Faculty speaker Kyle Gilmore delivers his remarks during the Nashua High School South graduation on June 9. Courtesy photo/NashuaETV

NASHUA – Looking out at his class for the last time, Henry Long, student speaker at the Nashua High School South graduation, reminded his classmates that they only live once and to never back down from a challenge.

“Always keep an open mind and always take those risks,” he said during the June 9 ceremony at Stellos Stadium. “Go talk to that professor, ask for that raise, go skydiving, choose to cheer for the Buffalo Bills when you’re deep in Patriots territory.”

Long said that prior to high school, he was a quiet and shy person. Perhaps some of that still lingers. He did not even tell his parents that he was chosen as the student speaker.

Reflecting on how much he has grown during the past four years, Long said he will always remember his time at Nashua South.

“From the teachers that we would eventually grow to love and appreciate to spending the end of our last summer as high schoolers together on Hampton Beach for Senior Sunrise and everything in between,” he said.

Student speaker Henry Long delivers his remarks during the Nashua High School South graduation on June 9. Courtesy photo/NashuaETV

Faculty speaker Kyle Gilmore recalled his first day at Nashua South, which was also the first day of freshman year for the Class of 2026.

“Your freshman year was also mine,” he said. “Over these years, I’ve seen you at your highest of highs and your lowest of lows. You guys have been my life for these past four years. You all have challenged me like I hopefully have challenged you.”

Gilmore also shared advice for the years ahead

“Life is chaotic and unrelenting. In this chaotic and fast-paced world, you all will face challenges,” he said. “Life will throw all it can at you whether you are ready or not. Trust me, each of you will have your own challenges, but how you respond is what is most important.”

However, Gilmore said life should also be enjoyable. Like Long, he agreed that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a positive thing.

Members of the Class of 2026 throw their mortarboards in the air as they graduate from Nashua High School South on June 9. Courtesy photo/Nashua High School South

“Don’t live on autopilot,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to take the training wheels off.”