"This Class Has Certainly Changed My Life" - 152 Students Graduate From Nantucket High School

Nantucket High School graduated a class of 152 students on Friday. NHS principal Mandy Hilemn told the Current that 81 percent of those students plan to attend post-secondary education, and 27 percent will be first-generation college students in their families

Hilemn told the Current that “the most important thing about this class is that they…support each other, they rally around each other, and that’s really one of the most important things in this class. I haven’t seen this in quite some time.”

During the ceremony, Hilemn added that those students come from 34 different countries.

“When I think about what I remember most about this class, it is not a single accomplishment. It is the way that you have always shown up for each other,” Hilemn said at graduation. “What makes this class different is the culture that you, each of you, have created together.”

The class valedictorian was Jacob Heneke, and the salutatorian was Danielle Lewis.

“To be great isn’t determined by a title, an award, or even a moment like this,” Heneke said. “It’s determined by whether you live up to your own expectations in the pursuit of your own goals. Greatness looks different for everyone.”

“It’s one thing to want to change, and another thing to be the change for someone else, and this class has certainly changed my life,” Lewis said. “People will tell you it’s dark out, and that the world can be a scary place. Sometimes it may seem that all hope is lost. But no matter how ridiculous the odds may seem, within us resides the power to overcome these challenges and achieve something beautiful.”

The celebration began with a performance of the national anthem by graduating senior Madison Chatti.

The ceremony also honored Martha Page Martineau, a long-time Nantucket High School English teacher and the former advisor of Veritas, the high school’s student newspaper, who passed away from cancer during the school year.

“Even during a dark time, she still managed to spread her kindness to others,” Veritas editor Bianca Japp said.

The commencement speaker was Jennifer Foyle, the president and executive creative director of the clothing retailer American Eagle. Foyle, a regular Nantucket visitor, joined American Eagle in 2010 to lead the lifestyle and intimate apparel brand Aerie, American Eagle’s first sub-brand. At Aerie, Foyle spearheaded a body positivity campaign dubbed Aerie Real, which featured diverse models and discontinued the use of supermodels and digital retouching.

“For any successful journey, to me, the most important thing is the people you meet along the way: human connection, human touch,” Foyle said. “Be nice to the people on the way up, because they will be there to catch you when you fall.”

Superintendent Elizabeth Hallett also spoke at Friday’s graduation ceremony.

“You have every reason to hold your heads high, because no matter what obstacles came your way over these past four years, you made it to this day,” Hallett said. “Today is a celebration of a collective victory, but most of all, it is a celebration of your individual perseverance to get yourselves to this exact moment. You have consistently shown exactly what you are made of.”

Hallett added that she wants the graduates to “redefine what strength looks like.”

“We often think strength is power: being the loudest voice in the room, doing the best, winning every argument, constantly needing to prove that we are number one. But true strength looks very different, especially now, in a world that can often feel increasingly negative, cynical, and loud. I hope that you’ll keep in mind just how important simple kindness is,” Hallett said. “In a culture that praises status, performance, and, in some cases, even ignorance and cruelty, your ultimate power lies in your character. Choosing to be kind in this world, in a world that is harsh, isn’t a soft option, it is a revolutionary act of courage. It takes serious emotional resilience to hold onto your empathy while it’s easier to be cynical.”

The class officers also spoke at the ceremony.

“As we look toward the future, remember the people who helped shape your journey. Be proud of yourself and all the hard work that brought you to this day. Take every opportunity that comes your way, pursue your goals with confidence, and don’t be afraid to take chances,” class vice president Myah Johnson said. “Hug the people you love, thank those who supported you, and never forget where you came from.

Following the commencement ceremony, the students joined the traditional parade through downtown Nantucket. All photos below by Chris Tran: