"What gives me the most pride in Hoosac is the tenacity our students have. Everyone here is so passionate, which is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because we fight for our wins, and a curse because we do, indeed, fight," said class speaker Noah Rehill on Friday night. "... But nonetheless, you'll never find a bunch of kids from a public high school in rural Massachusetts with that much fighting spirit within them."

 

Rehill said the class of 2026 fought for audiences during performances, they fought on the Student Adult Advisory Board for better school conditions, they fought on the field, and fought through long nights studying.

 

And now they face a different fight.

 

"We've fought all the way through all the scary thoughts of who we would become when we leave this place," he said. "We've fought through college decisions. We've definitely fought through FAFSA. And here we are tonight, fighting through tears as we celebrate everything it took to get here."

 

Rehill thanked all of those who helped along the way including friends, family, and teachers. He said the school is filled with "hundreds of helping hands." He added that their education went beyond just math or social studies, and the graduates picked up some street smarts along the way.

 

He ended by calling out some community members who took to social media to point out the smaller class sizes graduating from Hoosac Valley. He said there was one message that stated Hoosac Valley's glory days were behind it. 

 

"To that I'd say I disagree and not to worry," he said. "Remember, I got this role by knowing all 62 of my classmates better than anybody, and I have to say that there's a certain magic that you may not see from the outside, but that radiates on the inside...What I've learned from the class of 2026 is that greatness isn't about how many people are standing beside you. It's about what kind of people are standing beside you...So, if anyone is worried that the best days at Hoosac are behind us, I got news for you. I think you're looking in the wrong direction, because the best days of Hoosac are sitting right here in front of you. Congratulations, class of 2026, and one last thing: we will always be better than Drury. Roll Canes.

 

Valedictorian Anna Thurston congratulated her class and noted graduation has become more emotional than expected.  

 

"I told myself that I will be fine graduating tonight, but I know as soon as I get home and look at all the pictures I have taken over the years, that I won't be returning back here in a few months, and maybe I won't be okay," she said. "Time will keep going; it doesn't stop. Our siblings are going to grow up, the 8th graders will soon be seniors, our families will grow old, and nothing will be the same. You can't help but think, maybe high school wasn't so bad after all."

 

The self proclaimed nerd thanked all those who helped her throughout her time in the Hoosac Valley Regional School District. She gave a special thank you to her classmates and asked them to take the moment in.  

 

"As a small class, I have gotten to know almost all of you at least a little bit, and almost all of you have had an impact on the person I am today," she said. "...We all have waited 12 years for this moment, the last 4 especially, so take a moment and let it all sink in. I won't tell you to look to the left or to the right, but just remember, this may be the last time that we are all in a room together."

 

School Committee Chairman Fred Lora spoke and thanked all the parents and family in the crowd who supported their students throughout the years.

 

"The students sitting before us today have received an education their entire lives. From the priceless moments you taught them...until they passed their final exams here at Hoosac Valley," he said. "This group of fine young people crossed the finish line, we call graduation. And they don't do it without the love, support, and perseverance. It takes a village to raise a child...that village extends throughout our community. Extended family, grandparents, friends, neighbors, the coaches and especially the teachers who interact, support, guide, and educate your children as they grow."

 

Lora then read a list of retiring teachers. Those present were called to the podium to be honored.

 

Salutatorian Alexis Warner said she struggled fitting 12 years of memories into only a few pages adding that each student in the class is different and has lived a different experience.  

 

But, no one did it alone.

 

"But while our stories may be different, there is one thing we all have in common. None of us made it here alone," she said. "Every person in this room has been shaped by people who have supported, encouraged, and believed in them along the way. That is why I would like to thank everyone who has helped us in this journey, from those who held our hands as we took our first steps to those who continue to stand beside us as we take our next ones."

 

She thanked teachers, family and friends adding that these friendships have made the forthcoming change so much more difficult. She said over the years the class of 2026 have become attached to friends, places and routines. Warner said she personally has always struggled with change, but it is a constant in life. It is not something to fear.

 

"Tonight we are closing a chapter that has shaped us into the people we are today. But we are carrying these memories with us as we make room for new opportunities," Warner said. "And as much as you may feel uncomfortable with what the future holds, just know that we have already proven that we can adapt, learn, and keep moving forward just by being here today. I hope we remember that change is not something to fear but something to embrace. Tomorrow might feel unfamiliar, but every meaningful journey starts with stepping out of your comfort zone and into something new."

 

She asked the class to appreciate graduation night, before the class of 2026 goes their separate ways.