PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth High School celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 at a commencement ceremony Friday, June 5.
Principal Dr. Jeffrey Heath welcomed the crowd and later presented the diplomas. Senior Class President Michael Chytka delivered the welcome address, and social studies teacher Eric Daniel served as the guest speaker, introduced by Senior Class Vice President Brooke Santucci. Graduation speakers Emma Norton and Jyoti Ramdass also addressed their classmates.
The program opened with the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance,” and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senior Class Secretary Kylie Delemos, followed by the national anthem performed by Isabella Chobanian. The PHS Band, directed by Ted Rausch, played “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and the PHS Chorus, directed by Shawna Gleason, performed “No One Is Alone.” Senior Class Treasurer Andrew Rodrigues presented the class gift, and the ceremony closed with the recessional.
Administrative greetings came from Frederick W. Faerber III, vice chairperson of the Portsmouth School Committee, and Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Viveiros. Graduates earned honor cords representing groups including the National Honor Society, the National Science, Language, Art and Thespian honor societies, the PHS Leadership Academy, the CTE Academy and the Criminal Justice Pathway.
The ceremony was livestreamed on the WPHS YouTube channel. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
