Bronxville High School Celebrates Class of 2026 At 104th Commencement

From the Bronxville Union Free School District.

Bronxville High School celebrated its Class of 2026 during the 104th commencement ceremony, held on the school’s front lawn on June 20. Standing before an audience of friends, family, faculty and administrators, the students – dressed in the traditional white dresses and tuxedos – marked a significant milestone in their educational journey.

Principal Ray Loverso opened the event by welcoming the guests and offering heartfelt reflections and advice to the students. He described the class as innovators, artists and leaders who have already left an indelible mark on the school.

“While your accolades are numerous, the quality I find most remarkable is the compassion you show one another,” he told the graduates. “In a world that often prioritizes individual gain, you often choose to uplift each other. I have seen you celebrate each other’s victories and offer a shoulder during setbacks. This spirit of kindness and empathy is what truly distinguishes you as a class. As you begin a new chapter of your life, carry this spirit with you. It is often the quiet acts of support that have the loudest impact on the world. As you embark on a new journey, remember that your heart holds just as much power to change the world as your mind does to build it.”

The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from senior class president William Moore, Student Faculty Legislature president Thomas Freeman, and guest speaker Pete DeJoy, a Bronxville High School graduate of the Class of 2013.

In his speech, Moore expressed gratitude for the families and mentors who have made his and his peers’ achievements possible. He reflected on how success is measured and encouraged his classmates to persevere through challenges and keep striving despite criticism and setbacks.

“True success isn’t winning on the first try; it belongs to the person who is willing to fail,” Moore said. “Class of 2026, let us refuse to be defined by numbers on a page. Let us celebrate our diverse talents, honor our unique paths, and embrace the stumbles ahead.”

Freeman reflected on the Class of 2026’s shared journey and the importance of family and friends in navigating challenges. He encouraged his classmates to embrace new experiences and appreciate each moment.

“What matters is to keep trying, to never give up – and to surround yourself with people you trust and who’ll be there when you need them most,” Freeman said. “And most importantly, to appreciate where you are, while you’re there, because one day, those moments become the memories you miss most.”

DeJoy, who was captain of the football team at Bronxville, earned a degree in chemistry and physics in college before co-founding the technology company Astronomer. He reflected on his own unexpected journey and encouraged the Class of 2026 to stay resilient through uncertainty, surround themselves with people they admire, and appreciate where they came from.

“Don’t spend your energy obsessing over the destination,” DeJoy said. “It’s fine to have a plan. Just hold it loosely, because life is going to unfold you in ways you can’t even see from where you’re sitting tonight. Try not to spend your life measuring it against the person next to you. Comparison really is the thief of joy. Play your game, not somebody else’s.”

As part of a tradition at graduation, Loverso recognized several distinguished students for their outstanding achievement in academics and the arts. Honorees were acknowledged in disciplines including English, math, science, Latin, social studies, Spanish and French, instrumental and vocal music, fine arts and drama.

To conclude the ceremony, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rachel Kelly formally presented the Class of 2026. One by one, the students were called to receive their diplomas as a culmination of years of dedication and academic growth.