There was a special and unique toast for the Pittsfield Middle High School graduating class.
Joaquin Salas and keynote speaker Logan LaRoche took large forkfuls of pasta on stage. The seniors chowed down gladly. It was only appropriate for the graduation occasion.
Three years ago, during a talent show, students showcased all sorts of skills. Music, singing, dancing — anything. Salas decided to show off his competitive eating skills. The ensuing applause that day showed LaRoche just how tight-knit the school was.
Salas also performed a rendition of “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane with the chorus. He helped turn graduation into a bit of a talent show.
Pittsfield graduate Kameron Johnston plays the drums one last time with the school band and chorus to “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor 
Pittsfield’s Joaquin Salas sings for the last time with the school chorus to “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor
Before the pasta toast, LaRoche made sure to leave them with words of wisdom from former presidents, in typical social studies teacher fashion.
Saturday’s graduation ceremony for the small class of 24 Pittsfield graduates hit on all the moments that made their time there special.
Salutatorian Ashley Clark had the packed gym laughing early by recounting the many mistakes she made in high school. The biggest mistake, she said, not saying anything at all.
She reminded her class to speak up when they think they should, to be brave and to step out of their comfort zone. That’s what graduation is all about, after all.
“The graduates behind me will not make the same mistake I made early on in high school,” Clark said. “The class of 2026 are fighters. We are changemakers and we are ready to take on any challenge.”
Fantasia Brooks and Genyva Perkins walk out of Pittsfield’s graduation with diplomas in hand. Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor 
Alana Barnouski hands out roses to her friends and family in the stands during the Pittsfield 2026 graduation ceremony. Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor 
The Pittsfield Middle High School gym was packed with friends and family for the 2026 graduation on Saturday, June 13. Credit: ALEXANDER RAPP / Monitor
The graduates proudly sat on stage in front of all their beloved friends and family on their big day, in their small town.
None of the speakers shied away from reminding the graduates what’s ahead. Pittsfield is a launching pad of sorts, LaRoche said to the class behind him, thinking of a recent NASA mission.
“Consider Pittsfield your very own launch pad and as you go blast off towards your biggest aspirations, savor the moments you have,” he said.