Alvirne High School celebrated the Class of 2026 at its June 11 graduation ceremony, recognizing the school’s top scholars: Valedictorian Abigail Conroy, Salutatorian Dani Wimmer, and Class Essayist Ben Pinnell, the three highest ranked graduates in this year’s class.
Salutatorian Dani Wimmer, described by faculty as “an accomplished artist,” created the senior capstone mural featured on the cover of Alvirne’s 2026 graduation program. She plans to attend the University of Delaware, majoring in Chemical Engineering, while also pursuing a certificate in tattoo artistry. Wimmer thanked her friends and family for their support and reflected on the challenges the Class of 2026 has overcome.
“Once we stumble into the next chapter in our lives, I think we all will be grateful, and we are leaving at a healthy time whether you’re going to college, the military, getting a job, or pursuing your own path,” she said. “Today is an exciting day that we’ve made it to with the struggles of the school and our own personal lives. Only you know what you’ve had to go through to get to today, and only you can choose a greater path. Find those who support your dreams and make sure not to settle for people who hurt you.”
Valedictorian Abigail Conroy, known for her deep involvement in the performing arts, will attend the University of Massachusetts Lowell to study Biomedical Engineering. Drawing on her years in the music department, she thanked her family, friends, teachers, and the school band for its performance of “Pomp and Circumstance.”
“It’s a really long song, it takes a lot of air, and your face, hands, and brain hurt by the end,” Conroy said. “Personally, I have played ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ three times, and let me tell you, it’s definitely a different experience walking to it instead of playing.”
Conroy spoke candidly about the pressures of academic achievement and the reality behind the title of valedictorian.
“Not being best at everything is something I’m still struggling with, and something I will continue to struggle with my entire life,” she said. “I graduated as valedictorian, and yet I cried an innumerable amount of times in homework and tests. What I mean to say is I’m not perfect.”
Conroy also sang with the B-Naturals in a performance at the graduation ceremony that evening.
Principal Steve Beals congratulated the top graduates and the entire Class of 2026, praising their resilience and accomplishments.
“I’m proud of each of you and offer you my admiration, my respect, and my hope for your future successes and happiness,” Beals said. “In your many years and alumni reunions ahead, I hope you’ll fondly remember me as a school principal who wanted relationships with everyone, cared for your safety, attended tons of your activities, and saw each good and bad decision you made as a learning and growing experience.”
