Photo provided Bridgeport High School students and guests celebrate as a new graduating class sets out to make their mark.

BRIDGEPORT – The seniors of Bridgeport High School celebrated a night that was years in the making as the graduating class of 2026 earned their diplomas and set forth, following the 152nd commencement May 22. The John J. Havlicek Gymnasium was filled with students, teachers and families.

Superintendent Brent Ripley began by asking all for thoughts and prayers for two students recently injured in a traffic accident, and a brief silence for a faculty member who recently passed away. Ripley gave some final words to take with them, noting it has been a time of miracles for the district and to never underestimate the power of belief, determination and hard work to find the vision of their life and to pursue that vision.

Beyond grit, relationship and other situations, success comes from adopting a hunter’s mindset.

“A hunter, they don’t ask the forest for permission.”

Ripley advised them to walk into every room and claim it with quiet confidence, while drawing on the values of kindness and humbleness.

He also reminded them not to neglect their physical health, and to remain active and present themselves well. He said they are graduating with everything they needed, so be bold.

“You don’t enter any room to beg. You’re a Bulldog,” he said.

“It’s you. It’s your vision, it’s your destiny that’s going to pull you like a target that’s already locked in,” he said. “Take your shot, know that we love you, and as always: Go Dogs!”

Chloe Cuiksa was first of the student speakers. She said the question of: “What do you want to be?” was one they began answering years ago, searching through academics, extracurriculars, success and failure and with the help of their families and the Bridgeport Schools staff.

“Growing up means realizing the moments we once rushed through eventually become the moments you wish you could relive one more time. Now they become stories that we tell years from now,” she said. “We grew up together.”

Dylan Charlton said he was looking out at a room filled with determination. He reflected that learning from his mistakes shaped who he became and told his fellow graduates not to let fear of failure freeze their potential.

“As we all embark on this new territory, you will make countless mistakes. Learn from them and move on. Don’t dwell on the past and do not fear the future,” he said. “Be excited about the future, and live in the present.”

Kylie Turner had many thank-yous for strong and supportive family, teachers who genuinely cared and helped their students cross those thresholds in life, and students who created memories to last a lifetime.

“Tonight is emotional, but I don’t think of it as an ending. I think it’s the start of something new and beautiful,” she said. Kylie added to never doubt they were enough. “Every one of you has a story, and every one of you matters.”

Allison Vargas found Bridgeport Schools a place to challenge her ideas and nourish growth. She learned values that formed the foundation of character and asked her fellow students to take those values into the wide world. Allison added they were afforded the opportunity to learn through experience, and now was the time to look ahead, dream big and ask questions.

“The world is waiting for you. New people. New opportunities. New ideas to discover, and even new challenges,” she said. “Do not hold back.”

Taelor Bowers said this night was the accumulation of years of hard work, and though they might look forward with excitement and uncertainty, Bridgeport Schools has equipped them with tools they have already used to face and overcome difficult situations.

“We have grown and embraced every challenge, and continue to bounce back,” she said. “Never stop growing or overcoming. Congratulations Class of 2026. We did it.”

The speaker was Wilson “Pooge” Adams, alumnus of the 1976 50th anniversary class. Adams asked the students to consider how they would make their mark, and said they would decide how they would be defined. Their lives post-graduation would call for even more responsibility, but the graduating speakers have already demonstrated maturity and work ethic.

“Great things are happening in the Bridgeport community schools,” he said. As the son of an alumnus, Wilson said they would carry great memories. “No one will ever know you like your classmates know you now.”

Adams also spoke about the support that brought them here. He shared a story of a combat pilot who years later met the person who packed his parachute.

“Everybody has packed your parachute to get here. A lot of different people. A lot of different family members. A lot of different friends. Give them a hug tonight. Tell them you love them. They’re going to stick with you forever.”

He left them with the reminder that the harder you work, the luckier you become, and it would be the many small decisions that made their lives, so begin to plan now.

“Be great and keep getting better,” he said. Adams shared another piece of advice from a beloved family member who made an impression through strength and determination. “Whatever you do, do it to the best of your abilities.”

Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher also recognized the students who had earned credentials. He pointed out students had taken 293 hours of College Credit Plus, saving a total of $63,000 in college hours.