Congrats 2026 North Shore High School Graduates!
On Friday, June 26, 2026, the North Shore High School seniors donned their caps and gowns for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Parents, families, BOE, and administrators happily gathered in the gymnasium at North Shore High School to watch the ceremony led by Principal Eric Contreras. Speakers included Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis, Valedictorian Kaiden Smith, Salutatorian Sareena Modi, and North Shore Board of Education President Dr. Andrea Macari.
HS Graduation Livestream link:
Congratulations to all the North Shore High School graduates and their families who attended the 2026 Commencement Ceremony. To begin the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senior Class Co-Presidents Madeline Ditrapani and Chloe Rowell. The “Star Spangled Banner” was then sung by Mae Curiale and Delilah McAuliffe accompanied by members of the HS Band conducted by Mr. Brandon Bromsey.
Valedictorian: Kaiden Smith
Salutatorian: Sareena Modi
Principal Eric Contreras congratulated his seniors and praised them on this magnificent milestone. He said that “We are beyond proud of you today” and made references to the Vikings (including the North Shore Journey, logo and Viking ship). He said to his graduating seniors that “You are our North Stars…and you will continue to guide us…” He concluded by leading the Class of 2026 in the “Viking Row” a celebration performed by the Norwegian national football team and supporters during the FIFA World Cup to the joy of the graduates, parents, and many audience members!”
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis was then called to the podium. Dr. Z stated, “I’ve had the honor of knowing many of these students since they began the North Shore Journey and it’s an honor to be with you on this special day…We are so proud of you, the North Shore High School Class of 2026! Dr. Z said, “Continue your journey… toward understanding. Listen more than you speak, ask questions, be curious, take risks… and allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them…” He continued by saying, “…The greatest chapter of your story is not written here at North Shore…it’s written beyond these four walls…” Dr. Z ended by quoting Tom Brady by stating, “It was perfect…it doesn’t have to be more than that! Congratulations!”
Board of Education President Dr. Andrea Macari also spoke to the graduating seniors. She said, “This year, I celebrated my 20th anniversary in private practice…Before I meet a new patient, I ask them to complete the usual paperwork. But there's one question on that form that interests me far more than all the others: What is your goal? I can tell you after two decades of working with patients, the most common answer given is: To be happy. And my patients are hardly alone in that desire. In fact, if you look around, the pursuit of happiness has become one of the defining goals of modern life… She went on to say, “But if you take a deeper look at happiness and I have, I promise you it’s not all that. I would argue it is what the Stoic philosophers refer to as “the good life.” The Stoics believe a good life isn't measured by how often you feel happy but rather by who you become and the life you lead. The good life is a life full of meaning and purpose, with an enduring commitment to something bigger than yourself. She concluded by saying, “So today, I don't wish you a happy life. I wish you a good life
— a life of courage, purpose, and meaning. Class of 2026! Go off, make us proud, and do good work.”
During the “Presentation of Class” each senior was called to the podium to receive their diplomas. Upon completion, Principal Contreras stated that they had fulfilled all the New York State High School requirements to graduate. To a loud round of applause by all of those in the audience, the graduates joyously tossed their hats in the air!
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
At the conclusion of the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, the North Shore Alma Mater was led by Concert Chorale seniors. Many thanks to them and all those who sang along!
Principal Contreras thanked all the parents and their families in the audience. He thanked Superintendent Dr. Zublionis for his many years of service and wished him well in his future as Superintendent of Plainedge. He also thanked the Board of Education and administrators. He concluded by saying to his seniors, “You have inspired me for the past four years. I love you and I wish you the best ahead. I am beyond proud to be with you. Best of luck, Class of 2026!" Come back and visit. We will miss you.”
Go Vikings Go!
Article by Shelly Newman Photos by Shelly Newman