Sachem Alumni Return Home to Inspire Class of 2026 with Commencement Addresses

This year’s Sachem commencement ceremonies featured two distinguished alumni whose journeys came full circle as they returned to the district that helped shape them.

Kristen Shanahan, a member of the Sachem East Class of 2020, delivered the commencement address at Sachem East, while Stephanie Lydecker, a Sachem North Class of 1990 graduate and accomplished media executive, addressed graduates at Sachem North.

Although their careers have taken them down very different paths, both speakers shared a common message: success is built through perseverance, surrounding yourself with the right people and believing in your ability to overcome challenges.

Shanahan reflected on her remarkable collegiate lacrosse career, which was anything but straightforward. After starring at Sachem East, she battled significant injuries at the University of Notre Dame before transferring to the University of Maryland, where she enjoyed a breakout season and helped the Terrapins capture a national championship.

Her message centered on the importance of “belief,” encouraging graduates to trust themselves even when adversity seems overwhelming.

At Sachem North, Lydecker captivated the audience with a polished, engaging and heartfelt address centered on the theme of “finding the right crew.”

Drawing from her decades of leadership in the media, entertainment and production industries, Lydecker explained that while talent and ambition matter, the people you choose to surround yourself with ultimately help define your success.

Through stories from her professional career, she encouraged graduates to seek out teammates, mentors and collaborators who challenge them, support them and help bring out the best in one another.

Together, the two commencement speakers showcased the strength of the Sachem alumni community and demonstrated the many different paths that begin in Sachem classrooms.

For the thousands of graduates, families and faculty members gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026, the speeches served as a reminder that while every journey is unique, the values learned at Sachem continue long after graduation day.

As the newest graduates embark on their next chapter, they do so inspired by two alumni who once sat in the very same seats and returned home to prove that dreams pursued with resilience, purpose and the right people by your side can become reality.