Bellows Falls Union High School Celebrates 58 Graduates Indoors

BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK — Residents of Bennington County can celebrate alongside graduates as the Class of 2026 from Bellows Falls Union High School held their commencement ceremony on Thursday evening in the Holland Gymnasium, despite inclement weather threatening an outdoor event.

Originally scheduled for Hadley Field, the graduation ceremony was moved indoors due to stormy forecasts. The graduates, donning traditional white and purple robes, were met with an atmosphere of joy as they collected their diplomas, posed for photographs, and celebrated the start of their next chapter. Many graduates also adorned their robes with stoles and cords to highlight their academic and technical achievements.

Highlights from the Ceremony

Among the notable moments, Valedictorian Gwendalyn Guild delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of kindness, urging her classmates to appreciate both their achievements and moments of reflection. She stated, “You will create lots of music; you deserve the silence,” highlighting the balance of hard work and rest.

Fellow graduates shared their reflections, with Anthony Marquise rallying his classmates with humor, proclaiming, “We made it!” He encouraged them to take pride in their collective accomplishments over their high school years.

Acknowledgements and Future Endeavors

Guild, who was also the senior class president, received the prestigious Alumni Award, recognized for her exceptional academic record and commitment to both sports and music. Jamie Dansereau, president of the Bellows Falls Alumni Association, praised her as embodying the best of the school community.

The ceremony also served as a bittersweet farewell to Principal Kelly O’Ryan, who is set to take on a new role at Vermont Academy, and a warm reunion with former principal Chris Hodsden, now the chairman of the BFUHS board.

What This Means for Local Residents

This year’s graduation resonates deeply within our community as it underscores the achievements of local students and the supportive environment fostered by families and educators alike. Events like these not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also strengthen community ties in Bennington County. As these graduates embark on their journeys, local institutions like Bennington College and the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center may see them return as future students or professionals, contributing to the area’s growth.