This is a contribution from a Swampscott High School student, as part of the Swampscott Tides Big Blue Student News selection. 

Story by Cam Tracy

Swampscott High School celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Saturday, June 6, during a commencement ceremony at Blocksidge Field. 

The event began at 4 p.m., drawing a large crowd of family members, teachers, friends and underclassmen who filled the bleachers to honor the graduating seniors. Over 165 seniors gathered at Blocksidge Field to celebrate their graduation. 

“Today we celebrate your accomplishments, but I want to remind you of something more important: your gifts,” Principal Emily Zotto said. “They are the things you have always possessed. They’re big gifts, small gifts, highly motivated gifts, and persistent gifts. There are clever, driven, disciplined gifts, and there are laid-back, steady, and inspiring gifts. Whatever form they take, they belong to you.”

The ceremony opened with remarks from Zotto, who first welcomed members of the Swampscott High School faculty onto the field before introducing the graduating class. As the Swampscott High School Band, led by Edi Rovi, performed the traditional processional fanfare, the Class of 2026 entered the field and took their seats.

Following the procession, graduating senior Scout Myers-Smith performed the national anthem. The Swampscott High School Chorus, conducted by James Pearse, later performed Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”

Zotto then invited Class Secretary Maddison Lilley to the podium to introduce the ceremony’s speaker, Swampscott Middle School math teacher Matthew Moran.

“All can attest to his consistent optimism and compassion in all that he does,” Lilley said “I am grateful that a staff member as kind as our speaker is a part of the Swampscott community, and his desire to be a lifelong learner is something that I will always try to integrate into my own life.”

Moran reflected on the graduates’ journey since middle school.

“It feels like just yesterday that we were last celebrating this group at their eighth-grade graduation four years ago. Time really flies,” Moran said. “And now, here we are again, celebrating another major milestone: your high school graduation. A culmination of thirteen years of hard work that has led you to this moment and this huge accomplishment. We are all so proud of you.”

After his remarks, Moran introduced Class President Avery Forbes. Rather than delivering a traditional speech, Forbes presented a video project she had spent the semester creating in her Digital Film Production class.

“I couldn’t find the words to turn these special moments into a speech,” Forbes told the audience. “That’s why I created a video to express just how much we have accomplished. So if you could all just do me a favor and face the screen over there, we can watch.”

The video, set to Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” featured photos and footage of the Class of 2026 dating back to preschool and chronicled many of the students’ shared experiences throughout their school years. The emotional presentation drew applause from graduates and audience members alike.

Following the video, Forbes welcomed class valedictorian Owen Begin to the stage.

“It’s both exciting and nerve-racking. As we move forward, we leave our familiar bubble,” Begin said. “As you set out to create new connections, it’s important to start with the most fundamental connection you have: your relationship with yourself.”

Begin then introduced the ceremony’s faculty farewell speaker, retiring teacher Peter Franklin, who delivered remarks reflecting on his years at Swampscott High School and his final graduation ceremony as a member of the faculty.

Following Franklin’s address, graduating senior and Student Council member Gabi Manadee introduced Principal Zotto for her first commencement speech as principal.

“As the Class of 2026’s journey ends, Ms. Zotto’s begins,” Manadee said. “As we step into adulthood, I’m incredibly excited to see the future of SHS under Ms. Zotto’s supervision and care. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Ms. Emily Zotto.”

In her address, Zotto encouraged graduates to recognize and embrace their individual strengths. Bringing a wrapped present on stage as a visual prop, she centered her speech around the idea of personal gifts.

Superintendent Jason Calichman followed with closing remarks, expressing confidence in the graduates’ future success.

“You are uniquely prepared to step out and leave your own mark on the world. I have absolute confidence you will not only succeed on your own behalf but will change your community and the world for the better,” Calichman said. “My highest hope for you is that you live meaningful lives that truly impact others and that you find happiness in your work, in your relationships, and most importantly within yourselves. It’s a big world out there, and you’re ready to take it on.”

Following Calichman’s remarks, Zotto recognized the recipients of several final scholarships awarded by local organizations and individuals. School counselors Rachal Sturma, Julie O’Neil, and Julie Mazzola then presented diplomas to the graduating seniors.

“Class of 2026, we have come a long way,” said Class President Eliana Young. “However you got to this moment or feel about your experience getting here, you made it and you deserve to be celebrated for your achievements. After today, our paths will once again diverge, and whether you have a clearly marked map or are headed blindly into the unknown, try to enjoy this moment where all of our paths are connected for the last time.”

Young then led her classmates in the traditional turning of tassels and cap toss, marking the official conclusion of the ceremony and the end of the Class of 2026’s time in the Swampscott Public Schools.

A recording of the full commencement ceremony is available on the Swampscott Public Schools YouTube channel.