Holbrook Class of 2026 Celebrates Graduation

HOLBROOK, Mass. — On Friday, June 5, the class of 2026 had their high school diplomas conferred and celebrated at Holbrook Middle-High School’s annual graduation ceremony. Held in the school gymnasium, the ceremony marked the closing of a chapter for graduates while allowing attendees to reflect on the accomplishments of those they came to support.

A little over an hour before the ceremony, graduates met in the school media center to put on their caps and gowns. As blue regalia filled the room, a few graduates took time to reflect on their upcoming milestone. While this was the beginning of a new journey, it also marked the end of a routine that had provided friendships and opportunities for exploration.

Student-athlete Katie Nguyen described graduation as a bittersweet moment, highlighting her experiences of winning the Mayflower League Championship, meeting new friends, and finding ways to improve herself every day. She credited her parents with being her inspiration throughout high school.

"They are able to build everything out of nothing," Nguyen said. "Truly, if they can do it, I know I can do even more things with so many resources, friends, and love and support."

When recalling his time at the school, class treasurer Nizar Bouyacoub noted the tight bond the class shared.

"I really thought that since it was a small school it was really nice bonding, and I got to be closer to a lot of my classmates," Bouyacoub said. "I’m really grateful."

With a graduating class of 64 students, Holbrook is considerably smaller than surrounding towns like Braintree and Brockton, whose graduating classes reach several hundred.

Although he is staying local, graduate Spencer Rafalko is looking forward to the change in structure, saying his biggest drive is "just getting into a normal routine as an adult instead of going to school every day." He plans to attend Massasoit Community College with hopes of becoming a psychiatrist.

When asked to share advice for current underclassmen, graduates echoed a familiar saying from teachers, parents and students alike, Don't procrastinate. There were, however, additional insights regarding being proactive.

Alek Ludkiewicz emphasized taking all years of high school seriously, not just those leading up to college applications.

"Take it seriously, especially if you're planning to go to college," Ludkiewicz recalled. "I didn’t take freshman year as seriously as I should have and that has probably hurt me in the college process. Do extracurriculars, do clubs, do sports, do it all."

Building on Ludkiewicz’s advice, Nguyen urged underclassmen to "do it now." Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, she encourages students to take leaps at opportunities, even if they may not be completely ready for them. She also noted that this idea applies heavily to avoiding procrastination so students can find time to finish work while still enjoying their hobbies.

As graduates convened, relatives, friends and former students began to trickle into the gymnasium, where doors opened at 5 p.m. Some took their reserved seats behind the graduates, while others filled the bleachers. Cardboard cutouts, flowers and programs popped up throughout the audience.

For attendees, no single word could summarize the feelings arising leading up to the moment students walked across the stage. From family to longtime friends, the significance of the graduation was unique to each person.

Attendees Michael Adams and Dao Truong came to support friends. Truong was there to support Josue Velarde, noting that it has been rewarding to see his hard work pay off as class salutatorian. Truong was joined by her friends Alex, Moiz and Avi, who had driven from neighboring states to attend — Velarde gave them a shout-out during his honors address.

Adams was there with several friends from Blue Hills Regional Technical School to support Ludkiewicz, the first of their friend group to graduate. Growing up with him for nearly a decade, Adams said he was saddened by the looming loss of daily proximity.

"We’re not gonna be in the same town anymore, not seeing each other every day ... but I’m very proud of him," Adams said.

The ceremony served as a milestone for many families. Tiffany Vargas came to support her niece, Tiffany. This graduation was especially monumental, as the older Vargas mentioned that her niece was the first of her generation to graduate from high school.

"I’m very, very proud ... despite all the trials and tribulations, she made it," Vargas added.

For other families, reaching graduation was a testament to perseverance. Charlie and Wendy Potter, who were supporting their daughter, Evelina, described mixed emotions. Evelina’s late biological mother passed away in 2018, and her grandmother was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness, the pair explained.

"It's kind of a happy moment but a sad moment," Charlie Potter said.

Wendy Potter added that both of them were immensely proud of Evelina due to the hardships she endured. "She had a struggle because of what happened, but she made it through everything ... we’re proud of her and hope she succeeds and flies high, the sky is the limit."

Before diplomas were distributed, class president Dilynn Fox began the ceremony with a welcome address, followed by honors speeches from salutatorian Josue Velarde and valedictorian Ayane White. Superintendent Julie Hamilton and Principal Bates also gave brief speeches, noting the talents and accomplishments the class had achieved across sports, arts and clubs.

To conclude the ceremony, Principal Bates and Assistant Principal Winkler presented the members of the class of 2026 with their diplomas, officially marking their status as high school graduates. As each graduate crossed the stage, celebratory cheers and applause boomed throughout the gymnasium.