NEWPORT — A solo trip to the Maine coast after Connor Clark’s junior year didn’t go as planned, but he learned the value of savoring the little things in life and that changed his outlook in his senior year.
In a speech to the Newport class of 2026 at last Wednesday’s commencement, Clark, the class president, said the rain and a few other disappointments on his trip initially caused him stress and some sulking, but not for long, as he found appreciation for the sound of the tide with rain coming down.
“I realized that the big goals (seeing the sunrise) may have been missed, but the little things were great,” Clark said on the stage of the Newport Opera House where the graduation was held because of rain. “What seemed like a pretty bad weekend on paper ended up becoming one of my favorite memories of the summer and a turning point. I started to enjoy the little things more.”
Clark told his classmates life is not about great sacrifices and duties “but little things, in which smiles and kindness, and small obligations given habitually are what preserve the heart and secure comfort.”
The evening also included the singing of the National Anthem by graduate Aiden Couitt, who also sang Tim McGraws’ “Live Like You Were Dying,” a song with the message that urges listeners not to wait until a loved one’s health scare to offer forgiveness, to live without regrets, dismiss trivial matters and seek deeper relationships.
In her Salutatorian address, Erika Roy spoke of inspiration from teachers to students as the foundation of the educational system. She plans to pursue a career in the film industry and inspire the next generation with movies.
“We were raised to surpass our predecessors and improve the world around us,” Roy said. “Now it is our turn to inspire the next generation.”
Gratitude and thanks — to teachers, coaches and family — was a common theme touched on by the commencement speakers.
“There are an innumerable amount of people to thank for getting us where we are today,” Valedictorian Glory Parker said in front of the class of 61 graduates seated in black gowns on stage. “I could spend this whole speech thanking my sister, and best friend Aura, my mom, and my dad, and Liam for being the reasons this is all possible for me today. But for the sake of time and patience, I ask you all to do one collective thank you.”
Parker also advised graduates to seize all the opportunities that come their way, even though they may be unprepared, scared and nervous and things might not work out.
“But you can also succeed,” Parker said. “So take your chances. Yes, there is always a chance of failure, but there is always a chance for success. So take your shaky legs and sweaty palms, find an opportunity and take a chance on success.”
The graduates have earned some financial support to continue their education. High school principal Shannon Martin told the audience that members of the class had been awarded more than $87,000 in scholarships and when the renewing scholarships are factored in the total exceeds $163,000.
Before the graduates were awarded their diplomas, School Board Chairwoman Nikki Murphy offered some final advice.
“Success is not what you achieve but the kind of person you choose to be,” Murphy said. “Be kind, be curious and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
Newport High School class of 2026: Brian Aldridge; Cameron Belisle; Myleigha Belville; Mason Blood; Cooper Bocash; Michael Bohn; Christina Cameron; Connor Clark; Makayla Cossingham; Aidan Couitt; Elisa Crank; Aubrey Curtis; Kobie Curtis; Jasmine Dashnaw; Taylor Davis; Cayden Decato; Mackrissa Decato; Bethany DeCelle; Callie Dixon; Arianna Dukette; Kevin Earthrowl; Jaylah Ferland; Reagan Fratzel; Layla Gagnon; Bryanna Geer; Chloe Greenwood; Daniel Hagar; Ethan Hall; Braylee Heino; Trinity Holt; Joshua Jordan; Helen Kalacinski; Sybil Kunz; Aaron LaClair; Alanna Lee; Zoey Lord; Nikolas Menard; Serenity Meyers; Brady Minckler; Kyara Moreno; Bryce Morin; Peter Niesiobedzki; Gavyn Page; Ioannis Palapaidis; Bryce Palmer; Glory Parker; Andrew Perkins; Lukas Pitta; Brooklyn Ranney; Katherine Renner; Logan Richardson; Devan Robbins;
Blake Roberts-Ploss; John Rotkovecz; Erika Roy; Cameron Sanborn; Adrian Sanchez; Luke Simard; Emma Stone; Noah Tapley; Taven Velez; Autum Washburn; and Annabell Wheeler.
