On June 12, the Paul Cuffee School Class of 2026 gathered at the RISD Auditorium to celebrate an important milestone, surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and supporters who helped make the journey possible.
To open the ceremony, Dean of Students Jeff Rackauskas encouraged graduates to listen closely to the stories and advice shared throughout the evening and to find a message that resonated with them—something they could carry with them long after graduation.
Board President Kevin Briggs congratulated the graduates and reflected on growth, change, and perseverance, encouraging them to stay confident through life’s transitions, to take pride in their accomplishments, and to recognize the support of the families, teachers, and peers who helped them reach this milestone together.
Upper School Principal Vivi Schultz reflected on the importance of community and support throughout the graduates’ journeys. She recognized the dedication of faculty and staff, thanked Mr. Rackauskas for his leadership, honored loved ones unable to attend in person, and shared messages from families celebrating from afar. She closed with a series of “Warm & Fuzzies,” recognizing graduates for their growth, kindness, perseverance, and lasting impact on their school community.
The “Voice of the Class of 2026” was delivered by Karla Valerio Jaquez, who offered a powerful reflection on resilience, sacrifice, and belonging. Sharing her experience of immigrating from the Dominican Republic and being separated from her mother at a young age, she spoke about the sacrifices families make to create opportunities for their children. She reminded her classmates,
“Success is never just a moment. It is a story built from sacrifice, distance, struggle, and love.”
She also reflected on her journey of learning English and finding connection within the school community through friendships, support, and shared experiences. Recognizing the challenges many of her classmates had overcome, she said,
“When I look at the Class of 2026, I don’t see just students. I see survivors.”
The keynote address was delivered by Paul Cuffee alumnus Wesley Cabral, Class of 2016, who returned to serve as the keynote speaker. Reflecting on the decade since his own graduation, Cabral encouraged graduates to remain true to themselves, be fearless in pursuing their goals, and view failure as an opportunity for growth. He reminded students,
“Be fearless in the pursuit of your happiness. Be fearless in the pursuit of your goals, and be fearless about anything that sets your soul on fire.”
Cabral also encouraged graduates to build their lives around love and hope, reminding them that despite the challenges facing the world today, they are capable of shaping a brighter future. He concluded by reminding graduates,
“You all are the hope for the future. As long as there are people willing to fight for the right things, willing to fight for a better tomorrow, a brighter future will never die.”
As diplomas were awarded and tassels were turned, the ceremony celebrated not only the academic achievements of the Class of 2026 but also the friendships, experiences, and memories that shaped them along the way.
The Paul Cuffee School community is proud of all that these graduates have accomplished and looks forward to seeing the many ways they will contribute to their communities and the world around them.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
View the Class of 2026 Fact Sheet
View the Class of 2026 Graduation Photo Gallery