Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Eleanor Bennett Marshall, and I am the 2026 salutatorian.  

I know you're all expecting me to give a simple welcome speech and introduce the ceremony, but this year, while I do, of course, welcome you,  I want to take this opportunity to share the voices of my classmates. While high school has been a joint experience, each journey to graduation has been unique. We’ve been shaped by different people, faced different challenges, and had different dreams. So today, some of my classmates and I would like to share important memories and thank those who have helped us reach this milestone.

For Hailey Babineau, it was lunch with Ms. Mill, who made a large difference in Hailey’s life during high school.

For Justine Marshall, her mum and dad always supported her dreams, helped her follow through with plans, and always stood by her side. To her boyfriend and his family, she loves you, and you being in her life is the biggest blessing.

A core memory for Piper McKane was her and her sister Harriet blasting old Taylor Swift every night in the back seat of the car. 

Griffin Yereance thanks his parents for never giving up on him and always pushing him to be the best person he could be.

Important lessons for Spencer Wood came from his mom, brother, and dad, who always told and taught him to be himself no matter the circumstances, and that that was the way to find the most genuine friends.

For Sarah Harris, it was her mom hiding notes in her lunch box every day, the songs her dad played on car rides to school, and the time she got to spend with all of her siblings (3 hug emojis and 3 smirking cat emojis- yes, I was asked to read that out).

A mentor for Rose Campbell was Coach Scott, for his guidance and effort during track and her time at BRHS. He believed in her when she felt she couldn't, and he inspired her to continue in the sport while constantly keeping up team morale.

Kolton Campbell fondly remembers heading to John Baptist Memorial High School for a Robotics meet, sharing life stories with Mr. Liberti at 5 in the morning while the rest of the class was asleep in the back of the van.

Alex Hackett learned the value of time from her grandma, Irma Hackett, reading her picture cards with animals when she was little. She’d always read the card that depicted a turtle that said: “Take your time.” Now that Alex is older, she realizes that the saying means time is precious, so enjoy every moment, and Alex loves each moment she gets to spend with her grandmother.

Mason Paquette wants to thank his partner, Ava, and their baby girl, Lylah, who have forever changed his life. He loves you and appreciates all of the things you’ve helped him achieve.

A core memory for Kora McKenny is making no-bake cookies every Friday after school with her Nana Bonnie, who always showed her love.

Ross Gaffney cherishes the times his grandpa took him to Stewart’s every morning when Ross would visit. They got hot cocoa and donuts, even in the summer.

Hannah Kreft is thankful for her parents, who have always supported her and pushed her to be better. Wether its taking her to new places, teaching her to fly a plane, or championing her in her scuba diving adventures, they’ve given her lessons to take with her and shown her the world is bigger than her hometown while also teaching her that the little things are what help people remember you.

Chloe Joneth has loved the visits from her Grandpa Bob and Nana every year.

Tatum French thanks her mom, Ginnie Arsenault, for dismissing her three times a week and driving Ms. Laura crazy on the phone.

For Matthew Little, Mr. L’Heureux and Mr. Cherry reminded him that high school can be fun and mildly informal.

For Ella Watts, Titan Lewis has been the person who stood by her through high and low, always making her laugh when she needed it most, and reminding her she was never alone. She doesn’t know what she would have done without your support, and she is grateful for the memories you’ve made and for having you in her life.

Aileigh Johnson has several memories of coming home and having conversations with her Nana that would go on for hours about anything and everything that she wanted to talk about and get off her chest.

Madeleine Andreasen thanks her sister for always being there for her and standing up to people when Maddie wouldn’t. She also wants to thank all of the people who have shown her kindness; you’ve made her who she is today. She’ll also always remember her calculus class and the card games they’d end the day with.

For me, well, Rory Gilmore says it best;

“My ultimate inspiration comes from my best friend, the dazzling woman from whom I received my name and my life’s blood. My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn’t do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. She filled our house with love and fun and books and music, unflagging in her efforts to give me role models from Jane Austen to Eudora Welty to Patti Smith.  As she guided me through these incredible eighteen years, I don’t know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her.”

I love you Mum, and I mean it, every word.

So, on behalf of the class of 2026, thank you all for all of the love, wisdom, and support. It takes a village. We wouldn’t be here without you.