The Tabernacle was filled for the MVRHS graduation. —Dena Porter 
Both the Minnesingers and the MVRHS Choral Union performed for the audience. —Dena Porter 
Teachers, administrators, and students during the graduation ceremony. —Dena Porter 
Once students received their diplomas, they shook hands of the school administrators. —Dena Porter 
The Tabernacle was full on this sunny graduation day. —Dena Porter 
Graduates lined up for the procession into the Tabernacle. —Dena Porter 
Graduates! —Dena Porter 
Cayhana Williams’ dad and brothers attended the graduation. —Dena Porter 
Math teacher Dawne Nelson celebrated with some of her students Nikita Kleeman, Abby Horrigan, Ava Fisher and Lily Fisher. —Dena Porter
About 600 people converged onto the Tabernacle for the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s (MVRHS) 67th Commencement Ceremony on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Donning white regalia and an array of stoles ranging from the school’s traditional purple to U.S. and Brazilian flags, the graduating seniors took in speeches by their classmates and school officials and the robust harmonies of the Minnesingers and the MVRHS Choral Union. Some students also received awards for their positive impact on the school community.
Class Vice President Nora Motahari opened the graduation as the master of ceremony. She expressed her strong faith in her classmates’ future success.
“While none of us can really know what happens next, I think this class is strong enough to take on the load because if the past four years taught us anything, it’s that we are capable of more than we think,” Motahari said.
Motahari also received the Principal’s Leadership Award for her active involvement in school organizations like student government and Stand with Everyone Against Rape (SWEAR), an initiative that advocates against gender-based violence.
Salutorian Teagan D’Arcy, who will be attending Duke University in the fall, encouraged her classmates to take pride in the Island community and its inhabitants.
“Whether you are a born-and-bred ‘Islander,’ like me, or what people refer to as a ‘Washashore,’ you’ve had the unique opportunity to experience what it means to live here,” D’Arcy said. “Whenever you are asked that question next — Where are you from? — I hope you answer proudly. Not because of the Island itself but because of the people.”
Co-valedictorian Katherine Becker, who will attend the University of Wisconsin Madison, applauded the Island community’s compassion and inclusivity, such as in the MVRHS chapter of Best Buddies, a club that seeks to build friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“From observations and time in clubs like Best Buddies, I’ve personally been inspired by the love and support this community has for everyone including those of all backgrounds and abilities,” Becker said. “We all will take what we learned here, and should push ourselves to inspire others.”
Co-valedictorian Penelope Rose Haddad, will attend Dartmouth College, invoked the words of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami to emphasize her classmates’ everlasting connection to the Vineyard regardless of distance.
“Let’s embrace what lies ahead, knowing that we always have the Island to come home to,” Haddad said. “As writer Haruki Murakami says, ‘People leave traces of themselves where they feel most comfortable, most worthwhile.’”
Becker and Haddad also received the Superintendent’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Seniors Ruby Dello Russo and Xeandre Miller received the Vineyarder Award for embodying the character and values of Martha’s Vineyard.
Retiring and departing faculty were also recognized for their service to the school community, including retiring superintendent Richard “Richie” Smith.
In his speech to the senior class, Smith praised the students for their participation in a walkout in support of freshman Nycolas de Al Varenga Lima. Last month, Lima and his father were transferred into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody by the U.S. Coast Guard during a fishing trip in Menemsha. Their detainment sparked protests throughout the Island. Both Lima and his father were recently released from ICE detainment.
“Our students experienced Nycolas’s pain, his fear, and you helped to bring him home. I am so impressed by you,” Smith said.
After students received their diplomas, MVRHS principal Sean Mulvey officially presented the graduated class. White graduation caps soared through the air as “Where’d All the Time Go” by Dr. Dog played, heralding the beginning of a new chapter.