“Class of 2026, you are ready!”
Dean Tech Principal Roseanne Caracciolo welcomed students and guests with these encouraging words, as this year’s graduating seniors prepared to receive their diplomas on Thursday, June 4.
“Before we begin with all the speeches and formalities, I want to acknowledge all these special people surrounding this senior class,” Ms. Caracciolo said. “There are supporters on this stage, who you may not know, who have been rooting for you. You have the School Committee members, the mayor, the superintendent, and your administrators who proudly stand before you to honor this achievement you share together. To your right and to your left, you have your life-long supporters, the families and friends who want to witness this day with you. And, lastly, behind you, sits the Dean Tech staff who have had your back for your high school years. Their place in front of the class with you has come to an end, and now they sit in your shadow with the pride of a parent.”
Each Dean Tech graduate has met graduation requirements for both their high school diplomas and their vocational training in their career-technical programs.
“For many of us, the journey was not easy,” said salutatorian Ashantilys Calderon. “We faced obstacles, setbacks, and personal struggles along the way. We balanced school, sports, jobs, family responsibilities, and many other commitments. Despite these challenges, we continued moving forward because we all shared the same goal: graduating and reaching this important milestone.”
Valedictorian Daniel Garcia echoed similar thoughts, acknowledging how much he and all of his fellow classmates have grown over their four years in high school. “We've all turned into versions of ourselves who are ready to take the next leap and become even better in new environments. And it's important to recognize this growth because it's so easy to forget how far we've gotten,” he said.
Among this year’s 104 graduates, all nine of Dean’s Career and Technical Vocational programs were represented, including:
Advanced Manufacturing, with 8 graduates;
Auto Collision, with 14 graduates;
Carpentry, with 13 graduates;
Cosmetology, with 14 graduates;
Culinary, with 14 graduates;
Diesel Technology, with 8 graduates;
Electrical, with 13 graduates
Health Assisting, with 11 graduates; and
Programming and Web Development, with 9 graduates.
Additionally, two of Dean’s graduates received degrees after completing their coursework through Holyoke High School’s Opportunity Academy’s Success Center and the Gateway to College program. OA Principal Phelipe Johnson attended the ceremony to deliver diplomas side-by-side with the HHS Dean staff to celebrate them.
Event photos can be found here, with more to be added in coming days.