LYNN — Despite the gloomy weather, St. Mary’s High School celebrated the graduation of 131 seniors with laughter and joy during commencement, emphasizing faith, friendship, leadership, and service to others.

Families, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered as the Class of 2026 processed onto the field for the ceremony, which featured speeches from student leaders, school officials, alumni, and former Lynn Public Schools superintendent and former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.

The evening began with a performance of the National Anthem by senior vocalists, followed by an invocation from Rev. Daniel Zinger, who called on graduates to live lives centered on faith and service. 

“May my hands be your hands, may my tongue be your tongue,” Rev. Zinger prayed, asking students to use their talents in the service of others.

Salutatorian Nicholas Fusco reflected on the friendships and support systems that defined the class’s experience at St. Mary’s. Fusco, who will attend Purdue University this fall, thanked parents, teachers, siblings, and classmates for helping him reach graduation day.

“We celebrate not just our class, but also our biggest fans,” Fusco said, recognizing friends, family, and faculty who have supported the class through their journeys. 

He recalled memories including Camp Sunshine, Senior Sunrise, prom, athletic events, and time spent with friends, saying the school community helped make every student’s experience meaningful.

“The community and connections we’ve made are so incredibly valuable,” Fusco added. “I know I never could have made it through without my closest friends.”

Valedictorian Thomas Weber delivered a heartfelt speech centered on gratitude, perseverance, and kindness. Weber, who will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, thanked teachers, coaches, teammates, friends, and family members who shaped his journey.

He encouraged classmates to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities.

“If you only do what you know how to do, you’ll never become anything more than who you are today,” Weber said. “So try something new or chase that seemingly unrealistic dream and don’t look back.”

Weber also urged graduates to treat others with compassion. “In a world where you can be anything, I hope you choose to be kind,” he said, noting that simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.

Head of School Dr. John F. Dolan praised the dedication of faculty, trustees, staff, and parents who supported the Class of 2026 throughout their years at the school.

“Good schools have parent participation. Great schools have parent leadership,” Dolan said while introducing Parent Advisory Council leaders William and Sheila Butler.

During the parent reflection, Sheila Butler encouraged graduates to maintain the friendships they formed at St. Mary’s. “The friendships you formed here at St. Mary’s can become lifelong sources of support, laughter, and strength if you make the effort to keep them alive,” she said.

William Butler offered a lighter moment, joking about the countless graduation photos families take over the years. Encouraging students to appreciate the milestone for their parents as well, he told graduates that when asked to pose for photos, they should respond, “Are there any other photos you would like to take?”

The ceremony also honored distinguished alumnus Charles Gaeta, recognized for decades of service to the Lynn community. Gaeta reflected on his upbringing in Lynn and the sacrifices his mother made to keep him enrolled at St. Mary’s.

“You have made sacrifices, both big and small, so they could have the tremendous opportunity to be at St. Mary’s,” Gaeta said to parents. 

Addressing graduates, he added, “You’re not just closing a chapter, you’re turning a page to a brand new story, one that only you will write.”

During the commencement, the school also took a special moment to honor alumna Ann Mannion as a Golden Jubilarian.

 Board of Trustees Chair William S. Mosakowski told students that commencement represented a beginning rather than an ending.

“You have done much, but there is so much left to do,” Mosakowski said. “That is in fact why today is called commencement and not conclusion ceremonies.”

Introduced by former Lynn mayor Thomas McGee, guest speaker Tutwiler encouraged graduates to move forward in life with purpose and determination, sharing an African proverb about lions and gazelles to illustrate the importance of action and perseverance.

“It doesn’t matter whether you feel like the lion right now … or the gazelle,” Tutwiler said. “When tomorrow comes, you have to move.”

He urged students to pursue meaningful goals and lead with integrity. “When the sun comes up tomorrow, run,” he told the Class of 2026. “But run with purpose.”

Before diplomas were presented, alumnus Dr. Richard Peinert of the class of 1965 delivered the final address to graduates, mixing humor with reflections on his years at St. Mary’s and his medical career.

“Study something you love, something that becomes a part of your being,” Peinert advised students. “Whatever you do, do it because you love it.”

Peinert also encouraged graduates to remember the values and relationships formed at St. Mary’s and challenged them to make a lasting difference in the world.

“I want you to be able to stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eye, and ask yourself, ‘Did I make a difference?’” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas, a closing prayer from Pastor Zinger, and the traditional cap toss as the St. Mary’s High School Class of 2026 officially became alumni.

St. Mary’s Valedictorian Thomas Weber takes a rose to present to the Blessed Mary statue at the start of the graduation ceremony on Thursday.

St. Mary’s graduates place roses in front of the statue of Blessed Mary as they take part in their processional before the commencement ceremony.

St. Mary’s graduates place roses in front of the statue of Blessed Mary as they take part in their processional before the commencement ceremony.

St. Mary’s senior vocalists perform the National Anthem at the start of their graduation ceremony on Thursday.

A St. Mary’s graduate’s cap decoration inspired by the anime “One Piece.”

St. Mary’s Salutatorian Nicholas Fusco delivers his speech during the commencement ceremony Thursday evening.

St. Mary’s Valedictorian Thomas Weber delivers his speech during the commencement ceremony on Thursday.

St. Mary’s Valedictorian Thomas Weber delivers his speech during the commencement ceremony on Thursday.

St. Mary’s Head of School Dr. John F. Dolan welcomes administrators, families, and graduates to the commencement ceremony Thursday evening.

St. Mary’s Parent Advisory Committee members William and Sheila Butler speak during the commencement ceremony on Thursday.

LHAND Executive Director Charles Gaeta, who was given the Alumni of Distinction award during St. Mary’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, addresses the graduates.

St. Mary’s Board of Tustees Chair Bill Mosakowski, right, presents LHAND Executive Director Charles Gaeta with the Alumni of Distinction award during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday.

St. Mary’s Head of School Dr. John F. Dolan presents Ann Mannion with the Golden Jubilarian pin during the school’s graduation ceremony on Thursday.

St. Mary’s Board of Tustees Chair Bill Mosakowski speaks during the school’s commencement ceremony on Thursday.

St. Mary’s graduate Jazmin Rodriguez smiles as she looks back and sees the crowd during her graduation ceremony on Thursday.

Former Massachusetts Secretary of Education and former Superintendent of Lynn Public Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler delivers the commencement address during St. Mary’s graduation ceremony on Thursday.

Dr. Richard Peinert addresses the graduates during St. Mary’s commencement ceremony on Thursday.

St. Mary’s Class of 2026 President Tyler Desmund smiles after receiving his diploma.

St. Mary’s graduate Rolky Brea Arias pounds his chest as he walks across the stage to receive his diploma.

St. Mary’s graduate John Chareas points to his basketball championship ring as he walks across the stage to receive his diploma.

St. Mary’s graduate Mia De Leon blows a kiss to the crowd as she walks across the stage to receive her diploma.

St. Mary’s graduate Sabrina Fazio smiles as she receives her diploma.

The decorated cap of a St. Mary’s graduate.

St. Mary’s graduate Julianie Momplaisir waves to the crowd as she walks to receive her diploma.

St. Mary’s graduate Jillian Roberts shakes hands with school officials after receiving her diploma.

St. Mary’s graduates turn their tassels at the end of their graduation ceremony on Thursday.