Co-Salutatorian Wyatt Wilkinson offered a simple piece of advice to the next generation of Vikings in the opening address: Don’t let the small moments pass you by.
“Over half of the 720 school days that we get in high school are completely average with nothing special to look forward to, but it is how we live these that determines what we get out of this experience,” Wilkinson said. “If you don’t want high school to fly by, the best advice I can give is to find enjoyment and meaning in the simplicity.”
Wilkinson continued, saying this is something he and his classmates should remember now that they are stepping into an exciting, yet uncertain future.
“All of our futures are sure to be exciting, but by purposefully designating focus and attention to finding value and enjoyment in those less exciting times, we can only hope that our lives after high school don’t pass us by faster than we would like,” he said.
Class valedictorian Aidan Stacey, who delivered the ceremony’s keynote address, reflected on the joys of school as an elementary school student, the challenge of going through middle school during a global pandemic, and the impact high school has had on him and his peers.
“With everyone gearing up for the end of our time together and to take their own path, that feeling I had in kindergarten has risen up in me once more,” Stacey said. “Each individual up here has worked incredibly hard over the years to reach this position which is truly worth celebrating.”
The valedictorian encouraged his peers to never stop trying their best in whatever the future holds for them.
“You’ll never look back and regret applying yourself as much as you could have,” Stacey said.
Following the student speakers came the announcement of scholarships when Middle High School Principal Amy Rose announced that more than $305,000 was awarded to the graduating class.
Rose said when she was writing her speech, she sat down and thought about what made the Class of 2026 unique and, as Wilkinson said, it was the many small but memorable moments.
“Just a couple of months ago a few senior girls came running over to see Ms. King and I to see if we would help them with breaking into the school for a senior prank,” she said. “Looking over at a crowd at a soccer game and seeing seniors embracing eighth graders in the band section, some even carrying them on their soldiers as they celebrate, or console each other through a tough loss.”
She went on to thank the students for their help when she took on the job as principal and recognized the impact the 50 graduating students have had on Rockport.
“Class of 2026, you have left your mark on the school in ways that will continue long after tonight,” she said. “You challenged us, inspired us, made us laugh, made us proud and reminded us what makes this school so incredibly special.”