Lawrence High School celebrates 175th graduating class; 790 students conferred diplomas

Lawrence Public Schools onstage at Veteran Stadium recognized the class of 2026 in its 175th high-school commencement, conferring diplomas on 790 graduates and honoring retiring staff.

Superintendent Ralph Carrero opened with remarks celebrating the class’s size and achievements, noting the district’s 175th graduating class and that 200 students earned the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. He urged graduates to pair emerging ‘‘artificial intelligence’’ tools with ‘‘actual intelligence’’ — the distinct talents he said he sees in students daily.

Mayor Brian de Pñena offered brief congratulatory remarks before student speakers took the podium. Ailen (Eileen) Rosa Suero of Unidos Academy delivered the honor essay, reflecting on adapting to a new language and community and thanking teachers and family for support. Upper-school valedictorian Dariel Rodriguez urged peers to view commencement as a beginning rather than an end, sharing personal experience about setbacks, persistence and future plans.

The ceremony included musical performances, the pledge of allegiance, numerous student speeches across academies and the presentation of the Edward F. Craig medal to Hillary Mariam Macdonald for athletic sportsmanship. School leaders recognized several employees retiring after more than 30 years with the district.

Diplomas were awarded by academy (Upper School Academy, Unidos, Rise Academy, High School Learning Center and Avid Lawrence Academy) in a roll call of graduates. The superintendent instructed graduates to move their tassels and formally conferred the class of 2026 as graduates of Lawrence Public Schools.

The event concluded with music and applause as families celebrated the graduates.