By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
As families and friends filled Beaupre Field on Friday, June 5, congratulatory messages scrolled across the stadium video board alongside recorded greetings from school leaders, welcoming North Attleborough High School’s Class of 2026 to its 138th commencement ceremony.
By night’s end, the graduates had crossed the stage before hundreds of cheering relatives, classmates and educators, officially becoming the school’s newest alumni.
Master of ceremonies Bhavishnu Mood opened the evening by encouraging classmates to take pride in their achievements while looking ahead to the opportunities before them.
“It is an absolute honor to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026,” Mood said. “We are all Big Red. We do not just become a part of history — we create history.”
Class Vice President Quinn Regan led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the NAHS senior vocalists performed the national anthem. Class President Ryan Backner then welcomed graduates and thanked the families, teachers and classmates who helped them reach commencement day.
“We’ve pushed through long nights of studying, tough practices and difficult exams, but this class continued to move forward,” Backner said. “We became a class that understands the value of collaboration.”
The senior vocalists later returned to perform OneRepublic’s “I Lived,” a song whose message about embracing life’s experiences echoed throughout the evening’s speeches.
Lessons for the future
Assistant Superintendent Peter Haviland introduced Salutatorian Madhu Nagunoori and Valedictorian Angelina Bostock, praising their academic achievements and contributions to the school community.
In her address, “The Grace of Standing Tall,” Nagunoori challenged classmates to rethink failure, arguing that setbacks do not define a person’s worth. Drawing laughter from the crowd, she noted that even NAHS had experienced failures — “mostly with its Wi-Fi.”
Nagunoori urged graduates to focus on effort rather than outcomes, citing the Bhagavad Gita — a verse of Hindu scripture — emphasizing the value of action over results.
“Whether you succeed or fail, the time and effort you put in cannot be disregarded,” she said.
She also shared the disappointment of being rejected by her dream college, saying the experience taught her that self-worth should never be tied to a single setback.
“There’s only one person who can determine your worth, and that’s you,” she said.
Bostock’s speech, “How to Stay a Teenager Forever,” focused on carrying the curiosity, joy and sense of wonder of adolescence into adulthood.
Recalling how she once viewed teenagers as “the coolest thing in the world,” Bostock said graduation has prompted her to reconsider what it truly means to stay young.
“The goal is not to never grow up,” she said. “The goal is to hold onto that zest for life that makes being a teenager so special.”
Leaving a mark
Throughout the ceremony, speakers returned to a common theme—Success is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the impact graduates leave on those around them.
Class Treasurer Alex Kojoian announced the senior class gift, a donation to Unified Boosters, which supports programs including Best Buddies and Special Olympics.
Kojoian, who participated in Best Buddies, said the organization creates meaningful friendships and opportunities for students.
“This gift is a reflection of the impact we hope to leave behind,” he said.
Class Secretary Conor Casey then shared the Class of 2026 motto: “Do or do not, there is no try.” He said the quote serves as more than a famous saying from the Star Wars movies — it’s a reminder that success requires commitment and perseverance.
Superintendent John Antonucci pointed to the example of alumnus Joseph Withington, whose recent gift will fund scholarships for future North Attleborough graduates.
“He could have chosen numerous causes, but instead chose to invest the remainder of his life savings into students of this community,” Antonucci said.Â
He encouraged graduates to remember the people who helped them succeed and to someday find their own ways to give back.
“Being Big Red is more than school colors,” Antonucci said. “The belief we have here is that we look out for one another.”
Before diplomas were handed out, Principal Thomas Rizzo reminded graduates that legacy is built through everyday actions and relationships. He pointed to the culture students created in classrooms, hallways and on athletic fields, as well as the ways they supported one another during difficult moments.
“Legacy is not a history lesson. It’s a living thing,” Rizzo said. “In short, it’s your impact on those around you.”