Superintendent celebrates graduates, thanks staff and urges summer learning

The superintendent of Worcester Public Schools marked the close of the 2025–26 school year, praised 1,700 graduating seniors and urged students to keep learning through the summer.

In a short address, the superintendent said watching 'our 1,700 seniors walk across the stage to receive their diplomas' was the highlight of the year and noted seniors had experienced their 'last prom, their last home game, their last final exam' before moving on to colleges and careers. 'We did it,' the superintendent said.

The superintendent listed colleges where graduates are headed, citing Harvard and Columbia as well as institutions in Florida, Texas and Idaho and local colleges including QCC, Worcester State, Clark, Assumption, Holy Cross, WPI and Mass College of Pharmacy. The remarks also mentioned students entering military service and trade schools.

The superintendent thanked district leaders, building administrators, teachers and staff for supporting students "beyond assignments and tests," referencing the district's theme 'vision to action' and praising staff for giving students space to speak, to fail and to grow.

Addressing caregivers, the superintendent—speaking as a parent—acknowledged the day-to-day demands families face, from morning alarms to late-night project work, and offered appreciation. 'The days are long...but the years seem to go fast,' the superintendent said.

For students, the superintendent urged continued engagement over the break: 'Stay locked in and get your summer reading done...Get out and touch the grass when you need to. Don't go full NPC this summer. Stay true to your build.'

The superintendent closed by congratulating graduates and retirees, wishing the community a restful and safe summer and saying the district looks forward to seeing everyone in August. 'Thank you,' the superintendent said.