Families, friends, and faculty gathered at the Shed at Tanglewood to celebrate the 40 graduates' accomplishments.

 

Valedictorian Benjamin Vella compared his class to the Artemis II mission from earlier this year, and how they had done what those astronauts have done to soar among the stars.

 

"Like those astronauts, we've trained hard for this day. For 12 years, we've built the skills and knowledge to be successful in the world. That's right — we have worked hard! And we did it! Here we are!" he said. 

 

"Every test, every lab report, every homework assignment and every time you rushed to get to class before the bell, called a friend to do homework together, or studied for a test between classes, all of those has led to this moment."

 

He also thanked those who helped get the students to where they are like teachers and parents, and like the countless others who helped get the rocket to launch. But now it is their time to take control of their life.

 

"So here we are. Launch day. The rocket is filled. The engines are lit. The support crew is waiting in the stands. And from this point forward, the ship is yours to command," Vella told the class fo 2026. "From now on, you do whatever you want. Pursue any career, go to any country, do any hobby, meet new people, eat food, try new things, travel to the ends of the world."

 

But, he reminded them that mistakes will help them grow.

 

"I'd be remiss to say that this freedom doesn't come with some responsibility," he said. "No longer do you have the safety blanket of your support crew. You will make mistakes, you will fail, and from time to time you may need to call back to Houston. But that's OK, because with every mistake you make, you'll learn and grow."

 

Salutatorian Philip Enoch spoke about a personal experience with trumpet player Wynton Marsalis, who told him he did not go to school because music is life and something you experience not learn, encouraging his class to experience their life to the fullest.

 

"This diploma we will receive today is just a piece of paper, but it represents memories, experiences, a past we will cherish. It also represents a new beginning, an initiation into the new world, one where we will hopefully find and cherish something as much as Mr. Marsalis treasures music," he said. "To the students venturing out today, I wish you safe travels on this journey, and do pray that you experience life and learning to its fullest. To learn is to experience, and to experience is to live."

 

Principal Jesse Carpenter gave the students three pieces of advice: to show kindness, perseverance, and commitment, while reminiscing about his own Mount Everett 1992 graduation.

 

"Whatever you choose to do next year, college, the military, or join the workforce, be totally committed to what you do," he said.

 

Southern Berkshire Regional Superintendent Brian Ricca commended the class and told them to move forward with kindness, asking them one question: How then shall you all live meaningfully in a world where there are so many claims to what is truly good?

 

"Be kind, or at the very least be decent in whatever you do, wherever you go, whoever you meet, be one inch kinder, be one inch more decent," he said.

 

School Committee Chair Julie Hannum also reminisced on her graduation in 1975, telling the graduating class to keep learning and become the best you can be.

 

"Whatever path you choose, remember there are so many important life lessons that will happen concurrently along the way, and that there's always something new to learn. You'll encounter forks in the road. Keep your mind open and make thoughtful choices. Dream big, maybe even a million dreams. Don't be afraid to fail. Adapt and move forward, keep growing and become your best self."

 

The Principal's Leadership award and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Award was presented to Vella. The Massachusetts School Administrators Association's Student Achievement Award was given to Sophie DelMasto, who also earned the Mount Everett Student Council Award of Goodness.

 

The Mount Everett Chorus sang "A Million Dreams" by Roger Emerson and the school band performed the national anthem as well as "The Legend of Honjo" by Christina Huss.