May 27, 2026 Submitted By Notre Dame Academy (Hingham), Photo credit: Kaitlyn Litchfield Photography
Notre Dame Academy (Hingham) celebrated its 173rd Commencement on Thursday, May 21, awarding diplomas to the 79 members of the Class of 2026. Special recognition was given to valedictorian Sophia Degulis of Braintree who will attend Georgetown University and salutatorian
Kayla Maguire of Duxbury, who will attend Boston College.
Brianha Kennedy of Hingham, who will attend the Isenberg School at University of Massachusetts, delivered the student address. She spoke about the wisdom of St. Julie Billiart, founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and the strength of the NDA sisterhood. She noted, “This wisdom calls us to live with hope, to trust in something greater than ourselves, and to reflect that goodness in how we treat others. We learned that community is not created because we attend class together, but because we trust and care for each other.”
Notre Dame Academy’s President, Annemarie Lynch Kenneally ’80 P’13 ’15, reinforced the importance of the bond which connects each alumna: “You all have so many moments that come together to tell your NDA story. Although each of your stories is unique, you share countless
sentences and chapters. Over the years, you have written your stories on each other’s hearts. You will be forever stronger because of this sisterhood.”
Deirdre Nectow ’78, who recently retired as Partner and Head of Global Business Development and Strategic Marketing at Cambridge Associates, gave the Commencement Address. She told students, “You’ve learned how to support one another, how to serve others, and how to measure
success by more than just personal achievement. When I look back on my career, what I’m most proud of isn’t a title or a project or monetary rewards. It’s the people I helped along the way.”
Dr. Mary O’Brien Merrigan, Notre Dame Academy’s principal, concluded the evening noting, “Remember the hope that radiates from each of you. Look to your families and those who love you, for they too will be a constant source of light. Your class has been shaped by the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. You are prepared for the next chapter of life, and we encourage you to continue to work to make a difference in everything you do.”