Greenwich High School Class of 2026, A Great Flock of Graduates

Thursday’s Greenwich High School graduation for the 669 members of the class of 2026 featured some memorable speeches.

The highlight of the evening was the commencement speech from John Sullivan, whose message was, “the struggle is the prize,” but there were also remarks from valedictorian Sonia Patel and two salutatorians, Marley Wies and Annabelle Wu. Vice president of student government Nicolas Sosa introduced Mr. Sullivan, but first there was the senior address by class president Joell Molina and the student body address delivered by Gabriel Elezaj.

Principal Ralph Mayo welcomed the full stadium where he said 55 years earlier he had sat in the bleachers as a member of the graduating class of GHS.

“Those bleachers have been relocated from the old GHS which is now Town Hall and were placed on what are now fields 3 and 4,” he said. “As a young graduate sitting there that evening, I had no idea how fortunate I was to attend GHS and be taught by  extraordinary educators.”

“Graduates, you have left an enduring mark on GHS for your accomplishments in the classroom, on the athletic field, on the stage, in the arts and through your service to others. You have established a legacy of excellence,” Mayo said.

On the platform were honored guests including, Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones and elected officials: BOE members: chair Dr. Michael-Joseph Mercanti-Anthony, vice chair Sophie Koven, secretary Karen Krause, Paul Cappiali, Bob Chaney, Karen Hirsh, Veronica Chiavaroli, Wendy Vizz0-Walsh, Selectwomen Lauren Rabin and Rachel Khanna.

Joell Molina, senior class president said the class of 2026 came together and refused to wait for others to make something happen.

“I will most closely describe our class as a flock of ducks,” Joell said. “When ducks are young, they follow a path laid out for them. They trail behind their guardians as they learn how to navigate the world around them as they trust the people leading them. This high school and our faculty have guided us forward, challenging us when we needed it, but also supporting us when we struggle.”

“Use what you have been given. The education, the opportunities, the experiences, and go live your life. Create, dream and explore it. Just as ducklings must stop following and learn to soar on their own, we must stop waiting for someone else to show us the way,” Joell said.

Gabe Elezaj said he didn’t realize how much he’d miss the people around him until he started counting down remaining days he had left with them.

“In the years ahead, I encourage you to sail away from the safe harbor. Find your people and those you wouldn’t see coming. Do things that truly scare you,” Gabe said. “To borrow a line from The Truman Show: “If I don’t see you tomorrow, good afternoon, good evening and good night.”

Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones said when the class of 2026 entered kindergarten in 2013, smartphones were evolving, AI seemed like science fiction, and the world felt very different than today.

“You have been so resilient from your sixth grade Covid days until now. Don’t lose that resilience. You have such an amazing senior class. School spirit was off the charts this year,” Jones said. “Thank you for making so many fellow students feel included.”

Jones said that from Cardinal Crazies to the Unified Sports program, this year was the strongest she had seen in her seven years leading the district. She gave a shout out to Deirdre Burke for her leadership of Unified Sports, as well as all the senior students who participated.

“You raised the bar for GHS students going forward to be more inclusive, kind and giving of your own time to others,” Jones said.

Jones said her first year as superintendent in Greenwich was not easy, having lost her mother just weeks into the start of the school year.

“My message is simple, career and a vision is important but don’t take your family, friends or support network for granted. You have so many people who care about you and who love you,” she said.

“Don’t forget to call home and check in. Make it at least a weekly habit. You have no idea how much it will mean to your parents, grandparents, siblings, or the people who are your support network. Not just a text. They want to hear your voice.”

Principal Ralph Mayo said the class of 2026 had inspired him more than any single event in his lifetime.

“That is saying quite a lot because over the past 50 years I have had the privilege of working with and collaborating with some truly remarkable people,” he said. “Over the last four years, you have made an extraordinary  impact on GHS. You have served your community, competed on our athletic fields, performed on our stages, excelled in our classrooms and contributed to every corner of school life. But more important than any award, championship or recognition is the fact that you have cared for one another.”

Mayo said the class of 2026 had many talents.

“You have helped create a school community where people matter,” Mayo said. “This year alone you accomplished things that will forever be part of GHS history. You won more state championships in a single year than any before you. That is historic.”

“Forty student-athletes earned D1 athletic scholarships, another record that reflects your talent, dedication and work ethic. That too is historic.”

“You filled our performing arts center for two consecutive nights during the Candlelight concert. Every ensemble in our music department participated, and the performances were nothing short of spectacular.”

Mayo said countless individual accomplishments ranged from students being recognized for science research, Scholastic Arts and Scholastic Writing, community service, academic competition and leadership programs. He said the class of 2026 also strengthened the school through involvement in 152 clubs and organizations.

“Nothing is given to you. Everything you have achieved gad been earned through dedication,  perseverance and commitment,” he added. “That is the true reason for GHS success and no class has demonstrated that better than the class of 2026.”

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School board chair Dr. Michael-Joseph Mecanti-Anthony asked the class of 2026 to close their eyes and recall all the faces from elementary school.

“Who was the teacher who greeted you each day with a huge smile, and made you feel safe and supported?”

“Who was the teacher who introduced you to a new book or stayed with you when you were sad or upset? Who taught you math? Who taught you to kick a ball? Who insisted you always do the right thing?”

Mercanti-Anthony asked the seniors to remember walking into 6th grade for the first time.

“What middle school teacher challenged you to do more?  What coach pushed you to do more than you could? What staff member, maybe it wasn’t a teacher, did you know in middle school you could always go to?”

Mercanti-Anthony asked them to think about the past four years at the high school.

“Who was the club advisor, coach, or teacher who helped you find your passion. Where did you have an a-ha moment, learning something not because you needed to, but because you wanted to?”

Lastly, Mercanti-Anthony said, “From here, go forth. Do good. Help. All of us, we don’t do this for the accolades. We do this because we believe in you and the importance, the sacredness of public education.”

See also:

GHS Class of 2026 Graduation Speaker, John Sullivan: The Struggle is the Prize