Chester Academy celebrates Class of 2026 at 141st commencement ceremony

The Class of 2026, dressed in blue caps and gowns, sit on the gymnasium bleachers for their class picture.

Jun 26 2026

It was an evening of celebration for Chester Union Free School District, as the 94 members of the Class of 2026 were celebrated on Thursday, June 25 during Chester Academy’s 141st commencement ceremony!

Additionally, students were recognized for having received more than 60 individual awards for their achievements throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

_{See a slideshow from the ceremony below the list of graduates!}

The ceremony began with the traditional processional Pomp & Circumstance, followed by a flag salute that was led by Class of 2026 members who have committed to serve the country in the armed services after graduation: Sebastian Cadet, Ariana Chavez Flores, Dominick Jean-Pierre, Allisson Perez, Vincent Sanabria Acosta, Isaiah Smith, and Logan Wall.

Cover of the graduation ceremony prorgam has no pictures, just title and date

The Chester Academy band, directed by music teacher Deb Hyseni, followed with a performance the National Anthem.

Watch Thursday night's commencement ceremony in its entirety here.

Use this link to download a copy of the 141st Chester Academy program.

Chester Academy Principal John Flanagan addressed the Class of 2026, looking back on their shared seven-year journey. He noted that every day — the ordinary ones, the exciting ones, and even the difficult ones — combined to help them grow and prepare for what comes next. He reminded students that their experience was not about striving for perfection.

“Rather, it's about having a full life, taking chances, embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and making the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

He encouraged the graduates to keep on taking those chances and to pursue their goals with confidence, reminding them that both successes and failures have value.

“Watching you grow has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Mr. Flanagan said. “We are proud of you. We believe in you, and we cannot wait to see what you do in the years ahead.”

Class salutatorian Ocean Chen used his address to deliver a witty and thoughtful reflection on the challenges and growth of high school, and the importance of caring. He opened by looking ahead with irony, remarking, “This section of our life is coming to a close, but it all starts a new segment where most of us will be doing the exact same thing, just in a different place, for four more years,” he said, holding up three fingers. “You get to have your three most favorite things in the world once again: assignments, presentations, and, you know it, tests!”

Joking aside, Ocean emphasized that the high school experience hasn’t been only about work.

“It's also everything outside of that, like helping each other out, school trips, and fooling around in class,” he said. “Ultimately, it's not about being the best, it's about doing the things you care about. Only you can make yourself care enough to make it happen, to push forward, and to do what you must. So to finish this speech, I want to ask you… What do you care about?”

A special musical performance of “Night Changes,” directed by Rachel Scali and accompanied by Sydney Kantrowitz, showcased the talents of the Vocal Ensemble.

Superintendent Catherine O'Hara spoke to the class next, focusing on the idea of "firsts" and how those moments shape who we become.

Drawing inspiration from the childhood photos and memories shared throughout the graduates' yearbook, O'Hara reflected on the many firsts that shaped their journeys. "Life is a collection of firsts," she said, "from first steps and first victories to first setbacks and first big challenges."

Ms. O'Hara reminded graduates that every new beginning requires the courage to step into the unknown and that it is through those moments that we grow in confidence, resilience, and character. While firsts can be exciting, intimidating, awkward, and humbling, they also push us beyond our comfort zones. "Every time we take that step into the unknown, we become a little braver, stronger, wiser, and more confident."

She encouraged the Class of 2026 to embrace the many firsts that still lie ahead, reminding them that "there is no single path to success" and that each person's journey will be different. She urged graduates to "choose courage over comfort, curiosity over fear, and belief over doubt."

"We are proud of who you are. We are proud of how far you've come," Ms. O’Hara said. "And we cannot wait to see where your next first takes you. Congratulations, Class of 2026!"

The high school band provided a musical interlude, performing "Pure Imagination," from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.

Valedictorian Brooke Battiato followed with an address that urged her classmates to embrace life’s opportunities and savor every moment. Looking back on her years at Chester, Battiato said, “Giving this speech is something I have dreamed of for the past four years, but now that the moment has come, I'm honestly sad, because it means that this chapter of our lives is closing.”

She acknowledged the value of both academics and relationships.

“You’re probably not going to remember that one chemistry test you did poorly on your sophomore year,” she said. “But you will remember the classmate you sat next to who became one of your best friends.”

Encouraging her peers to take risks and live fully, Booke declared, “Seriously, do it all,” and concluded with a note of gratitude and optimism for the future.

“Thank you to the class of 2026. I cannot imagine growing up alongside a better group of individuals. I can't wait to see what we all accomplish, and please don't become strangers.”

Board of Education President Kim DiCurcio, on behalf of the Board, congratulated the Class of 2026, celebrating their "resilience, growth, and the incredible story" they have written. She opened by noting how this class is particularly near and dear to the hearts of Board members, as 60% of the Board members are graduating senior parents.

Ms. DiCurcio connected the students’ journey to the Toy Story franchise, noting, "In its simplest form, Toy Story is about friendship, growth, change, courage, and discovering who you are." She said that these central qualities in the films are just as vital to the graduates as they move into the next chapter of their lives. She encouraged the graduates to bravely take "a single step into the unknown," reminding them that “the greatest opportunities often come disguised as challenges.”

She highlighted the importance of the support from families, teachers, and friends who have guided and believed in them along the way. Urging the class to stay true to their values, be open to new directions, and approach the future with confidence, Ms. DiCurcio concluded saying she was confident that this class of adaptable and supportive friends will carry their high school successes "to infinity and beyond!"

Following Ms. DiCurcio, Mr. Flanagan returned to present an honorary diploma to the family of Austin Doughty, a member of the Class of 2026 who sadly passed away in 2022, at the age of 13.

"Tonight, we celebrate not only the achievements of our graduates, but also the enduring memory of Austin," said Mr. Flanagan, who invited Austin's favorite music teacher, Chester Academy music teacher Deborah Hyseni, to the podium to remember him.

“Austin approached every challenge in the band room with unwavering determination and grace. His quiet kindness and willingness to try anything left a lasting impression on all of us," said Ms. Hyseni. "He inspired those around him to approach life with the same courage and heart. He continues to inspire me to this day.”

Next, Austin’s friend Marcus Amill shared some of Austin's writing and reflected on their friendship.

“Austin was known for his positivity, imagination, and his gift for poetry. In his own words, ‘I am not a negative person. I am always positive,’" Marcus said. "The love in Austin’s heart touched everyone around him. It is a privilege to have called him my friend.”

Though he is no longer with us, Austin’s spirit of resilience, creativity, and compassion continues to inspire all who knew him. It was an honor for the district to present Austin's diploma to his mother, father, and sister.

Finally, it was time for the presentation of diplomas and awards, which was handled by Mr. Flanagan, Ms. O’Hara, Ms. DiCurcio, and school counselors Jenny McKenzie and Yvonne Sternemann. They were also joined by CES teacher Marie Rivera, who wanted to hand her daughter, Shayne, her diploma.

The ceremony concluded with the certification of graduates by Principal Flanagan, marking the official transition of the Class of 2026 from students to alumni.

Congratulations, Hambletonians!