The Alvirne High School Class of 2026 celebrated a major milestone last week as hundreds of seniors crossed the stage during the school’s annual commencement ceremony, held at the SNHU Arena in Manchester. This year’s graduation marked Alvirne’s 75th graduating class, a point of pride noted by district leadership and one that added an extra sense of history to the evening. Families began filling the arena well before the 7 p.m. start time, with seniors arriving early to prepare for the processional and final instructions before taking their seats on the arena floor.
Alvirne Dean of Academics Daniel Pooler opened the ceremony by introducing the honored guests and reflecting on his long connection to the Class of 2026. Although this was his first year serving as dean, Pooler noted that he has known many of the graduates since their earliest years in the Hudson School District.
He recalled the challenges the class faced together during the COVID19 pandemic, saying, “We struggled in fifth grade together with the challenges of COVID, and you demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. I mean, who didn’t think having to listen to me doing chalk talk wasn’t a challenging way to learn.” Pooler also remembered traveling with many of the students to Washington, D.C., in eighth grade, watching their friendships, leadership, and confidence continue to develop. He shared that one of the graduates was his own daughter, making the evening especially meaningful for him, and said he understood the pride and emotion felt by the many families in attendance.
Hudson School Board Chair Maureen Dionne, also a parent of a Class of 2026 graduate, welcomed the students and families and spoke about watching many of the graduates grow from their earliest years in the district. “Each of you have a unique story that brought you to this moment,” she said. “This evening we celebrate each one of you. We honor your accomplishment, your perseverance, your growth, and the countless experiences that have shaped your personal journey.” Dionne reminded the graduates that while commencement marks the end of one chapter, it also marks the beginning of the next, encouraging them to pursue new passions, embrace new challenges, and remember their ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Throughout the ceremony, the audience enjoyed musical performances by the Alvirne High School band and student musicians, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The event was also broadcast live by Hudson Community Television, allowing extended family members and friends to watch from home. Large screens inside the arena gave families a closeup view as each graduate crossed the stage, and professional photographers captured individual diploma moments for families to purchase afterward.
During his address, Principal Steve Beals spoke about the significance of the evening and the many paths students take to reach graduation. He noted that while the SNHU Arena ceremony is the largest in terms of attendance, Alvirne also holds smaller, personalized ceremonies for students and families who need them. Regardless of when or how each student received their diploma, Beals said he is proud of the Class of 2026. “I’m proud of you and offer you each my admiration… and my hope for your future successes and happiness,” he said.
As the ceremony concluded and graduates made their way outside to meet their families, the sense of accomplishment was unmistakable. For the Class of 2026, the evening marked not only the end of their high school years but the beginning of their next chapter, carrying with them the memories, challenges, and achievements that shaped their time at Alvirne.
