On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Xaverian Brothers High School celebrated the Commencement of its 60th graduating class, the Class of 2026. Diplomas were conferred to the 190 graduates by Head of School Jacob Conca ’94, Ph.D. and Principal Michael Nicholson, P ’29, Ed.D. Graduates have enrolled in 87 different colleges and universities, including Boston College (8), Fairfield (13), Harvard (1), Holy Cross (5), Lehigh (1), Middlebury (1), Northeastern (9), Penn State University (2), Providence College (9), Tufts (2), University of Chicago (1), University of Notre Dame (1), United States Naval Academy (2), Wake Forest (1), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1), and Yale (1). This graduating class had a foundational presence in Xaverian’s Hawk News Club, helped lead the school to a golf state championship and a third consecutive football state championship, volunteered at more than 70 local service agencies, and boasts seven National Merit Commended students.

Cameron Peterson, son of Mr. Scot Peterson and Mrs. Meaghan Peterson, is the Class of 2026 valedictorian. A National Merit Commended scholar, Cameron is a member of both the Rocco Zoppo and Spanish chapters of the National Honor Society. He earned Ryken Honors, the highest level of academic honor, throughout his Xaverian career and has distinguished himself through exceptional leadership, scholarship, and service.

A four-year varsity tennis player and two-year captain, Cameron was twice named team MVP and earned Catholic Conference All-Star honors in two seasons. Beyond athletics, he has been an active and dedicated member of Student Council, Young Men 4 Change, Communications Corps, and Yearbook throughout his time at Xaverian. During his junior year, he founded Pillars of Faith Fellowship, further demonstrating his commitment to faith and community leadership.

Cameron has received Brother Raymond Hoyt, C.F.X. ’70 Awards for discipleship, work ethic, and humility, as well as the Communications Corps Award, Young Men 4 Change Award, Chapel Morning Prayer Award, and Harvard Book Award. He will attend Yale University in the fall.

Xaverian’s Class of 2026 salutatorian is Daniel Parent, son of Mr. Keith Parent and Mrs. Lori Parent. During Commencement, it was also announced that Daniel is this year’s Xaverian Award recipient, the highest honor bestowed upon a Xaverian student. Determined through nominations from the graduating class in collaboration with faculty and staff, the award recognizes a student who exemplifies the Xaverian values of humility, trust, simplicity, compassion, and zeal. The recipient is kept secret until the graduation ceremony.

A member of the Rocco Zoppo chapter of the National Honor Society, Daniel distinguished himself academically and personally throughout his time at Xaverian. He earned Ryken Honors every quarter from grades 7 - 12, was a three-time ‘Student of the Year’ award recipient, and received four Brother Raymond Hoyt, C.F.X. ’70 Awards recognizing his kindness, work ethic, and generosity.

An accomplished and dedicated student athlete, Daniel participated in indoor track and field and soccer for two seasons each and devoted four years to ultimate disc. He earned the JV MVP Award and received the varsity Coaches Award twice during his high school career.

Daniel was deeply involved in Xaverian’s campus ministry and extracurricular programs. He participated in retreats, peer ministry, and service programs, and was selected to attend the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools (XBSS) retreat. In addition, he contributed his talents and leadership to Hawk News, Computer Science Club, Hawk Robotics, Cooking Club, Car Club, and Jazz Band. Among his many honors, Daniel received the Yale Book Award and the Campus Ministry Award. He will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall.

When asked to describe Daniel, Dr. Conca shared: “Daniel is a dedicated academician who never wavers in his commitment to his fellow students. He is always willing to lend a hand, always willing to be a positive force, and someone who enhances every space and every person around him. Notre Dame is a tremendous fit for him, and we are incredibly proud of all he has accomplished at Xaverian.”

In his reflection to the Class of 2026, Dr. Conca spoke about what he hopes for every Xaverian graduate: a life grounded in a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Reflecting on the traditions and values that define a Xaverian education, he encouraged students to pursue lives of purpose, compassion, and faith, reminding them that no matter where they are in their spiritual journey, they are loved by God and never alone. He also shared a lesson on prayer that has stayed with him over the years: “Don’t pray to be blessed,” he said. “Pray to be a blessing.”