By Meghan Foley
Hometown Weekly Staff
After being postponed one day due to the weather, Needham High School hosted its graduation for the class of 2026 on Monday, June 8th at Memorial Park. The graduates proceeded down through their families crowded on the hill and took their seats on the field while “Pomp and Circumstance” played.
The ceremony opened with Shaun Villa, who has enlisted in the army, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the high school’s chorus and band playing the National Anthem.
Principal Aaron Sicotte gave his address before graduate Marco Barbosa gave the first student speech: “It was the late former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, brother of John F. Kennedy, who often reflected that ‘some people see things as they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not.’ As we enter this world, we will have to ask ‘why not’ in order to make the change we each want to see in the world. It sounds daunting—believe me, I know—but let us remember how it has been Needham High that has prepared us to ask why not”
The chorus was joined by its graduating members to sing “The Road Home” by Stephen Paulus, then the next student speaker, graduate Allegra Franco, spoke: “Every time I have a rush of emotions, a wave of anxiety, or am overcome with sadness about leaving Needham High School, I think of Winnie Poo and his life advice: ‘How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?’ Now, as you look at me standing here, I’m not an all-star athlete, I don’t perform on stage, and I’m definitely not the smartest person in this school. And while all these qualities are admirable, I’m simply just me. And maybe a lot of us feel that way. Not the stand-out, not the exception. But each of us carries our own mix of experiences and stories, and what feels ordinary from the inside is actually something entirely unique. It is because of our individuality that we are able to unite together to form something bigger. … The truth is, the people we remember the most aren’t always the ones with the biggest achievements. They’re the ones who made us feel something. Who made us laugh, who stood by us. Who made ordinary moments feel a little less ordinary. So while today is a temporary goodbye, it is also a reminder. A reminder of how lucky we are to have had something worth missing.”
Following Allegra Franco was Class President Simi Basak to present the class gift:
“This year, I realized community is not defined by school-wide events like pep rallies or school dances. It’s not just the group of friends you spend your Friday nights with, or the neighborhood you grew up in. Your community is what stands by you in the quiet, difficult moments. When you struggle, when you fall, your community is what holds you up. Really, our community has been built by these small acts of kindness and compassion, behind the scenes, when nobody is watching. At NHS, one of the most meaningful examples of that is our special education community, centered in room 804. This room is used by lunch groups for special education students but also allows the wider student body to stop by during lunch if they need someone to sit with. For those of us that have spent time in room 804, it has been more than just a gathering spot, but a place where students of all abilities can feel supported, included, and at home. Our Student Council wanted to reflect those values in our Class Gift and to sponsor the space that provides such vibrance to our school, yet needs more adequate support. Inspired, we decided to contribute close to $13,000 to the renovation and revamping of room 804. … We hope that our gift will serve as a tribute to the community we have created and as a reminder that you are never alone at NHS.”
Chair of the School Committee Alisa Skatrud, Superintendent Daniel Gutekanst, and Assistant Principal Natalie Guthrie presented two awards to students. The first, the NHS Award For Academic Excellence, “recognizes the senior who has made the most of their academic opportunity by displaying superior scholastic achievement,” was awarded to Marco Barbosa. The second, the NHS Award For Service, “recognizes a senior who has demonstrated outstanding in service, character, and leadership, and who has contributed significantly to the culture and wellbeing of Needham High School,” was awarded to Samantha Meininger.
Superintendent Gutekanst gave his address, then the graduates stood and lined up to receive their diplomas when their names were called. After all of the students had crossed the stage, they turned their tassels and threw their caps in the air before disbanding to meet up with friends and family while the NHS band played.
Congratulations seniors!
