Northeast Metro Tech Congratulates the 331 Graduates of the Class of 2026

WAKEFIELD — Northeast Metro Tech proudly recognized the hard work, skills and perseverance of 331 graduates from the Class of 2026 earlier this month — marking the final class to graduate before a new school building is opened. 

Due to ongoing construction at Northeast Metro Tech, the Class of 2026 graduated under blue skies on the fields at Melrose High School. 

Graduates were recognized not just for grades and activities, but for growing as individuals, overcoming challenges, and coming together from 12 communities to become part of a family.

“Tonight is not just about diplomas. It’s about something deeper — something built through early mornings, long days, and the kind of effort that doesn’t make headlines, but builds the backbone of our community,” said School Committee Chairperson Deborah P. Davis. “Graduates, you didn’t just study here. You worked, you built, you fixed, and you created here at Northeast Metro Tech.”

Graduates were also celebrated for the skills they learned and certifications they earned while studying in their Career Technical Education programs. 

Ward Hamilton, the Melrose representative and treasurer of the Northeast School Committee, recalled years ago when he completed an apprenticeship and became a mason in the Bricklayers Union, which he described as his proudest professional accomplishment. 

“The pride that comes from building with your own two hands is something that many of you will enjoy and appreciate in the years ahead,” Hamilton said. “Our great nation was built on the sweat and labor of men and women just like yourselves who took pride in their work and did their jobs well.”

Feka Desir, the 2026 Class President, credited teachers, staff, families, friends and classmates with helping the Class of 2026 overcome every obstacle they faced. 

“It would be an understatement to say that we all went through all kinds of challenges, stress, exhaustion, and difficulties throughout our years. Many of us have loved, lost, grown, struggled, changed, and learned more about ourselves than we probably expected to at 14 years old,” Desir said. “We have learned resilience, adaptability, and overall strength through whatever personal hardship we faced.”

Salutatorian Emily Davis discussed the challenges she faced in high school, and the teachers and parents who helped her overcome them and find her way. 

“When I came to Northeast, I had no idea what to expect. It was a huge school and I barely knew my way around and I definitely did not know what shop I wanted to take. Four years later, and I know this school like the back of my hand and I love my shop,” Davis said. “We have come to the end of a chapter that we sometimes thought would never come. We had tests we thought we would never pass. Times when we had way too much work to get done. So many things that seemed impossible. But we did it! Our high school years have come to a successful end.”

Valedictorian Juliana Arevalo also acknowledged the challenges of high school and told her fellow graduates that the Class of 2026 would continue to overcome them.

“The truth is, there are no limits. There are no barriers,” Arevalo said. “It has already taken an incredible amount of effort and perseverance to get here. And we’ll continue to overcome these inevitable boundaries.”

Principal Richard Barden spoke of observing students at prom, field day, senior breakfast and Senior Awards Night, and seeing once distant classmates from different communities enjoying bonds they formed at Northeast. 

“During these last few months, at numerous recognition and celebratory senior events, I had the pleasure of witnessing the special bond you’ve built together. Coming from 12 communities, each of you brings unique experiences and backgrounds. What stood out most to me was your genuine care for one another,” Barden said. “These moments are the ones I hope you cherish because they capture the best version of who you are. Not just a group of individuals, but a community of friends with shared experiences. A true Northeast family.”

“I am so immensely proud of every one of our graduates in the Class of 2026,” said Superintendent David DiBarri. “These graduates have worked hard, opened their minds to new ideas, eagerly learned important skills, and came together as a community in which every individual supports and uplifts others. Congratulations Class of 2026! You did it!”