For six Holyoke High School seniors, Thursday July 23 marked a new milestone in their educational careers: They are now high school graduates after completing their remaining coursework this summer.
These newest members of Holyoke’s graduating Class of 2026 include:
Kenet Cortes Mercado
Maddox Davis
Kendrick Guerra
Sonielys Marrero Ramos
Joerick Morales Ramos
Jayvon Villegas
“The road to graduation doesn't look the same for everyone,” said Principal Lori McKenna during the summer graduation ceremony. “What matters isn't that your path was different; what matters is that you didn't give up. You kept showing up, kept working, and today you crossed the finish line. That is something to be incredibly proud of.”
Superintendent Jacqueline Glasheen followed Principal McKenna at the podium, echoing her message.
“You have shown that success is not defined by how quickly you reach the finish line, but by your ability to persevere, solve problems, grow from setbacks, and remain focused on your purpose,” Superintendent Glasheen said. “Those are the qualities that will serve you long after today. As you leave Holyoke Public Schools, remember this: Your diploma represents more than academic achievement. It represents grit. It represents character. It represents a promise you made to yourself that you would not give up.”
As the second guest speaker, School Committee Vice Chair Devin Sheehan reminded the new graduates that although completing high school was the goal, achieving the goal is about far more than the piece of paper itself.
“That diploma doesn’t define you,” he said. “You define that diploma. The work that you have put into it is everything on the four corners of that paper. The skills that you learned, how to speak to people in class, how to collaborate with your peers and work with your teachers, how to do math, how to critically think, this is what’s preparing you for your next steps.”
Mayor Joshua Garcia offered graduates one simple piece of advice as he prepared to close his remarks:
“Be a good human being and try to give back as much as you can. The City of Holyoke is where you are from. I want you to be proud of it. This is the community that made you, no matter where you decide to go and whatever it is that you decide to achieve.”
Graduation photos will be uploaded here soon.