Congratulations to the183 members of Marblehead High School’s Class of 2026, who earned their diplomas last Friday in a joyous ceremony at Piper Field. You are a remarkable group, as Class President Will Cruikshank recently noted, one composed of “athletes, artists, actors, musicians, bright minds, leaders and creators” who don’t fit neatly into any one category.
“I think that says a lot about who we are,” Will added, and we heartily agree.
Collectively, you have weathered a great deal and accomplished even more to reach this important rite of passage, a milestone in the lives of your families and friends as well.
Terrific job, everyone.
Your journey has not always been an easy one, to be sure. When you began your high school years, you faced many challenges that would help define, and in some cases enrich, your four-year passage through MHS.
The COVID-19 pandemic, though easing, affected your everyday school experience. The war in Ukraine, still raging today, was driving up inflation and gas prices (sound familiar?), causing widespread economic uncertainty. Rough start, yes, and even bumpier times ahead.
In due course, you would be dealing with a protracted teacher strike, annoyingly leaky roof, campus banner controversy, increased use (and misuse) of artificial intelligence and other challenges that tested your patience and resilience.
Tragically, you also lived through the shocking loss of two young lives and the conversations it sparked about teenage drinking and mental health. Though painful, those lessons are now part of your school experience, alongside the many impressive achievements — academic, athletic, artistic and otherwise — that marked your class as one of Marblehead’s most accomplished.
For evidence, look no further than the Senior Project showcase held in the school field house two weeks ago. The range of skills, creativity and curiosity on display was stunning. You are a truly resourceful group, individually and collectively.
Now, as you embark on the next steps into young adulthood, we humbly offer a few thoughts on some principles and values worth keeping in mind.
Your right to vote is precious. Don’t take it for granted.
Most of you are now eligible to vote in local, state and national elections. While you might question whether each vote makes a difference, that right remains fundamental to maintaining a healthy democracy. Growing up in Marblehead, you’ve seen the impact voter engagement has had on issues like affordable housing, school governance and public safety. Your vote will indeed matter to our shared future. Don’t leave it for others to decide.
Be smart, engaged news consumers.
In an ever-changing media landscape, young people are more apt to rely on sources like Instagram and TikTok than on legacy media entities. However, opinion isn’t the same as reported news from reliable sources. Enlightened ownership and journalistic independence are important too, as we hope the Current demonstrates on a weekly basis.
Find ways to begin — or continue — giving back and paying it forward.
Kudos to those who have already made community service a meaningful part of your lives. You inspire us all to do better. Going forward, we hope that spirit remains strong, and that you’ll find ways to engage with organizations — food pantries, elder services, after-school programs, the options are many — that need your talents and youthful energy. As the popular maxim goes, be the change you want to see in the world.
Identify mentors who’ll guide you along the way, then fill that role for others.
In high school, you’ve no doubt found a teacher or coach — maybe more than one — who’s played a special role in your development as a scholar, athlete, artist and person of character. Those roles become even more vital as you transition into higher education, public service, the working world or whatever comes next. Seek out these mentors, learn from their life experience, then strive to fill that role for others someday.
At graduation last week, Will, a varsity track athlete, recalled cruising the streets of Marblehead on training runs and noticing “the people who keep the town moving. The fishermen heading out to sea, the crossing guards out early, shop owners opening up for the day and countless others doing the quiet work that keeps the town running.”
Thank you for noticing what we too often take for granted. And thank you, Class of 2026, for everything it took to cross the finish line.
