Sachem Report

About 10 years ago, I started a tradition through the Sachem Alumni Association of helping select our commencement speakers each year. Since then, we’ve welcomed some incredible alumni back to share impactful messages with our graduates. While every speech has been unique, they have all carried one common theme: never forget where you came from. This year was no exception. On Thursday evening at Sachem East, Kristen Shanahan, Class of 2020, returned to her alma mater to deliver a remarkable commencement address. Though still early in her post-Sachem life, she has already faced tremendous adversity, overcoming multiple injuries throughout her collegiate lacrosse journey at Notre Dame and Maryland. Her message came down to one powerful word: belief. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t watched yet. Just click the links below and experience it for yourself. On Friday night at Sachem North, Stephanie Lydecker, Class of 1990, flew in from California, where she leads a dynamic production studio, to address the Class of 2026. It was everything I expected: crisp, energetic, charismatic, and deeply meaningful. She challenged graduates to become the authors of their own stories while surrounding themselves with the right “crew,” drawing from her experiences in the media and production industry. This is what Sachem is all about. Bringing our alumni home to inspire the next generation creates something that extends far beyond a commencement speech. Those few minutes on stage strengthen the connection between our past and our future. That connection builds pride. It preserves tradition. It honors our history. And it protects the legacy that generations of students have created. As society becomes increasingly disconnected, we have to work even harder to preserve the sense of community that makes places like Sachem so special. I will continue doing everything I can to ensure our alumni remain engaged, proud, hopeful, and an essential part of our school community. Don’t just live in your community. Be part of it. 🏹 📺 Shanahan speech: facebook.com/share/v/1K4wnGv… 📺 Lydecker speech: facebook.com/share/v/1BZrPRo… #GoArrows #WeAreSachem