Leland & Gray graduates adapt, persevere

Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School in Townshend celebrated the Class of 2026 during a June 13 graduation, presenting diplomas to 35 graduates. The cohort is the first to begin at L&G in sixth grade after changes to the West River Education District serving Brookline, Newfane, Jamaica, Townshend and Windham, highlighting a major district realignment. Valedictorian Dakota Wood urged classmates to take chances and pursue their passions, noting the resilience the group demonstrated through outages, leadership shifts and a pandemic. The keynote speaker applauded their achievements and encouraged ongoing kindness and balance as they pursue higher education.