By Isabell Macrina
Hometown Weekly Staff
The Nathaniel Frothingham Stadium held fields of proud parents, caregivers, friends and family to celebrate the graduation of the Dover-Sherborn class of 2026. They walked to the field in a wave of blue and after the national anthem performed by the DS Regional Band and Chorus, the ceremony was underway.
There were greetings from both David Haviland and Dan Sichel, from the Dover and Sherborn Board of Selectmen respectively, congratulating the class on their accomplishments and offering ideas into public service. The Declamation finalists were where the students had their moment to share what they learned in their time at DSHS.
Maisie Gilchrist honored late classmate and friend JB Harvey, who passed away in August 2023 and would have been with them today. He was a lifelong friend of Gilchrist and she shared that while the grief was initially overwhelming, she learned from JB to choose joy and laughter, even when it was hard. The class of 2026 came together in their time at DSHS, showing up for one another at sports events, celebrations, and enjoyed that precious time that became so important. She shared that while 178 students would walk today, they would carry JB’s spirit forward inside them all.
Caroline Ho was the other Declamation finalist. The phrase “hold your breath” rings through all our lives, and she notes people practice self-control and patience waiting for “their moment” to arrive, but that causes opportunities to fly by. Ho took a chance when she joined mock trial. Even though she was initially terrified, she chose to stop holding her breath and speak out in this way. It turned her uncertainty into a passion and excitement she wouldn’t have found without joining mock trial. She urged the graduates to take a deep breath before important moments and to decide not to waste it. Every future they imagine starts with the courage not to hold their breath.
Principal John Smith took to the stage to present the Lonergan Award, which celebrates community involvement and character, diligence, integrity, and loyalty. This year it went to Sebastian Hassar and Nora Olsen, who accepted the rewards with humility amidst cheers from the crowd. After Smith presented the class and Superintendent Elizabeth McCoy gave her speech celebrating their accomplishments, the diplomas were presented.
The Dover-Sherborn Class of 2026 walked across the stage, marking the end of their high school careers and journey into the future that waits beyond their high school walls. With a community celebrating them and the bittersweet feeling of leaving high school, the class tossed their caps and brought their time to a close.
