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Lynn English graduates 503

Deyscha Smith

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LYNN — As the Lynn English Band played the ceremonial tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the Class of 2026 walked onto Manning Field on Friday morning, donning maroon-colored robes with smiles on their faces, ready to take the next step in their young lives.

This year’s graduation ceremony began with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the LEHS Concert Choir and Chorus, which was led by music teacher Jorge Ibanez. Senior Class President and Valedictorian Tommy Tran then gave the opening address and reminisced about the past four years they have spent together at Lynn English and the bond they formed.

“The memories that we have made together are not something to forget so easily,” he told his fellow classmates. “Whether it [was] cheering together for our sports teams, getting rocked by our hall monitors in the Thanksgiving pep rally tug-of-war, or collectively watching the sun rise and set at Nahant Beach, it’s surreal to know that just in a few hours, it’s over.”

With that, Tran also urged his peers to take all of those shared experiences and make an impact in their community and beyond. “Lynn is a city where families come for opportunity, and the resilience needed to carry this pursuit is immense,” he said. “You each carry forth a light unrecognizable now, so please discover that and influence the change that we need to inspire others.”

Salutatorian Tahmidul Islam commended his fellow classmates for their ability to juggle academic and athletic commitments while working jobs and supporting their families.

“My classmates are genuinely the most hard-working people I have seen,” he said, later adding: “I think about my friends who spent their weekends working long shifts doing nails and lashes, cutting hair, editing photos, and more. And after everything, somehow still finding time to finish their homework before the quarter ends. But that’s what Lynn does.”

Principal Dr. Rardy L. Peña highlighted the achievements and accomplishments of the graduating class, including earning honors in ROTC, art, and music. Students at Lynn English also completed over 4,000 hours of community service and earned recognition from the North Shore Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Club of Lynn.

“To our graduates, today is a tribute to your strength and spirit,” Peña said in English before translating his speech into Spanish. “Whether in the classroom, in the field, onstage, or in the community, you have shown us what dedication looks like.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Molly Cohen commended the Class of 2026 for their dedication to learning. “When we describe Lynn graduates, we are talking about critical thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners empowered to design their own paths. That is who you are becoming,” she said.

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson then began his speech by asking the students at Lynn English to look inward. “I want you to think for a minute who is looking up to you right now — your brothers and sisters, your cousins and neighbors, your friends… You are their role model, and the entire city is grateful for your example and your leadership.”

The Lynn English Concert Choir and Chorus performed a ballad of “Slipping Through My Fingers” before alumni Dr. Shawn L. Abbott gave this year’s commencement speech. Abbott, who currently serves as the vice president of enrollment management and dean of admission at Tulane University, shared a relatable story of being a “mediocre” student while attending the school and expressed how proud he is of all of the graduates for achieving the honor.

“Whether you’re graduating near the top of your class or, like me, closer to the bottom of your class, you’re about to be an alumnus or alumna of Lynn English High School,” he said. “And whether you have the highest GPA or the lowest GPA, you have accomplished something today that should make you proud.”

After his speech concluded, anticipation filled the air as Senior Class Advisor Elizabeth Jesus D’Amico gave the presentation of the graduates. “Bulldogs, are you ready?” she asked in excitement.

A roar of cheers then erupted from the audience, who rang bells and horns in joy as they watched the Class of 2026 walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and officially take the next steps into a new chapter in their lives.

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