28 Graduates Honored at Rural Massachusetts School

Twenty-eight seniors crossed the stage Friday at Mohawk Trail Regional School in Buckland, Massachusetts, carrying memories of a classmate who should have been with them.

The Class of 2026 started middle school during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also grew up knowing Summer Steele, who died in a bus accident at age 9 in 2016.

Salutatorian Hazel Foucault told her classmates their small community gave them something special. "Our small community lends itself to the formation of bonds between students, families and faculty, which will stand the test of time," she said.

Keynote speaker Kat Briggs knows the power of that community firsthand. After her husband died, the Mohawk Trail community rallied around her family, including her son Malcolm, the class vice president.

Briggs reminded graduates they're measured by character, not grades. "You showed up after difficult losses, through challenges in times of uncertainty, and for each other," she said.

The ceremony featured a touching tribute when Pam DuPree announced the Summer Steele Scholarship would go to two recipients this year instead of one. Cleome Gardner and Camryn Thompson, two of Summer's closest childhood friends, received the awards.

"They are both amazing young women who have always shown us and her family that they will forever celebrate Summer," DuPree said. "Thank you for remembering Summer always and for carrying her with you."

Why This Inspires

This graduation proves small communities create deep roots. These 28 graduates faced losses most adults struggle to process, yet they showed up for each other year after year.

Their resilience didn't come from ignoring pain. It came from walking through it together, remembering Summer while building their own futures.

Valedictorian Alex Niquette captured the moment perfectly. "For 18 years, you have been the gunpowder wrapped into the shell of a firework, itching for any spark," she said.

The graduates earned numerous scholarships, with top students receiving multiple awards to support their next chapters. Whether they know exactly where they're headed or are still figuring it out, they're moving forward together.

These young people are ready to light their fuses and show the world what a strong community can build.