Notre Dame High School celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 77th Annual Commencement Exercises

WEST HAVEN, CT — On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Notre Dame High School celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 77th Annual Commencement Exercises.

The ceremony began with the National Anthem, performed by Steven A. Torres Quiñones of Hamden. Following the Invocation delivered by Michael Abbott ’95, Vice President for Holy Cross Mission, Senior Class Speaker Marco Blakeslee ’26 of Milford addressed his classmates, reflecting on the lessons and relationships that shaped the past four years.

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“Of the many values here at Notre Dame, one stood out the most to me: family,” Blakeslee said. “Over the past four years, ND has given us more than just an education. It has given us memories, gratitude, future ambitions, and a family.”

Notre Dame President Robert F. Curis P’25 announced the recipients of the school’s two highest honors. William Bader ’26 of Milford received the Notre Dame Code Award, presented to the senior who best exemplifies the values of the Notre Dame Code through his character and actions. Bader will attend the University of Connecticut in the fall.

Steven A. Torres Quiñones ’26 of Hamden was named Man of the Year, an honor awarded to the senior who has made the greatest positive contribution to Notre Dame school life during his senior year.

At the school’s Honors Convocation, held on May 5, Alberto S. Torres Quiñones of Hamden was named as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, while Steven A. Torres Quiñones of Hamden was named Salutatorian. Upon graduation, both brothers will attend Boston University on pre-medical tracks.

In addition, 15 members of the Class of 2026 were recognized as legacy graduates, joining Notre Dame’s “Legacy Society” through family connections that include brothers, fathers, and grandfathers who are Notre Dame alumni.

Addressing the graduates, Vice President of Academic Affairs Ruben Valencia reflected on the unity forged throughout their high school experience.

“You arrived here as strangers, but through your shared experiences, you became a family,” Valencia said. “That transformation didn’t happen by chance — it happened because you chose to believe in one another and in the possibility of something greater than yourselves. Hope united you through a common purpose and reminded you that our differences can become our greatest strength.”

As part of the weekend’s celebrations, Notre Dame High School also welcomed back members of the Class of 1976 for their 50th Reunion Weekend. The Golden Anniversary celebration began with participation in the Commencement Exercises, followed by a luncheon during which alumni received Golden Diplomas. The weekend also included a special Mass honoring the class and remembering classmates who have passed away.

Notre Dame High School of West Haven is a Catholic, college preparatory school sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross. Notre Dame inspires academic excellence, nurtures personal growth, and fosters integrity and compassion in students of diverse talents, backgrounds, and beliefs through its Catholic, Holy Cross tradition.