Event date: June 06, 2026▶ Watch full video
Overview
Under sunny skies, Dedham High School celebrated the Class of 2026 in a joyful graduation ceremony that brought together 172 graduates, their families, and the broader Dedham community. The morning was filled with heartfelt speeches, proud moments, and a palpable sense of new beginnings as the Marauders prepared to take their next steps into the world. Over $240,000 in scholarships — awarded through 203 individual honors — underscored the depth of community investment in these young people. The ceremony culminated with graduates circling the field in a celebratory lap before sending their caps soaring into the air.
Featured Clip
▶ Class President Michael Doyle — Full Speech · Dedham High School Class of 2026 Graduation
Highlights
- Jacqueline Luz opened the ceremony with a stunning, crowd-stopping solo performance of the National Anthem, earning spontaneous praise from Principal Forrest, who called it "crushing your last performance."
- The Dedham community awarded 203 scholarships totaling over $240,000 to members of the graduating class.
- Keynote speaker Patricia Rocha delivered a deeply moving full-circle moment — herself the DHS valedictorian of 1986, she now retires as a beloved English teacher at the very same school, 40 years later.
- The Class of 2026 wrestling team was celebrated for bringing home a state championship title during their senior year.
- Class President Michael Doyle, a triple varsity athlete and AP Scholar, delivered an uplifting speech honoring the class's spirit, kindness, and the legacy of the Marauders Deck student section.
- Salutatorian Noah Smadi moved the crowd with a heartfelt speech using shared memories — power outages, fire drills, and hallway moments — as a metaphor for finding community in adversity.
- Valedictorian Corinne Elmore, who will double major in economics and mathematics at Kenyon College, charmed the audience with a speech about holding onto childhood curiosity as a driver of connection and discovery.
- The entire DHS faculty in attendance stood and were recognized by Principal Forrest and the assembled families for their dedication to the Class of 2026.
- Mr. Illinois — chosen by the students themselves as their diploma presenter — was praised as one of the most beloved teachers at DHS for his kindness and tireless dedication to his students.
- All 172 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, then circled the field in a celebratory lap before tossing their caps in unison.
Notable Quotes
"You can't add days to your life, but you can add life to your days."— Michael Doyle, Class President, quoting Blaise Pascal in his charge to classmates to stay present
Nan Murphy
"It might mean letting your words and actions define who you are, speaking up when you feel it's right, smiling at that stranger in the store, being there for a friend on their hardest days, putting in the work even when you are so ready to quit."— Michael Doyle, Class President, on what it truly means to stand out as an individual
Noah Smadi
"When I look at you, I see the future."— Patricia Rocha, Keynote Speaker and retiring DHS English teacher, Class of 1986 Valedictorian
Patricia Rocha
"I wish you nothing but the best as you turn the page and begin to write the next chapter of your lives."— Patricia Rocha, Keynote Speaker, in her closing words to the Class of 2026
Corinne Elmore
"The world today does not simply need more educated people. It needs people who are willing to use their education for purpose."— Superintendent Nan Murphy, challenging graduates to act with integrity and compassion
"Carry your knowledge with humility, carry your talents with purpose, carry your success with gratitude, and carry your responsibility to others with pride."— Superintendent Nan Murphy, in her closing charge to graduates
"The next time the lights go out, whatever that may look like in our lives, I hope we remember what we learned here. I hope we remember the laughter. I hope we remember the people beside us. I hope that we remember that even when the lights go off and things look dark, that we are strongest when we come together."— Noah Smadi, Salutatorian, on resilience and community
"Every day, I am reminded to live in a way my five-year-old self would admire."— Corinne Elmore, Valedictorian, on maintaining childhood curiosity throughout life
"I know we will all set the world on fire, but let's do so in a way true to our inner child."— Corinne Elmore, Valedictorian, in her inspiring closing line
"Class of 2026, you are blessed with tremendous potential, and I'm confident you will achieve great things. While you do that, I encourage you to make a difference, but also make sure you enjoy yourselves while doing so."— Principal Jim Forrest, in his opening charge to graduates
Participants
- Jim Forrest — Dedham High School Principal
- Patricia Rocha — Keynote Speaker; retiring DHS English teacher and Class of 1986 Valedictorian
- Nan Murphy — Superintendent, Dedham Public Schools
- Michael Doyle — Class President; triple varsity athlete and AP Scholar
- Noah Smadi — Salutatorian; AP Scholar with Distinction and National Honor Society member
- Corinne Elmore — Valedictorian; incoming double major in economics and mathematics at Kenyon College
- Jacqueline Luz — National Anthem performer; incoming Westfield State University student
- Mr. Illinois — Class of 2026's chosen diploma presenter and beloved DHS teacher
- Pete Cavanaugh — Assistant Principal, Dedham High School
- Kelly Cook — Assistant Principal, Dedham High School
- Laura (last name not fully captured) — School Committee Chair
- Paul McMurtry — State Representative and Dedham High School alumnus
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