'Hold on to the little things.' Principal Peter Rodrigues says farewell to the Somers High School Class of 2026

SOMERS, N.Y. - Before the Somers High School Class of 2026 graduated on June 24, Principal Peter Rodrigues shared words of wisdom and encouragement:

"In this social media age, it’s rare to go through June without seeing a clip of a graduation speech or a motivational quote giving seniors advice about life after high school. When speaking to 213 graduates, it’s a challenge to find something original to say that hasn’t already been shared by your Aunt Mary or Cousin Tim.

Thirty years ago, at my own high school graduation, I sat on a football field much like this one. It even had a giant "S" painted on the grass. As I think back to June 23, 1996, I can honestly say I don’t remember a single speech from that evening. My memory might not be that great after 30 years, or maybe the speeches just weren’t very memorable or inspiring.

Here’s the one thing I do remember: I sat next to Shane Corso—I’m not sure why we were alphabetically out of order—and he smoked a cigar throughout the entire ceremony. That is my lasting memory of my high school graduation.

It’s a lasting memory because, just two days earlier, I had surgery to repair a collapsed lung—an emergency that had almost ruined my prom and jeopardized my attendance at graduation. And there was Shane, puffing away while I sat there with reduced lung capacity. Didn’t he know? Didn’t he care? Of course not, and that’s not the important part. What’s important is that it mattered to me. That tiny, insignificant moment mattered.

Tonight is a celebration of everything you've accomplished. The diploma you're about to receive represents years of hard work and determination. It represents challenges overcome, friendships formed, and memories made.

Because tonight is such a significant milestone, it's easy to think this evening will be the memory that stays with you forever.

It might be.

But the moments that stay with us are rarely the ones we expect.

Of course, you’ll remember some of the big moments, too.

You might remember Charlie throwing 238 feet, 2 inches to lead the nation in the hammer throw. And now you’ll remember that Charlie recently earned a spot on Team USA and will compete in this summer’s U20 Track and Field World Championships.

You might remember the day you were accepted into your dream school.

You might remember Mikayla winning ISEF for the first time in school history.

You might remember our opening day, when we talked about the cell phone ban for the very first time.

You might remember Emily and Fiona singing "My Own Best Friend" from Chicago.

You might remember the moment you receive your diploma as a graduate of Somers High School.

But when I think about this class, some different memories come to mind.

I will remember Akos celebrating Mikayla’s ISEF win.

I will remember Jaron scoring a defensive touchdown at Lakeland—and then promptly getting a penalty for his celebration.

I will remember Gus, Zavier, and Evelyn using power tools without any supervision.

I will remember Summer introducing our Holocaust speaker to the entire student body.

I will remember constantly telling Luca and Kaitlin to put their phones away.

I will remember Vincent announcing his arrival on campus by revving his engine.

I will remember Colin talking trash about how good his meatless burger was in Science of Food.

I will remember spotting Jack in the hallway with some sweet treat from his culinary program.

I will remember eating ice cream with Nico and Arman at Senior Sunset.

Clearly, all my best memories are about food.

But what about your memories? Because I suspect the ones you’ll cherish most won’t be the big headlines. They’ll be the little things.

So please indulge me for a moment, graduates—and friends and family, if you’d like.

Close your eyes. Think about the memory of this place that means the most to you. Or, if you’re a family member or friend, think about your favorite memory of your graduate.

Hold it in your mind. What were the colors? The smells? The sounds? And if you’re me, the taste of that moment.

Make sure you hold onto that memory for the rest of your life.

Okay, open your eyes.

Thirty years ago, if you had asked me what I would remember from my graduation, I would have guessed receiving my diploma, celebrating with friends, or maybe even one of the speeches.

Instead, I remember Shane Corso smoking a cigar.

Memory doesn’t always work the way we think it does.

Class of 2026, thank you for the memories you've created. Thank you for the ways you've strengthened this community. Thank you for the legacy you leave behind.

But legacy isn't just about what you leave for others; it’s also about what you take with you.

Because one day, you'll want to remember that you were here. Even if you don’t remember a single word of this speech—and honestly, 30 years from now, I won't blame you if your only lasting memory of tonight is the person sitting next to you.

Hold on to the little things, Class of 2026.

They are what matter."