Commencement 2026: Leading with Love, Courage, and Purpose

On June 6, Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, honoring a remarkable group of young men and women who leave NDCR prepared to lead, serve, and make a difference in the world.

Throughout the ceremony, student speakers reflected on the experiences that shaped their journey and the lessons they will carry into the future.

Class President Shemill Cabrera Diaz reminded her classmates that while achievements and accomplishments matter, it is the people who support us along the way who give those accomplishments meaning. Reflecting on NDCR's core values, she spoke about the role of love in shaping a life of purpose and service.

"Love is what gives meaning to our accomplishments, purpose to our journeys, and value to our lives," she shared. "When love is at the center of everything, excellence gains purpose, service becomes genuine, and leadership becomes selfless."

Salutatorian Aleksa Boteo spoke candidly about overcoming significant challenges throughout high school. Despite uncertainty, she persevered with determination and faith.

"Growth happens in the moments where you feel uncertain but keep going anyway," she told her classmates. "Strength doesn't always look like confidence; sometimes it looks like simply showing up when things are hard."

Her message reminded graduates that success is measured not only by accomplishments, but also by resilience, kindness, and the courage to continue moving forward.

The valedictorian challenged the Class of 2026 to embrace the opportunities ahead and to create meaningful lives rooted in purpose and service. "Don't wait for life to become meaningful. Make it meaningful," the valedictorian said. "The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create."

Together, the three student speeches reflected the spirit of the Class of 2026: a class shaped by perseverance, strengthened through challenges, supported by family, teachers, and friends, and inspired to lead with compassion and integrity.

The Class of 2026 leaves NDCR not only as graduates, but as young leaders ready to build meaningful futures and make a lasting impact on their communities.

Congratulations, Class of 2026.

Your future is bright, and your story is just beginning.

Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School is proud to celebrate Leo Marizan as the recipient of the 2026 Outrageously Bold Award!

The Outrageously Bold Award is a prestigious honor established by the Cristo Rey Network to recognize individuals who lead with courage, purpose, and heart.

Since joining the NDCR community in 2009, Leo has faithfully dedicated himself to the mission of the school and to every person who walks through its doors. Known for his warm smile, cheerful greetings, and willingness to help wherever needed, Leo has become a beloved member of the NDCR family.

Beyond his daily responsibilities, Leo has enriched school life in countless ways. From bringing joy to students and families as Santa Claus at the annual Family Christmas Party to sharing his musical talents as a member of the school choir, he consistently gives of himself with humility, generosity, and love.

"Leo is the embodiment of the spirit of Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School and the very definition of what it means to be 'Outrageously Bold,'" said President Sister Maryalyce Gilfeather. "He has helped shape the welcoming, joyful, and faith-filled community that defines our school today."

Through more than fifteen years of service, Leo has quietly made a lasting impact on students, families, faculty, and staff. His dedication, positivity, and commitment to the NDCR mission continue to inspire those around him.

Congratulations, Leo, on this well-deserved recognition!

Take one last look at the traditions, celebrations, and milestones that brought our community together.

From Prom to Graduation, Revisit the Moments We'll Never Forget!

CLICK on the video ABOVE!

EDUCATION FOR LIFE in ACTION!

Congratulations to the following NDCR teachers:

Mr. Kyle Peterson, who earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics from Providence College through the PACT Program; Mr. Tim Chianca, who earned a Master of Education with a concentration in History (Grades 5–12) from Merrimack College; and Mr. Angelo Villadolid, who completed his master's degree through Boston College's Urban Catholic Teacher Corps program.

Showing our students that graduation is not the end of learning.

It's just the beginning!

We look forward to sharing our 2025-2026 Impact Report later this summer and celebrating the impact we continue to make together!

VIEW THE NDCR IMPACT REPORTS HERE

"Today we move our tassels not only for the people we have grown into, but also for the versions of ourselves we used to be."

— Shemill Cabrera Diaz, NDCR Class President, Class of 2026

Planned Giving and Tribute Gifts

Create a legacy that lasts for generations. A planned gift or a donation made in honor or memory of a loved one supports Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School’s mission to provide a faith-based, college preparatory education to deserving students of limited financial means.



Your generosity ensures that NDCR can continue transforming lives - helping students become the scholars, leaders, and people of faith our world needs.

To learn more about including NDCR in your estate plans or making a tribute gift, please contact our Advancement Office or visit our "Support Us " page.

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