413 + 1 = Exceptional Needham High School Graduates!

In June we held two important graduation ceremonies to mark the achievements of Needham students - past and present.

Members of the Class of '26 celebrate their graduation.

On June 8th 413 NHS graduates received their diplomas in a sun splashed ceremony on Memorial Field surrounded by thousands of friends, faculty, and family. Principal Aaron Sicotte presided over the graduation program which included heartfelt speeches by School Committee Chair Alisa Skatrud as well as two student speakers, Simi Basak and Marco Barbosa. (My remarks, which include advice from 6th graders to the graduates, can be found here: Graduation 2026)

An original member of the NHS Class of 1945,
John Hasenfuss, finally receives his diploma.

Later in the month, on June 29th, Principal Sicotte and I were honored to hold a second graduation ceremony, attended by School Committee Chair Alisa Skatrud and Vice Chair Michael Greis as well as friends, family and local veterans, for NHS Class of 1945 member John Hasenfuss who had just turned 100 years old!  John was deployed to the Pacific during World War Two and missed his senior year. He returned 82 years later to be awarded a diploma that recognizes not only his scholarship at NHS but a life well lived in service to his family, community, and nation. Thank you, John - and all who serve - for keeping our nation safe.

413 + 1 = Exceptional graduates from Needham High!

Congrats and Go Rockets!