The BKW Class of 2026 was celebrated at the district’s 92nd commencement ceremony Thursday, June 25, at The Egg in Albany.
The ceremony started with a special video of the graduating class, which included baby photos of the graduates followed by their senior portraits.
Opening remarks from BKW Secondary School Principal Mark Tidd and Board of Education President Matthew Tedeschi acknowledged the hard work, dedication and achievements of the graduating class leading up to this moment.
In her address to the graduates, Superintendent of Schools Bonnie Kane said the Class of 2026 will be remembered as the class that served, brought home state athletic titles and brought an entire community together.
“While your time here may be ending, your legacy is only beginning,” Kane said in closing.
Speaking to the class, salutatorian Justin Brink reflected on the relationships made in his time at BKW. He also shared stories of memories throughout the years.
“At the end of the day, as former President Woodrow Wilson once said, ‘Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together,’” said Brink.
Class valedictorian Patrick Lendrum highlighted the immense talent within the graduating class and discussed the overlooked components of success. He noted that the true foundations of their achievements were the long bus trips, post-game talks from coaches and late nights dedicated to homework.
“The truth is that success is rarely built in the spotlight,” said Lendrum. “Sometimes it takes years of hard work to reach your goals and dreams.”
During the ceremony, class president Emma Detlefsen announced Holly Delwiche as this year’s Teacher of the Year. The annual award is voted on by students and recognizes a teacher in the district who had a lasting impact on the graduating class.
Closing out the evening, commencement speaker and retired BKW teacher James Lemire, who was selected by the Class of 2026, urged the graduates to carry pride and love into their future endeavors.
“Go out there and spread the love in the work you will do, the studies you will pursue, the country you will serve and the people you will do so with,” said Lemire.