Medfield High School Class Day 2026

Medfield High School Class Day 2026

The Medfield High School Class of 2026 took part in Class Day on Friday, May 29, as family members, faculty, administrators, guidance counselors, and special guests gathered to celebrate the soon-to-be graduates. As the seniors processed into the ceremony, the MHS Band performed the traditional Pomp and Circumstance.

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Principal Robert Parga opened the program by introducing senior Sophia O'Toole, who delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. He then welcomed those in attendance and congratulated the graduating class on reaching this important milestone.

A highlight of the ceremony came when MHS Guidance Counselor Anne Lodge announced the 2026 Hall of Excellence recipient, Josh D'Amaro. Although D'Amaro was unable to attend in person, he shared a video message with students and guests. His parents accepted the Hall of Excellence award on his behalf, proudly representing their son during the special recognition.

The Hall of Excellence honor recognizes Medfield High School graduates who have achieved exceptional success in their chosen fields while serving as role models for current and future students. D'Amaro's distinguished career and recent appointment as CEO of the Walt Disney Company make him a fitting recipient of this year's award.

Special recognition was also given to three Medfield High School staff members who will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year: Kathleen Emerson, Mike Kraemer, and Linda Grolnic. Each was acknowledged for their years of dedication and service to the students and families of the Medfield community.

Social Studies teacher, Kathleen Emerson announced the Departmental Award for Social Studies and the recipient was senior, Andrew Bate. Following that, Melinda Lohan announced from the podium, the newly created "Kathleen Emerson Agency Award" which Cameron Corcoran graciously received.

Another memorable moment of the ceremony came when Blake Middle School Health and Wellness teacher Tom Woods announced Mike Kraemer as the 2026 Medfield High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. The honor recognizes Kraemer's outstanding contributions to Medfield athletics and the impact he has had on generations of student-athletes throughout his career. Woods went on to say...

"During my time at MHS, I ran cross country and track and field for eleven seasons. Out of those eleven, SEVEN of them were under the leadership of one of the most humble, hardworking, and devoted people I’ve ever had the privilege to know... Mr. Michael Kraemer, or, as I still call him today, " Coach". And while Mr. Kraemer may be stepping away from the classroom after more than three decades at Medfield High School…. COACH Kraemer still plans to remain on the cross country course, continuing to motivate and mentor student athletes for years to come.

In 2002, Coach Kraemer debuted what I still believe is one of the best cross country courses in Massachusetts: the course at the Medfield State Hospital grounds. Before that, our races would wind through neighborhood roads i.e., South St., Knollwood, Cross & Phillips Streets and around the high and middle school campus- more of a short road race. Coach envisioned something different; a true cross country course with grass, gravel, hills, twists, turns, and history.

From 2000 to 2007 alone, his teams compiled over 110 victories with only four losses, they captured 13 TVL Championships, and earned a Division 4 Track State Championship. During his track tenure, 27 of the 32 boys outdoor track records have been broken — many multiple times over — with several athletes going on to set league- divisional- and even state records. He’s earned Division 2 Coach of the Year honors, an undisclosed number of TVL Coach of the year awards, dozens of TVL championships and sportsmanship awards and the respect of generations of athletes, families, and colleagues.

So today we aren’t just inducting a remarkable coach into the Hall of Fame. We are inducting a man who helped shape the lives of thousands of students and athletes in this community. A man whose impact cannot truly be measured by wins, banners, or records (of which there are so many) but by the character, confidence, and memories he left behind in all of us.

Coach Kraemer, on behalf of your athletes, coworkers, students, families, and the entire Medfield community, thank you. And congratulations on your induction into the Medfield High School Athletic Hall of Fame."

Kraemer's family was on hand to share in the special occasion. His wife, two sons, and parents attended the ceremony and were beaming with pride as he received the well-deserved recognition. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from students, staff, and guests, reflecting the respect and admiration Kraemer has earned during his years at Medfield High School.

Woods posed with Coach Kraemer and his family.

Following the scholarship presentations, departmental awards were presented to outstanding seniors from the Art, Business, English, Library Media Center, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Studies, Wellness, and World Languages & Cultures Departments.

Additional honors included the Sportsmanship Award, Student Government Award, and Humanitas Award. Members of the Senior Class Officers were also recognized for their leadership and dedication to the Class of 2026 throughout the school year.

The Yearbook Award was then presented, followed by one of the ceremony's most heartfelt moments, the presentation of the Inspiration Award. Selected by the Class Officers, this year's recipient was Library/Media Director Kerry Cowell. Having previously worked with many of the graduates during their years at Dale Street School, Cowell has been a constant source of encouragement, support, and inspiration throughout their educational journey. The recognition reflected the lasting impact she has had on the lives of the Class of 2026 from their earliest school days through their final year at Medfield High School.

Class Day concluded with the Recessional of the Seniors.