At a time when so many are running nonstop, glued to their phones, misunderstanding each other and trying to figure out life on the go, the Newton High School Class of 2026 is leaving behind a class gift that encourages future students to have a seat and connect with each other in person: two picnic tables.

“I believe one of the most valuable things Newton North grants its graduating class is a lasting sense of community,” Class President Amani Arunga said on Tuesday at Newton North’s graduation ceremony. “These tables, meant to accommodate students during lunch, free blocks and after school are meant to continue fostering the community and connection that makes Newton North so special.”

Newton North High School’s Class of 2026 has had an educational journey that started pre-COVID and included a pandemic and remote learning that upended elementary and middle school learning, followed by staff cuts and a two-week teacher strike that disrupted their high school experience.

Superintendent Anna Nolin told the graduates on Tuesday night to think back to their first day of kindergarten, the start of that journey, and the eager inspiration those days brought out in them.

“At five, you probably asked ‘why’ 10 times in a row, over and over,” she said. “And Class of 2026, coming to know you in these three years, you asked ‘why’ in science labs and history seminars, through art and music and journalism and robotics. You asked ‘why’ on stages and fields in government meetings and classrooms, where ideas mattered. And you asked about the world you inherited, about justice, about identity, climate, belonging, and who gets heard. And about what kind of future is possible for you and the way that you already show up, lead and care in the world.”

Nolin told them to hold on to that curiosity and resolve as they go out into a world of chaos and constant change.

“Stay curious,” Nolin concluded. “Keep asking those ‘why’ questions.”

The evening was about the graduates, but there was an overcast—not just in the sky—of a farewell in the air as Principal Henry Turner presided over the last graduation of his decade-long tenure. Turner is heading to Reading to serve as that community’s next superintendent, an achievement that Newton Superintendent Anna Nolin made sure to highlight in her speech.

“I look forward to our new time together as superintendent colleagues,” Nolin said before presenting Turner with the “Thrive Cord,” a green cord (representing the Garden City) to symbolically bind him to NPS.

“May you never forget us,” Nolin said.

Newton North Vice Principal Amy Winston made a surprise speech honoring Turner and announced a new student award in his name.

“It is really hard to put into words exactly what Henry has done for the Newton North community over the last 10 years,” Winston began. “But one thing is absolutely clear and true: Everything that Henry has done has been centered around both challenging and supporting all students. Our amazing students have always been his ‘why,’ and they are exactly why he wouldn’t want me speaking about him right now.”

Turner left the Class of 2026 with a tip of the hat and a call to go bold.

“Your teachers, counselors, coaches and mentors have encouraged you to take risks, develop new skills, and grow into your full potential,” Principal Turner said. “And you’ve done just that. This is Newton North at its best.”

Faculty Awards

• The 2026 Charles Dana Missou Faculty Award was given to Charles Rooney.
• The Paul E. Eller Faculty Award was given to Lynn Ruazi.
• The Brenda Keegan Award for Excellence in Teaching was given to Adam George.

You can watch the entire ceremony online.

MORE IMAGES

Senior Angelique Cruz poses for a photo ahead of graduation. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Seniors line up along Newton North’s Main Street ahead of graduation. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

While families watched graduation from the stands, and many students found a spot on the track to take in the festivities. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Superintendent Anna Nolin speaks to the graduating students. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Family and friends watched Newton North’s senior class walk into Dickinson Stadium ahead of graduation. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Newton North students cheer as their friends cross the graduation stage. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Jeremiah Cardwell’s family jumps for joy as his name is called during the graduation ceremony. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Neria Abbimutt, the Class of 2026’s first graduate, crosses the stage. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Family and friends packed Dickinson Stadium for the graduation ceremony. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Jaquise Cain and Frankie Cain celebrate as Jaquise’s daughter, Brianna Lucy Howard-Karp, receives her diploma. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Newton North graduates celebrate their accomplishments with a selfie after the ceremony. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Principal Henry Turner awards the final diploma of his tenure at Newton North to Jincheng Andy Zou. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

Newly minted high school graduates celebrate with their friends after the ceremony. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

A graduating senior wears special shoes on graduation day. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon

A graduate holds his diploma from Newton North High School. (c) Burt Granofsky/Newton Beacon