As the sun set, students end their high school chapter

On Friday, June 5, 107 students received their diplomas while family and friends cheered, held posters and used air horns to celebrate their accomplishments. 

“This celebration is the beginning of many things for all of you, but mostly it is the beginning of the rest of your life,” said Superintendent Matthew D’Andrea. 

The students walked through arches with flowers and between two wooden lighthouses. 

Class President Savannah Varden opened the ceremony, thanking everyone. The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Color Guard marched and the band played the Star Spangled Banner while the Concert Choir sang. 

According to principal Scott Palladino, 46 percent of the students are going to a four-year college, 32 percent are going to a two-year college, 10 percent are going straight into the workforce, four percent are going into the military and eight percent are still deciding. 

The class received a total of $382,000 in scholarships from the school for their next years. 

“What matters is not that everyone follows the same path, but that each of you pursue a path that is meaningful to you,” said Palladino. 

Salutatorian Marina Kouta took a look back on their years at the high school, from entering as immature eighth graders to mature seniors. The memories they will cherish like student vs. teacher basketball games and the positive impacts they had on the community, such as their hygiene drive. 

“This is the true staple of how wonderfully diverse our class is and how brave us seniors are to invest in such unique journeys,” Kouta said, “We need reliable leaders as time goes on, and I believe that our class will successfully fulfill these positions.”

She urged her classmates to remember that success is not in academics, but by being true to themselves and supporting their peers. 

Valedictorian Landon Stewart spoke on the challenges they faced as a class. The class of 2026 spent their middle school years, sixth and seventh grade, in COVID quarantine. When he got to high school, he didn’t feel comfortable to be himself until junior year when he realized everyone was nervous. 

He stated that resilience is what defined their class. They overcame their nerves and were able to make friends, and even if they are going onto different fields they all graduated. 

“If there’s one thing our class takes with us after today, it’s the confidence to put ourselves out there, even when it’s uncomfortable,” said Stewart, “Some of life’s opportunities come from taking the first step.”

He stated his friends, even on the hardest days, were what made them easier. Stewart asked that while the class may never see each other again, to remember their years at Wareham High School. 

He ended by wishing his little brother, Gregg, a happy birthday. Stewart stated that he knows Gregg would rather be playing Roblox than having all the attention on the graduate. The crowd yelled out well wishes for the birthday boy. 

Palladino stated that the students left a lasting impact on the high school, and set a high standard for leadership, resilience and commitment for the following classes.  

“As you prepare to begin this next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to carry forward the lessons you have learned here,” said Palladino, “Continue to be curious. Continue to work hard. Continue to treat others with respect and kindness. Most importantly, to believe in your ability to make a difference.”

D’Andrea is retiring after this graduation. This was his last graduation as an acting Superintendent for the Wareham High School. 

His favorite show growing up was the Jetsons, where he marveled at the impossible technological advances like smart watches, robot vacuums and video calling. Now that all that and more is real, levels of happiness have actually gone down.

D’Andrea gave the students three standards to lead a happy life; be honest, have respect for others and accept responsibility. Honesty takes courage, but creates strong relationships. Respecting others allows the opportunity to learn from others. Now that the students have graduated, D’Andrea stated the responsibility has moved from those in the stands to those in caps and gowns. 

“Based on this information, I would argue that happiness does not come from external things,” said D’Andrea, “Rather, true happiness comes from within us.”

Wareham continued with its tradition that the students choose who hands them their diploma. They can choose any member of staff, current or retired. Many members of the staff gave the graduates small gifts or flowers. Every graduate received a white rose, which is the class flower. 

The Officers for the class specifically called out and thanked two members of staff for helping them through unique challenges, who built their high school years; Alison Benassi and Michelle Medina. 

“Together, Miss Benassi and Miss Medina made our senior year,” said Vice President McKenna Duggan, “They remind us that a strong class isn’t built on only traditions and events, but on people who care enough to invest time and effort to help students succeed.”

The students ended their graduation in the typical way; moving their tassels to symbolize moving from candidate to graduate, tossing the caps in the air and tearfully taking photos with loved ones.