Aundrea Cifuentes also contributed to this article
Four years of early mornings, late nights, and unforgettable memories, which ultimately switched to a final moment of reflection and joy for the graduating senior class of 2026. June 7th marked Malden’s celebration for these seniors, filling MacDonald Stadium with an abundance of emotions as seniors officially turned their pages to a new chapter.
Graduation began with graduates gathering on the field, then taking their seats. Following the National Anthem, a moment of silence was held for late Malden High senior G’Kiyah Lewis, as principal Chris Mastrangelo honored her as a part of the graduating class of 2026.
Following the moment of silence, notable figures such as Mayor Gary Christenson, Valedictorian Kelly Ye, Salutatorian Lincoln Boswell, Class Orator Thomas Conti, and Class President Linh Do gave speeches.
Many of these student speeches shared the same sentiment that Malden High will always be an essential part of their lives. Conti described Malden High as “a place where anyone and everyone can make anything happen.”
Boswell went on to give his Salutatorian speech in which he reminisced on a memory he had in Costa Rica where he saw a school building surrounded by tall fences. Upon learning that the fences were built to prevent students from skipping classes, Boswell reflected on how he realized on the value of education, and how it should never be taken for granted.
Ye gave her speech shortly after, emphasizing the value of hardwork’s outcome. She recalled universal high school experiences, moments specific to Malden, and fond memories she created during her four years at MHS. She finalized her speech with a selfie at the podium of herself and her graduating class.
“There are moments when you’re drained and finished and when you don’t want to finish,” President Linh Do expressed, “whatever you guys decide to do next, I know you’ll bloom wherever you go. Thank you for letting me represent all of you.”
Following her speech, the chorus performed. The principal called all the seniors to perform one last time before the end, adding to the already memorable ceremony.
Christenson reflected on the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, applauding both their academic achievements and their leadership within the community. “This class has laid out a foundation that will support them for the rest of their lives,” Christenson said. He highlighted the student’s advocacy and willingness to speak up for causes they believed in, specifically participating in a peaceful protest against ICE and against Principal Mastrangelo being let go. He also recognized the classes’ college acceptances to prestigious institutions across the country, stating their achievements “exceed far beyond the stage.”
Christenson encouraged the students to remain resilient throughout life, telling them they are “not just bricks in a wall,” but “the architects of what comes next.”
Mastrangelo gave the final speech before handing out diplomas. While becoming visibly emotional, he announced his love for all of the students and how he will be taking them with him as he finishes his journey at Malden High as well.
The majority of the seniors depicted how surreal the moment was. “It’s emotional. Your whole life you’re waiting to lead up to this moment, and then when you finally get here, you’re like, ‘Oh my goodness,’” expressed senior Caroline Santos.
The excitement flooded through the seniors as they obtained their diplomas one by one. “High school was really eventful. I was glad to get involved in so many things, different sports, different clubs, and just get to know a lot of good people,” reflected senior Gino Spadafora.
With every senior called, there was an eruption of screams and cries for each respective senior from friends and family. The cheers, applause, and tears from the audience represented not only the end of four years but the beginning of countless new opportunities for the students.
Many seniors shared their difficulties in high school, whether it was mentally or academically. With new experiences such as applying for college, FAFSA, and more, the senior year acted as a year dedicated to finding your passions. For senior Jose Juarbe-Valdez, graduation illuminated his triumph over these struggles: “High school was very mentally draining, but you get through it. It’s rewarding, there’s more to come with college, but I’m proud of myself.”
Similarly, senior Isabel Jones reflected on overcoming the challenges of all four years. “It was definitely a challenge getting to the end of it. You hit that senior slump, and find out who’s really your friend and who’s not, and you just have to push through,” Jones said.
Many seniors acknowledged that reaching the finish line was not always easy.
Countless students credited teachers, counselors, and principals for helping them reach graduation. Jones and senior Madison Cook both thanked counselor Kristy Hardy. Overall, everyone expressed their gratitude for all their teachers over the years. “They supported me the most and had the most empathy; they saw me as more than just a student,” Do said.
Despite these challenges, the class of 2026 knew they always had a community to lean on—teachers, counselors, friends, and more continued to encourage these seniors to keep pushing as they guided them through their high school years.
By the end of the ceremony, family and friends rushed onto the field to celebrate with the graduates. Hugs, flowers, photographs, and tears filled the turf as students reflected on the memories they had created together over the past four years.
As the class of 2026 leaves Malden High behind, they carry the lessons, friendships, and experiences that shaped them with them everywhere beyond. Whether heading to college, entering the workforce, or pursuing any type of dream, they are leaving with a foundation built through perseverance, community, and growth.
It is now officially time for the Class of 2026 to start a new chapter of their lives. Cook shared a final thought to shed light on senior year for underclassmen, “Senior year teaches you the most, it’s when you really learn who you are and sets the foundation of how your life is going to be in the future and who you’re going to be in the future.”
Malden High Seniors as they walk to receive their diplomas. EMILLY WEIHRAUCH
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