LYNN — Four years ago, they arrived at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (LTVI) as freshmen learning how to read blueprints, wire circuits, and navigate unfamiliar hallways. Monday afternoon, they received their diplomas and are prepared to enter the workforce as welders, carpenters, nurses’ aides, electricians, and future college students, carrying the skills they learned into the next chapter of their lives.
The phrase “when you have a trade, you have it made” captured the spirit of the LTVI graduation ceremony. A phrase coined by this year’s commencement speaker and former principal, James Ridley.
Students at LTVI spent four years learning a trade and a traditional high school education at once. For many, including this year’s Valedictorian Phong Tran, attending LTVI was a major accomplishment in and of itself.
“It was my dream to go to Tech,” Tran said, reflecting on his admission interview.
Tran encouraged his fellow graduates to “Never stop chasing your dreams. Achieve those dreams with the people you love around you.”
He said, “Inhale this surreal moment of exhilaration, because we did it. Tonight, when we hang our caps and gowns, remember this: we are not bound by numbers on a sheet of paper, but by the quality of our character.”
Tran’s speech reflected on character, dreams, and the emotional goodbye to LVTI as the Class of 2026 prepared to start the next chapter of their lives. Salutatorian Alexavier Saldana brought the focus back to classes, shop work, and making lasting memories in familiar spaces.
“Those walks between buildings are where some of the best conversations happened, whether it was confronting a test we just took, stressing about an assignment due next period, or just talking with friends. Those few minutes outside ended up creating a lot more memories than any of us probably realized at the time,” he said.
Saldana said, “Our entire graduating class has worked tremendously hard to be here today. In each of our unique ways, we have all overcome many challenges.”
Saldana ended by crediting family and teachers for getting him to the LVTI Graduation stage.
Class President Kaylee Deschamps thanked her support system and the “classmates who became family” even during the years of separation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our class has one core memory that no other graduating class will ever fully understand. We went through basically our entire middle school years quarantined and separated from the world, which changed the way we learned, connected, and the way we grew up,” she said.
Yet, even after the pandemic, “we made it here because we are resilient and adaptable,” she said. “We deserve to give ourselves credit for that.”
One of the highlights of her time at LVTI was “finding a family in my health tech shop,” Deschamps said. “I found a group of people I spent seven hours a day with for five days every other week. They have supported me, pushed me, and reminded me that I was always capable of more than I believed.”
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said the lessons students “have obtained here at LVTI are lessons that you will carry with you that I think make you uniquely prepared for the world ahead.”
Principal Fred V. Gallo, who is retiring after 36 years in education, told graduates, “Success isn’t something you achieve in the future. Rather, success is a process that you go through as you travel through life.”
Lynn Tech Class of 2026 Vice President Zahara Belizaire recites the Pledge of Allegiance during the commencement ceremony.
Lynn Tech graduates Yosef Rodriguez Diaz (flute) and Anderson Deleon Crisostomo (tuba) perform the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the start of commencement.
Lynn Tech Class of 2026 President Kaylee Deschamps, left, is hugged by Eimy Troncoso as she walks up to give her speech.
Lynn Tech graduate Richard Arreago Rodriguez shakes hands with Principal Fred Gallo as he receives his diploma.
Lynn Tech graduate Kamar Hammady shakes hands with Principal Fred Gallo as she receives her diploma.
Lynn Tech graduate Kevin Moscoso-Argueta flashes a peace sign to the crowd as he walks back to his seat.
Lynn Tech graduate Yansiel Patricio Santo cheers and waves to the crowd as he walks back to his seat.
Lynn Tech graduate Angelica Santini flies the Puerto Rican flag as she walks across the stage to receive her diploma.
24World Media does not take any responsibility of the information you see on this page. The content this page contains is from independent third-party content provider. If you have any concerns regarding the content, please free to write us here: contact@24worldmedia.com
LYNN — Four years ago, they arrived at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (LTVI) as freshmen learning...
To the Editor, The alleged racial issue in the Lynnfield Public Schools has received a great deal of...
LYNN — The St. Mary’s crew team recently had a boat compete at the New England Interscholastic Rowing...
To get to the semifinals, teams typically need a player or two to shine under the bright lights. This...
LYNN — As the world’s biggest soccer tournament arrives in Massachusetts, Lynn’s Haitian community...
LYNN — United Lynn Pride is proud to announce its official schedule of events for Pride Month 2026....
Nahant plans for new public safety building
St. John’s Prep Breaks Ground on Memorial Student Commons
Peabody baker provides a treat on the go
Southold police earn state accreditation after two-decade effort
TRMG staffers awarded journalism honors from Press Club of Long Island
Former Peconic Star captains launch Tide Hustle charter boat in Greenport
Today’s page 1: 6-8-26
Marblehead author sets sail with new book
Lynnfield restaurant damaged in drunk-driving crash
Swampscott woman dies in horse accident
KIPP graduates 103 – Itemlive
Swampscott remembers Nelson Darling – Itemlive
