Newton South High School graduates heard messages of remembering to stay curious and creative while finding joy along the way at their graduation ceremony on Thursday evening.

The ceremony, taking place indoors at Newton South, was Tamara Stras’ last as principal of the school, as she will soon leave for an assistant superintendent role in Cambridge. The school committee and Mayor Marc Laredo were present on stage, alongside Superintendent Anna Nolin.

Stras spoke to the audience about how education means more than career, transcripts and accomplishments—it’s about learning how to support others and value diversity.

“True success is not defined solely by accomplishments or titles, it is defined by how you treat people, how you respond to diversity, how you support those around you, and how willing you are to continue learning and growing throughout your life,” she said.

As with this year’s Newton North High School graduates, Newton South graduates faced learning disruptions due to COVID-19 during their middle school years and during a two-week teacher strike in 2024.

Nolin shared a thank you to the school’s teachers and congratulated Stras in her speech.

“There is no higher calling than being an educator,” she said. “I want to say thank you to my friend and colleague Tammy Stras for her exceptional leadership of this school, and I look forward to our new time together as superintendent colleagues.” 

Senior Ranya Almedhychy delivered a witty address that received much laughter and applause.

“Junior year was rough. Teachers started assigning more work. The vending machines stopped accepting ApplePay,” she said. “We were almost done until senior year hit, and we fought senior slump until the very end—of November.” 

Almedhychy added that while her classmates may eventually forget the late nights spent turning in assignments or what they talked about with their friends at lunch, they will not forget what it felt like to be a student at Newton South. 

“Did you feel welcome walking down the halls? Did you feel included?” she asked her classmates. “Like I always say, people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. I’m just kidding—that’s a Maya Angelou quote, but it still rings true.” 

The graduation ceremony additionally honored staff members for excellence in teaching as well as staff who are retiring this year. 

Ann Elliott-Holmes Excellence in Teaching Award

• Jonathan Greiner
• Patrick (PJ) Jordan-Quern
• Sarah Maillet

The entire ceremony can be viewed online.

MORE IMAGES

The Newton South Madrigals perform the national anthem at Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Class President Aaron Lirio and Vice President Aleeza Amitan serve as emcees for Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Superintendent Dr. Anna Nolin speaks at Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Newton South High School’s gym was packed for the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Class Vice President Aleeza Amitan introduces Principal Tamara Stras at Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Principal Tamara Stras speaks at Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Class officers Owen Butler and Jory Cohen head to the stage during Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Class officer Jonathan Shavelsky, joined on stage by fellow class officers Aleeza Amitan, Jory Cohen, Ellie Shim, Owen Butler and Aaron Lirio, speaks at Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Ranya Almedhychy delivers the senior address at Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Dalia Atieh hugs her mother as she receives her diploma during Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Gabriel Jacobs receives his diploma during Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Alana Aurisma receives her diploma during Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Thayer Bialek receives his diploma during Newton South High School’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on June 4, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle