By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven High School sent 144 newly minted alumni into the world on Sunday, 6/1/25, with speakers repeating the message to carry it forward as they move onto the next phase of their lives.
“We made it,” said Salutatorian, Christopher Barney, telling his fellow grads that leaving the halls of FHS does not mean leaving behind rigorous studies or challenges, or anything they experienced
“We leave a lot in the past,” he said, but they carry more into the future. “Carry it all forward.”
Valedictorian, Hayley Mimoso, said they stand as a strong class that made their mark on the school.
She did not know what to expect when she first entered the school.
“If high school taught me anything, it’s that life is unpredictable and incredibly short,” said Ms. Mimoso.
She said they cannot slow it down, but they can decide how to spend it.
“We can do great things,” she said. “Carry it forward.”
Superintendent of schools, Tara Kohler, told them they became a community. Most of them are from Fairhaven, but some are from Acushnet, and some from afar. Some have been there the whole four years, some transferred in.
But they got to know each other and became a community.
She noted that Mr. Barney called Ms. Mimoso his best friend when he introduced her.
Ms. Kohler said in some places it is about competition, but at FHS, it is about “healthy growth as a group.”
“What we have in common is so much more than our differences,” said Ms. Kohler. “You will always be part of this community.”
“You are all Fairhaven High School graduates after today,” she said. “Wear it with pride and know we will always have your back.”
She told them to keep their community in mind, keep that spirit with them.
“We need people to stand up for what is right,” said Ms. Kohler, noting they grew up in a different time, facing social media attacks, and more. “You’re the cusp of the next generation.”
She told a story about a staff member who had a great impact on a student. She said it is not just teachers, but all staff who are chosen for their attitude towards the students in mind.
To the parents, she said, “Just know that we believe in your kids even when it is hard.”
Principal Andrew Kulak told students they were there to celebrate not the end of their high school years, but the beginning of something bigger.
“You made it to this day with more resilience, humor, energy and Tik Tok scrolling than any other class before you,” said Mr. Kulak to much laughter. “You kept our staff on our toes since day one.”
He told them they grew up in a time of extraordinary change and saw history made in real time. They weathered the obstructions, pivoted through uncertainty and still showed up day after day, class after class.
“That takes strength. That takes heart,” he said. “And now you get to take that strength into the real world.”
He said they are defined not by the challenges they faced, but by the way they responded to them. They grew up in a world of “constant flux,” including the pandemic, climate change, cultural changes and the rise of technology.
“You mastered digital fluency, but never lost your emotional intelligence,” said Mr. Kulak.
He talked about their resilience, perseverance, and how they helped each other.
“And now you carry all of that, all of that growth with you, into wherever your journey takes you,” he said.
They carry a lot of high school with them, he said, and pointed out words in their class song, “Wherever I Go,” by Hannah Montana: “You’re in my heart just like a tattoo. I’ll always have you.”
He said to think of that as a reminder that no matter how far takes them, the experiences of high school with go with them.
“They are a part of you and in a way, binds you together.”
He told them the road ahead will not always be smooth.
“But when you hit those bumps and barriers, remember who you are and where you came from,” said Mr. Kulak. “Fairhaven High graduates don’t flinch at obstacles. They keep moving, Dunkin’ in one hand and determination in the other.”
Mr. Kulak also told them that some day they will remember high school as the “good old days.”
He thanked their parents and teachers and staff for their parts in helping them get to this point.
He thanked the students for filling the classrooms with “kindness, creativity and fun.”
So, take the next step he told them.
“Wherever you go, go with intention, go with boldness, go with pride,” said Mr. Kulak. “And knowing that you are ready. Not because everything ahead will be easy but because everything behind you made you stronger.”
The program included the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, The “Halls of Ivy” by the FHS Concert Choir, Presentation of the class gifts, and the class song, “Wherever I go,” by Hannah Montana.
After the ceremony, students and family members hung around to take photos and soak in the moment on a sunny, albeit kind of windy, Sunday.
“It’s been a pleasure in all honesty, going here to this historic place,” said Isaiah Benoit. “My whole life is ahead of me and my journey awaits.”
He said he will be attending Bridgewater State University for Sports Management.
Rafael Burgos said he felt pretty good, “a little sad,” and “pretty awesome.”
He will be attending UMass Dartmouth for Business.
Jared Reardon agreed with the sentiments of his friend. He will be attending Curry College for Criminal Justice.
Brooke Bradbury-Ursini said she felt, “good” and “excited.” She will be attending Bristol Community College for Nursing.
Brilynn Gunderway was taking pictures with a few different family members. She said she will be attending MTTI for HVAC.
Jae-Lea Diaz was taking pictures with friends and relatives. She will be attending UMassD for ceramics.
Her mother, Jessica Cavalieri, said she was “emotional. I’m proud of her.”
Meaghan DuCharme said she had “no idea” what she would be doing next, except, presumably, enjoying her summer.
Her friend, Victoria Fraga, has a plan, though, to go Bridgewater for Psychology.
“I’m really happy that I was able to graduate,” said Ms. Fraga, who teaches at an after school program, and will continue that through the summer.
Fairhaven High School Class of 2025
Noah M. Arruda
Benjamin C. Ashley, Highest Honors
Gavin M. Austin, Highest Honors
Christopher W. Barney, Highest Honors, Salutatorian
Tyler W. Belanger
Isaiah J. Benoit
Emma H. Bettencourt, Honors
Sullivan J. Blanchette
Ariyah L. Boswell
Colin D. Boucher, Highest Honors
Tyler J. Bourque
Brooke J. Bradbury-Ursini
Carly M. Bradshaw, Highest Honors
Amelia E. Breese, Highest Honors
Ava M. Brodeur, Highest Honors
Michael C. Brown, Jr.
Rafael A. Burgos, Honors
Cameron M. Burke, Highest Honors
Jason M. Calvao
Rylee D. Camacho, High Honors
Olivia J. Cardona
Natalie F. Carrico, Honors
Jason J. Carvalho
Lila G. Carvalho, High Honors
Ainsley E. Cebula, High Honors
Kaelynn F. Cheney
Louis B. Christopher
Teylem D. Cogswell, High Honors
Benjamin K. Comey
Mason M. Constantino, High Honors
Lilah R. Correia
Micayla D. Costa, Honors
Olivia A. Costa
Sydney R. Costa, High Honors
Leo P. Cummins
Logan A. DaCosta
Lucas D. daCosta, Honors
Colin A. D’Acquisto, Highest Honors
Brody R. DaLuz, Highest Honors
Allison T. DaSilva, Highest Honors
Addison M. Dean, Honors
Andie M. Dextraze
Jae-Lea T. Diaz
Calvin M. Downing, Honors
Meaghan J. DuCharme
Xavier A. Eires, High Honors
Nathan R. Felix
Cayden J. Fernandes
Ava M. Forgues, Highest Honors
Mia R. Forgues
Victoria M. Fraga, Honors
Carlie J. Francis, Highest Honors
Jarrod M. Frates
Adan A. Gamboa Lomeli, Honors
Travis R. Genard
Emily L. Giammalvo, High Honors
David W. Gomes, Jr.
Emma J. Gomes, High Honors
Randy Gomez, Jr., High Honors
Ruby E. Gonsalves
Austin W. Gooden
Dylan J. Gordon
Ayla R. Guillotte, Highest Honors
Brilynn M. Gunderway
Cody J. Hassey
Aylin M. Haworth, High Honors
Giana B. Helmersen
Kamiree J. Henicke
Quentin R. Hiller, High Honors
Natalie E. Holmes
Abigail B. Hooley, High Honors
Jocelyn E. Hopkins
Zakai Iacaponi
Peyton J. Illingsworth, High Honors
Kaden W. Jeffrey
Davis S. Jones, Highest Honors
Hazel B. Kakley
Paige L. Landreville, Honors
Emma R. Langlois
Jadyn L. Larocque, Highest Honors
Ayden G. LeBlanc
Nathan B. Lewis
Dallyana M. Lopez
Elliot K. Lussier, Highest Honors
Yandel Lux
Kate V. Machado
Jake H. Macolini, Honors
Ava C. Malatino, Highest Honors
Adam T. Marashio, Highest Honors
Justin J. Marques
Malene M. Mattos, Honors
Deihanna J. Meack
Andrew W. Medeiros, Jr., Highest Honors
Jacob D. Medeiros, Honors
Logan A. Medeiros
Joseph D. Melo
Griffin C. Milton, High Honors
Hayley M. Mimoso, Highest Honors, Valedictorian
Anthony J. Monteiro, Highest Honors
Sara M. Morais, High Honors
Lily F. Morin
Savannah V. Morris, Highest Honors
Ava R. Morrison, Honors
Kayla M. Nichols
Fisher R. Patenaude, High Honors
Camdyn M. Pereira
James A. Pereira, Jr.
Jason C. Perry, Jr.
Landon J. Pickup, High Honors
Nathan J. Pickup, Jr., Honors
Kole A. Pinto, High Honors
Daniel L. L. Pires
Emma M. Proulx, Honors
Jack R. Quintin
Kaitlyn S. Ramos, Honors
Nathan P. Raposo
Caleb A. Rapoza
Jared C. Reardon
Finley P. Reynolds, Highest Honors
Alanna J. Robidoux-Couto
Lilliana J. Romao
Matthew R. Santos
Sierra M. Santos
Ray Sarkis, High Honors
Richard E. Senna, Jr.
Jordan A. Sherman
Sydney M. Sienicki, Honors
Samuel J. Simoes, Jr.
Marissa J. Skinner, Honors
Chloe A. Soares
Mia G. Soares
Anthony M. Stefanski
Jayden M. Taylor, Highest Honors
Quinten D. Tucker
Brayden V. J. Vidal
Tyler C. Vieira
Zachary C. Viveiros, High Honors
Makayla N. Walsh
Jazlynn M. Westgate
Aidan J. Wilczek, High Honors
Hansen Zhao, High Honors
Tracy Zhao, Highest Honors
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- L-R: Malene Mattos, Abigail Hooley, and Carlie Francis have lots of fun singing the class song, “Wherever I Go,” by Hannah Montana, during the Fairhaven High School graduation ceremony on 6/1/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- A graduate of the Fairhaven High School class of 2025 gives the thumbs up as she walks back to her seat after receiving her diploma during the commencement ceremony on 6/1/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Jason Perry and Hansen Zhao greet each other with a trendy handshake after Mr. Perry receives his diploma during the Fairhaven High School graduation ceremony on 6/1/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Isaiah Benoit is all smiles as he approaches the stage to receive his diploma from Fairhaven Select Board chairperson, Charlie Murphy, during the Fairhaven High School commencement ceremony on 6/1/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- A graduate of the Fairhaven High School class of 2025 sports a mortarboard decorated with colorful flowers as she walks back to her seat after receiving her diploma during the commencement ceremony on 6/1/25. Photo by Beth David.
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- Lucas daCosta is all smiles as he walks back to his seat after receiving his diploma during the Fairhaven High School commencement ceremony on 6/1/25. Photo by Beth David.
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