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Weston High School’s 167 graduates came together Friday afternoon one final time, as the class of 2026 celebrated both their accomplishments and the forever bonds they forged over the last four years.

It’s only fitting that the commencement ceremony brought together hundreds of family members, friends and other community members on the Town Green, which class speaker Zoe Smallman called “the symbol of all that is Weston.”

In a small town, she said these moments of togetherness are what influence their growth.

“Countless events and fundraisers that brought people together have taken place on this Green, where we put everything aside and worked to create something truly special: a community,” Smallman said. “The most meaningful part of coming from a small school, such as Weston, is this. The bonds and connections that we have formed, which have shaped us into the people we are today.”

Not only is the class of 2026’s bond strong, Smallman said, she and her peers also “set the pace” for the other classes at Weston High School, creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

“What truly separates our class is the way we have grown together and remained close,” she said. “We welcomed others and supported younger grades. We created an environment that people want to be a part of, and that culture will continue long after we leave Weston High.”

Class President Chelian Subbiah shared Smallman’s community sentiment, urging his fellow graduates to be the person who steps up when times are tough. In telling his peers to be the one who answers the call, he channeled the phrase, “If not me, then who?” the ethos of U.S. Marine Travis Manion, who died in 2007 protecting his fellow soldiers.

“No matter how old we got, we always found a way to be there for one another,” Subbiah said. “If you don’t do the thing, regardless of what it is, who will? You need to take the risk and do it, despite how impossible it may seem. As a matter of fact, I’m scared right at this moment. I know that anything worth doing is going to push you out of your comfort zone.”

Superintendent Karen Zaleski also urged the graduates to “keep pushing beyond your comfort zone,” as the class had done over the last four years to make “this community stronger and more vibrant.”

She told them to care for others, care for themselves and be a beacon of tranquility wherever they go in life.

“Never underestimate the power of making others feel safe, seen, heard and valued. Lead with love; love for yourself, love for others and love for what you do, allowing it to ground you, strengthen you and give your journey meaning,” Zaleski said. “Be someone who brings peace when it is needed most, offering calm, steadiness and hope in a complex world. The world needs thoughtful, compassionate, creative and motivated people exactly like you.”

As the newly minted graduates head out into the world, Principal Sue Bairstow reminded them that they are taking a piece of Weston with them. And, no matter how far their adventures take them, the Wildcat family will always be there with welcoming arms.

“As you leave WHS, I hope you do so with a deep, deep sense of pride and accomplishment. But, more importantly, I hope you leave knowing that our school – your school, Weston High School – will always be a part of you,” Bairstow said. “Weston High School will always be here to welcome you, to celebrate you and to remind you where your journey began.”