Saugus High School graduation 2026 The superintendent’s graduation speech

By Michael Hashem

Earlier this year, in my opening day message to staff, I compared teaching and learning to free solo climbing. Some might argue that was a bit of a stretch, and they may not be entirely wrong. But today, as you sit here preparing to graduate, your journey ahead actually looks a lot more like a free solo climb than anything has before.

It is your time to step up and climb on your own. Until now, whether you realized it or not, there has been a support system around you every step of the way. Teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, staff members, family and friends have all played a role in helping you navigate the climb. Some of you have had more support than others, but every one of you has benefited from people who believed in you, encouraged you, challenged you and occasionally pushed you when you needed it most.

Today, that does not disappear, but it does change. You are now high school graduates, and the next phase of your climb begins.

Now, before anyone sends me an email, I realize comparing life after high school to free solo climbing may be more than a slight exaggeration. Most of you are not about to scale El Capitan without ropes. But you are entering a chapter where the decisions become more yours, the responsibilities become more yours and the outcomes become more yours.

The handholds are not always marked. The path is not always obvious. And there will be times when you are going to have to trust yourself and take the next step anyway.

My hope is that during your time here, you have acquired more than credits and a diploma. I hope you have gained the knowledge, skills, confidence, resilience and character needed to continue your climb. I hope you have learned how to solve problems, adapt to challenges, recover from setbacks and keep moving forward when things do not go according to plan.

Because if there is one thing life guarantees, it is that there will be obstacles ahead. There will be setbacks. There will be disappointments. There will be moments when the climb feels steeper than you expected.

But there will also be incredible views, unforgettable experiences, meaningful relationships and opportunities you cannot yet imagine.

As educators, there comes a point when we have to let go of the rope, step aside and trust that you are ready for the journey ahead. That moment is now.

One day, when you reach your summit, you will realize something important: The mountain changed you long before you ever got to the top.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 — Keep climbing.