Salem High School Graduates 250, Achieves 95% Rate

Salem High School conferred diplomas to 250 graduates Friday evening at Bertram Field, marking a 95 percent completion rate and the largest graduating class in school history.

Principal Glenn Burns said the Class of 2026 posted the highest percentile gains of any Massachusetts high school over four years. The class set records in Advanced Placement enrollment, college applications, and acceptances to Princeton University, Amherst College, Bates College, and Berkeley College of Music. Students also achieved new highs in Career Technical Education participation and trade union applications.

MCAS scores surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Students won state championships in music, fine arts, and athletics, including the boys basketball team's MIAA Division 3 title.

Massachusetts Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike, who previously led Salem's schools, attended the ceremony. He told graduates that their achievements brought the community together during the basketball team's playoff run. "That's why we got the primetime game," Zrike said. "It happened because of the culture you created."

Senior Class President Dwayne Stavros, heading to the University of Maine, credited school staff for fostering positive change over four years.

Mayor Dominick Pangallo told graduates that Salem remains their home. "The world doesn't need you to be perfect," he said. "It needs you to be willing."

Salutatorian Rylan Workman, bound for Princeton, urged classmates to embrace uncertainty. Valedictorian Eden McClain, attending the University of Massachusetts, told graduates to cherish moments spent with friends over individual achievements.