'Success isn't a straight line': Belmont graduates awarded, celebrated Friday night for Individuality

BELMONT — The 65 students who graduated from Belmont High School, on Friday, displayed their tight-knit camaraderie and masterpiece of shared memories, and sweltering temperatures didn’t stop their festivities.

“Seniors, I ask that you take a look around the field. Seriously, take this all in, because this is one of those rare, beautiful moments in life when an entire crowd is gathered here for you to celebrate your hard work, cheer your victories, and champion your future,” Principal Matthew Finch said at the start of commencement. “What makes this class so special is what you accomplished. Not just what you accomplished inside the classroom, but how you've shaped the very fabric of Belmont High School. You are a diverse and dynamic group of young adults, and today we want to honor all the different ways that you've left your mark.”

Two members of the class of 2026 were honored as they embark on military careers. Both were asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Brady Filteau, known for his involvement in academics and athletics, will join the U.S. Air Force, heading to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, for 7.5 weeks in July.

“He will be joined by a young man who has in fact already begun his military career, having completed basic training last summer,” said Finch, referencing Brady Fysh, who will enter the U.S. Army National Guard.

Several distinguished awards were handed out.

Filteau earned the Reverend Fitzpatrick Memorial Award, which focuses on service, leadership and citizenship, recognizing his Diploma of Distinction project, as well as his work both academically and athletically.

“Something I will never forget about this individual is his Diploma of Distinction project, which combined his love of track and field with his desire to share that passion with younger students. This spring, he hosted a clinic for younger track and field athletes, in order to provide the coaching he wished he had at that age,” Finch said. “His wish to pay it forward and to give back to our community, in addition to all these other characteristics, is what makes him a truly remarkable student and a most deserving award recipient.”

The Kenneth F. Muzzey Award is a Belmont tradition that honors one graduate who's made exceptional contributions to their community by demonstrating citizenship, service and spirit. This award was given to valedictorian Anna McDonald for her work helping bring a Make-A-Wish kid's dream to life.

“This was no ordinary wish, and I cannot possibly accurately recount all the time, work, effort, energy, miles, and yes, manure, that went into making this wish come true. But she did. And at the finish line of this wish, a young boy received the miracle of two very adorable cows, along with a hand-constructed home for them. A truly awe-inspiring journey that this young lady made possible, and her exemplary demonstration of these selfless qualities,” Finch said.

The Roland S. Kimball Award is given annually to one graduate based on their scholarship, dependability, and participation in activities, in the spirit of service to their school and community. Wyatt Divers earned the honor.

“This award is described by our scholarship committee as the student who we would hang our professional hat on. Tonight's recipient of this award is one of the most genuine young men I have ever met in my career,” Finch said. “He is compassionate and kind to his classmates, respectful and gracious to his teachers, encouraging and dedicated to his teammates. No stranger to personal challenges, he has a resilient and positive attitude, and exhibits mental toughness in every aspect of his life.”

Finally, Raider Resilience Awards were handed out to three students: Wyatt Carroll, Jordyn Lodie and Lindsey Peterson. Finch then called upon Riley DeGange, class president and salutatorian, to address her peers.

“Her love for the Red Raider community has never ever been a quiet affair. It has been vibrant, loud, and deeply emotional in the best ways possible,” Finch said.

DeGange started her speech by taking a selfie with the class of 2026. Throughout her presentation, she referenced many of the inside jokes the small class shared, and well wishes for the future.

“My one piece of advice: If plan A doesn't work out the way you wanted, there’s a whole alphabet for you to go through,” she said. DeGange was given the Principal’s Leadership Award.

Known for her love of cows, so much so that her graduation cap was decorated like one, McDonald came back to the stage for the valedictorian address. She related her time competing in 4-H shows, understanding not every moment is blue ribbon-worthy.

“Unfortunately, the judge won't always hand you a blue ribbon. Some days, you get a red, or a yellow ribbon, or walk away with nothing. Now, my cow Poppy solved that problem by eating the fourth place ribbon she received last year. But we can't all face setbacks with four stomachs. Instead, we reevaluate, and try again,” McDonald said.

Student Wyatt Kratzer, known for having a guitar on him most of the time, performed “Time” by Pink Floyd.

Lauren Fountain was the keynote speaker, and lauded each graduate with an anecdote about the differences which make them unique, before offering her own advice. Fountain was introduced by Brayden Townsend, who praised her for understanding the class of 2026.

“The lesson isn't that everything will go exactly as planned. The lesson is that it probably won't. And that's where growth happens. Adaptation is one of the most important skills you'll ever develop,” Fountain said. “There will be moments when your carefully crafted plans fall apart. There will be setbacks, failures, disappointments, and unexpected turns. But failure is not the opposite of success. More often than not, it's part of the process, and it's really damn important. Success isn't a straight line. It's a series of adjustments, mistakes, lessons, and course corrections.”

Belmont High School is part of Shaker Regional School District, and enrolls students from Belmont and Canterbury. As part of the school’s tradition, a flower ceremony was held. During the ceremony, students show appreciation toward their support group — friends, family and extended family, and role models — by bestowing to them a flower. Students leapt from their seats Friday evening, dashing across the field to find their family members.

Andrew Cryans, 19, of Canterbury, beelined toward his family, where he presented his friends, siblings, parents, and grandparents with carnations.

“We’re very proud of him. He’s amazing,” said Tiffany Brown, Cryans’ mother. He will be heading to Southern New Hampshire University to study psychology.

Students then crossed the stage, receiving diplomas and posing for photos.

For Finch, the “community feel” of the night is special to Belmont, and representative of this class, especially as their new story, on a “blank page,” begins to be told.

“Class of 2026, you are the poets today. You have a story to write, and you have grand words to say. You graduate now heading out into the world as the tapestry of your life is slowly unfurled. We've worked hard to equip you with pens full of ink,” Finch recited. “We've cheered as we've watched you dream, ponder, and think. We helped you discover which pathway's for you, while the pride of your families undoubtedly grew. You finished a stanza, but your poem's not complete. Just a few lines of ink on an infinite sheet.”

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.