Rogers High School’s Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Toppa Field on Wednesday evening, marking the close of their high school careers in a ceremony that blended tradition, music and reflection.
The graduation, held June 11 at 6 p.m., brought together graduates, families, faculty and city officials to honor the achievements of Newport’s newest alumni. Principal Michael Monahan welcomed guests and presented diplomas to the assembled class.
The evening opened with the faculty procession to Frank Erickson’s “Air for Band,” followed by the graduates’ entrance to Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” The JROTC Viking Battalion presented the national colors before the program turned to remarks from school and city leaders.
Greetings came from Assistant Principal Evelyn Folcarelli, Superintendent of Schools Colleen Burns Jermain, Newport School Committee Chairman James Dring and Newport Mayor Charles Holder. Senior Class President Telayiah Aponte and Valedictorian Kira Parsons each addressed their classmates.
Guest speaker Ana Gomes, a Spanish teacher and Multilingual Learner Community Liaison in Newport Public Schools, delivered the keynote address. Gomes, who supports students and families across many cultures and languages, spoke to her belief that everyone has the right to education. She began her career as an elementary school teacher abroad before moving to the United States, and in 2023 completed a master’s degree in teaching Spanish language and culture at the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain. Gomes speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Throughout the ceremony, graduates wore cords and stoles signifying their achievements, including gold cords and stoles for National Honor Society members, gold tassels for the Rhode Island Honor Society, pink cords for the Tri-M Music Honor Society and several honors recognizing JROTC service and industry credentials.
The senior class recognized faculty in a tribute led by Senior Class Advisor Angela Johnson before the recessional sent graduates off to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.”
With diplomas in hand, the Class of 2026 joins the ranks of Rogers High School alumni, carrying forward the legacy of a school that has served Newport since 1873.
