06/13/2026
On this hot and sunny day, I am proud to say congratulations to the Cumberland High School class of 2026! 🎉
I am also grateful to have gotten the chance to share a few words with this year’s graduating class. I tried to keep it short and sweet but here’s what I’ve got (for what it's worth):
There is a simple idea that has stuck with me the last few weeks since attending a Blackstone River Symposium a few weeks ago.
"A Space + Stories = A Place"
A school is more than a building. It becomes a place because of the people who fill it with friendships, challenges, achievements, lessons learned, and memories that last long after graduation day.
As these students leave 2600 Mendon Road and begins the next chapter of their lives, I hope they carry those stories with them. I hope they remember the opportunities they embraced, the people who inspired them, and the resilience they developed along the way.
And for those whose path here wasn't always easy, I hope those experiences become part of a story of growth, perseverance, and strength.
Most importantly, I hope every graduate remembers that their story matters. The future will bring new opportunities to learn, lead, create, and make a difference. Perhaps one day, they'll create spaces of their own that become places of belonging, inspiration, and opportunity for others.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. We are proud of you, and we can't wait to see where your stories take you next. May Cumberland always be a safe place to land.