Winooski School District

06/19/2026

Welcome Address
By Okelina

On behalf of the Class of 2026, welcome, & thank you for being here to celebrate this important milestone with us. Getting here today was not easy; I remember mornings when I didn't feel like coming to school but had to force myself to get up, the times I felt behind, confused as deadlines approached, and the times I hadn’t yet figured out my direction. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the support & guidance I have received in and outside Winooski throughout these years. From my very first day as a freshman, I met individuals who played an important role in shaping my high school path.

Even though I can’t name everyone who made an impact on my life during these years, I would like to personally thank Mr. Clark for helping me improve my writing & reading skills. I will certainly use these skills during my time in college. I would also like to thank Samuel and Urmila from AALV for always providing me with opportunities to better my future and for their advice. Lastly, I would like to thank Mrs. Lindsey for patiently working with me & for helping me grow as a student. Your constant encouragement & support helped me overcome academic challenges & personal challenges. I'm grateful to the teachers, staff, mentors, & coaches who went above and beyond to help me succeed, as well as the friendships. Without your support & outstanding love for me and others, I wouldn’t have made it to this day. These relationships improved my high school experience more than words can say. Thank you, Winooski, for creating an environment where I felt supported, encouraged, & empowered to grow.

Class of 2026, we have shared many experiences together. I think back to our canoeing trip in September, when we learned to rely on one another and work as a team. That same spirit carried us through college applications, academic challenges, and all the moments we celebrated together. Just as we navigated those waters, we will navigate whatever comes next. No matter where life takes us, the resilience and determination we developed here will stay with us. May God guide us through this journey, amen.

06/17/2026

Wednesday Words of Wisdom
Excerpt from Graduation Speech
By Jessica Perrotte

As you leave, I have three final lessons—ones we started in kindergarten that still matter now:

Keep Sharing Your "Crayons": In five-year-old terms, that meant being kind. In the real world, it means being a teamplayer and collaborator. The most successful people aren't the ones who hold onto everything for themselves; they are the ones who make the room better for everyone else by moving beyond “just doing your part” to actively working with others to achieve shared goals. Teamwork and kindness will get you far in life.

It’s Okay to Take a "Nap": Life is going to get fast very quickly. You’re going to feel pressured to hustle every second. Remember that even the most energetic kindergartner needs a moment to recharge. Be patient with yourself when you’re tired. Never forget to put your needs first and take care of your personal health. Taking care of yourself is essential because it forms the foundation for your academic success, career performance, and overall quality of life.

Be Curious: In elementary school, you asked "why?" a hundred times a day. Somewhere along the line, we start worrying about having the "right" answer instead of asking the right question. Keep asking questions in college and your careers. Asking “why” helps you challenge assumptions and think diversely. It helps you become an active, curious participant in your lives. Never lose that five-year-old's wonder.

I met you when you were learning to write your name, and today I’m watching you write the first chapter of your own history. It’s been a privilege and an honor to witness your journey.

You were my "kids" then, you are my students now, and you will be my pride and joy forever.

06/16/2026

Yesterday, Winooski students kicked off their summer with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC)!

Throughout the program, students will gain hands-on experience in conservation, environmental stewardship, teamwork, and leadership while making a positive impact in our communities.

We are proud of our students for embracing this opportunity to learn, grow, and give back. Have a great summer, and we can't wait to see all you accomplish!

06/16/2026

ICYMI: Winooski High School Graduation

Annual coverage of the Winooski High School Commencement ceremony. ...

06/15/2026

Watch Party! Wednesday June 17 ay 1:00 PM. WSD PAC.

06/15/2026

"Kid, you'll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!"

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Shout out to Yozna for the amazing photos.

06/14/2026

One of the most memorable moments from graduation came from David, who delivered the class address. He challenged his classmates to think differently about the future.

Excerpt from his commencement address to the Class of 2026:

There is something strange about graduation speeches
It's that they're written assuming we have all the time in the world
But the truth is none of us are guaranteed another year.
None of us are guaranteed next week.
None of us are even guaranteed tomorrow.
And strangely enough, I don't find that depressing.
I find it freeing.
Because if our time is limited, then what we choose to do with it matters.
The trip you've always wanted to take matters.
The risk you've been afraid to take matters.
The conversation you've been putting off matters.
The person you want to become matters.

Too many people spend their lives waiting for permission to live. Waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect plan.
Perfect doesn't come.
Plagued with the question “when will i know im ready”
You won’t, it's a leap of faith, that's all it is.
Don't let other people decide what deserves your attention.
Life is long enough to do meaningful things with it.
Things that are meaningful to you
Not your friends, or your parents, and definitely not whoever is watching on social media
And while none of us can control everything that happens to us, we can control what we do next.
That choice belongs to us.

If you've heard nothing else, hear this.
Don't spend your life preparing to live.
Live it.
Go create something.
Go somewhere.
Learn something meaningful.
Fall in love with an idea, a place, a person
Grab whatever matters to you and don't let go,

Class of 2026, whatever path you take from here, I hope you choose it deliberately.
I hope you spend your time on things that matter.

And I hope you remember that the future isn't something that happens to you.
It's something you build, one choice at a time.

06/14/2026

The cap designs were next level.

06/13/2026

Congrats Class of 2026!

06/13/2026

🎓 Today is the day! Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓

Graduation Day has arrived, and we can't wait to celebrate this incredible milestone with our seniors, families, friends, and community.

📍 Seniors: Please arrive at school and report to the New Gym by 12:00 PM to prepare for the ceremony, put on caps and gowns, pin flowers, and take class photos.

🎓 Graduation begins promptly at 1:00 PM.
🚪 Doors to the Main Gym will open to families and guests at 12:00 PM.
🎟️ No tickets are required.

There is a heat advisory in effect. Please dress for hot weather and stay hydrated. The gym will feel warm during the ceremony because of the large number of guests attending. Hand fans and water will be available.

Following the ceremony, graduates, families, and friends are invited to join us for a reception with food and refreshments in the cafeteria.