PEABODY — As the 333 Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Class of 2026 graduates dressed in navy and white gowns walked onto Coley Lee Field Friday evening, the love was palpable.

Among the booming air horns, the impressively-loud whistling, and the eruptions of applause, one truth became obvious. Every face in the stands shared the same expression: pride.

Class of 2026 Co-Presidents Tanairi Casiano and Steven Hachey began the ceremony by honoring a fellow Tanner who truly left a mark: Freddy Espinal, who died in September 2024 from a sudden cardiac arrest caused by an undiagnosed heart condition.

“There is not a day that passes where we do not think of you, Freddy… Though you are no longer here with us, your presence is still felt within the Class of 2026, and your legacy will forever live on,” Casiano said prior to a moment of silence.

A seat was reserved for Espinal; his cap and gown were placed there as well, resting against a heartfelt message: “We know you would be here today if heaven wasn’t so far away. We’ve reserved this seat in loving memory of Freddy whose spirit is with us today.”

Principal Brooke Randall reminded graduates that certainty about the future is not a prerequisite for success.

“No matter where you are in your journey, one thing I can tell you with certainty is this: You do not need to have it all figured out today. In fact, some of the most meaningful opportunities in life come from unexpected turns along the way,” she said.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt joked that the best gift he could give the crowd was to be brief, and he was. He told the graduates to follow their dreams, listen to their hearts, and emphasized: “We are all rooting for you to make a positive difference in our world.”

Superintendent Dr. Josh Vadala also exercised brevity, quickly introducing Class of ‘76 alumna and School Committee member Beverley Griffin Dunne, who thought back to her high school years.

“Fifty years goes by in the blink of an eye… What seems ordinary right now will seem extraordinary when you take the time to reflect on your life. Cherish your friends, and stay in touch,” she said.

Class of 2020 alumnus Alex Serino highlighted that the journey to finding your voice is paramount, often by having the crowd reply back to him. He also implored the graduates to make mistakes and take risks because “that’s where the growth happens; that’s where confidence comes from.”

Stephanie Dallaire, of the Peabody Institute Library Board of Trustees, recognized the eight George Peabody Medal recipients: Valedictorian Kaelyn Veltry, Salutatorian Elizabeth Bettencourt, Senior Essayist Sydney Lynch, Mia Riley Norton, Alana Rosa, Jacob Crocker, Seamus Jon Galvin, and Rena Deftos.

Lynch’s essay focused on embracing uncertainty: “Wherever the life you live may take you next, remember that you might not have all the answers, but with time, you will always figure it out.”

Elizabeth Bettencourt discussed how it’s important to be “comfortable enough to be uncomfortable,” as that is what “will get us through the next chapter of our lives.”

Veltry created a metaphor where an antique tea cup collecting dust over decades symbolized an untouched, unused high school diploma.

“Your high school education is so valuable,” she said. “Don’t treat it like a mere trophy on your shelf. Use this day as a launching pad into your future — no matter what that path might look like.”

The PVMHS Concert Choir and Full House A Cappella, conducted by Jon Simmons, performed “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield before the diplomas were presented.

Arguably the loudest, definitely the longest, ovation came when Espinal’s name was read, and his parents, Rafael Espinal Duran and Adell LaBonte, walked in his honor.

As tassels were moved from right to left and caps soared into the evening sky, the Class of 2026 officially closed one chapter and stepped into the next.

From left, Peabody High Valedictorian Kaelyn Veltry, Salutatorian Elizabeth Bettencourt, and Senior Essayist Sydney Lynch.

Peabody High graduate Celosia Machado helps Evelyn Karlo with her cap.

The Espinal family gather’s around a tribute to Freddy Espinal during Peabody High’s commencement ceremony.

The PVMHS Air Force JROTC presents the colors during commencement.

Peabody High’s Sophia Coburn, left, and Olivia Gaynor reminisce about their time on the basketball team before commencement starts.

A ceremonial cap and gown set aside for Freddy Espinal during Peabody High’s commencement ceremony.

Peabody School Committee member Beverly Griffin-Dunn speaks during Peabody High’s commencement ceremony on the 50th anniversary of her graduation.

Alex Serino applauds the Peabody High Class of 2026.

Peabody High graduate Thomas Sierzega jumps for joy before receiving his diploma.

Peabody High graduate Aliana Ryan smiles as she walks to receive her diploma.

Peabody High Principal Brooke Randal congratulates the Class of 2026.

Peabody High graduate Olivia Gaynor makes a funny face at the crowd as she walks to receive her diploma.

Peabody High graduate Litzy Hernandes Contreras waves to the crowd as she walks to receive her diploma.

Peabody High graduate Christ Jeune proudly shows off his diploma.

Peabody High class officers, from left, Elizabeth Bettencourt, Sydney Lynch, Adam Mchiti, Isabelly Santana, Steven Hachey, and Tanairi Casiano.

Peabody High Class of 2026 Co-Presidents Tanairi Casiano and Steven Hacey address their fellow graduates.

Peabody High Principal Brooke Randal hugs Freddy Espinal’s dad, Rafael Espinal Duran.

Alex Serino delivers the commencement speech during Peabody High’s graduation.

Caps fly into the air as the Peabody High Class of 2026 celebrates.

Peabody High Valedictorian Kaelyn Veltry receives her diploma from Mayor Ted Bettencourt.

Peabody High graduate Catherine Quaresma pumps her fists as she walks to receive her diploma.

Peabody High graduate Caden Sotomayor points to his fellow graduates as he walks to receive his diploma.

Peabody High graduate Jacquelin Moreschi receives her diploma from Mayor Ted Bettencourt.