Sachem North Class of 2026 Celebrates Graduation at Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium

Under a beautiful Friday evening sky at Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium, the Sachem North Class of 2026 turned the page on one chapter and embraced the next during a commencement ceremony filled with heartfelt speeches, unforgettable moments and overwhelming Arrow pride.

Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and staff, the graduates celebrated not only their accomplishments, but also officially joined one of the district's most cherished traditions, becoming the newest members of the proud and ever-growing Sachem alumni family.

The evening featured three memorable speeches that reflected on perseverance, gratitude, leadership and the lifelong connections that define the Sachem experience.

Valedictorian Jake Leitgeb delivered a thoughtful and inspiring address that reflected on his academic journey and the experiences that shaped him throughout his years at Sachem North. With sincerity and humility, he encouraged his classmates to embrace every opportunity ahead while remembering the people and lessons that helped them reach graduation day.

Senior Class President Alyssa Tappin captivated the audience with a heartfelt speech centered on gratitude and growth. Reflecting on a remarkable senior year that included serving as station manager of WSHR, Sachem's student-run radio station, she spoke about the invaluable opportunities she was given through journalism, broadcasting and leadership. Tappin reminded her classmates just how fortunate they are to be part of a school community that empowers students to pursue their passions and discover their potential.

Returning home to deliver the commencement address was distinguished Sachem North alumna Stephanie Lydecker, Class of 1990. A highly respected leader in the media and production industry, Lydecker shared lessons from her professional journey while encouraging graduates to carefully choose the people they surround themselves with.

Using the theme of "finding the right crew," she explained that success is rarely achieved alone. Whether in business, school or life, she emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with individuals who inspire, challenge and support one another through every stage of life's journey. Her crisp, engaging and relatable remarks resonated with graduates preparing to begin their own next chapter.

As the final tassels were turned and caps soared into the air, the Class of 2026 celebrated a milestone years in the making. While their time as students has come to an end, their connection to Sachem is only beginning a new chapter.

Congratulations to the Sachem North Class of 2026. Thank you for the memories, the leadership and the pride you brought to our schools. Welcome to the distinguished ranks of Sachem alumni. We cannot wait to see where your journey leads next.

📹 Missed the ceremony? Full videos of each speech, along with highlight reels and photo galleries, are available now on the Sachem Facebook and Instagram pages.