Announcing Our 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Honoring Academic Achievement and Community Impact

THOMPSON, CONN. – Philopateer Basha will deliver the valedictory address, and Charles O’Brien will deliver the salutatory address at Marianapolis’ Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on May 31, 2026.

 

Basha, the son of Sarwat and Rania Basha, resides in Dudley, MA, and will attend Bryant University in the fall, where he plans to study finance.

 

Reflecting on his time at Marianapolis, Basha said, “I have enjoyed being part of such a supportive community. The people around me have pushed me to become a better version of myself, both in and out of the classroom.”

 

He added that one of the most important lessons he learned during his time at Marianapolis was the value of stepping outside his comfort zone. “Although stepping into unfamiliar situations is uncomfortable, these moments often lead to the greatest learning experiences,” Basha said.

 

Marianapolis Head of School, David DiCicco, praised Basha for his academic curiosity and commitment to learning. “Philo has impressed us with his scholarship and intellectual curiosity,” DiCicco said. “In the pursuit of knowledge and deeper learning, he asked critical and deep questions. We are excited to continue to celebrate his academic journey next year and beyond!”

 

Basha credited his support system for helping shape his success. “First and foremost, I owe all my success to God, whose guidance and blessings have helped me throughout every stage of my journey,” he said. “I am also incredibly grateful for my family, teachers, coaches, and friends who continuously supported, encouraged, and believed in me even during challenging moments."

 

When asked for advice to future Marianapolis students, Basha encouraged future students to persevere through challenges. “My advice for future students would be to not let setbacks define you,” Basha said. “Everyone experiences challenges, failures, and moments where things do not go as planned, but those moments do not determine who you are. What matters most is how you respond to them and whether you continue working towards your goals. I’ve learned that setbacks are often some of the greatest opportunities for growth. Success rarely follows a straight path, so make the best out of the moment and keep moving forward.”

 

Basha also expressed appreciation for his teachers and coaches. “They have consistently pushed me to be my best while also offering unwavering support,” he said. “Their encouragement and belief in me has directly contributed to my personal growth and is something that I will remember forever.”

 

O’Brien, the son of James and Jessica O’Brien, resides in Dayville, CT, and will attend Clarkson University in the fall, where he plans to major in electrical engineering and compete on the cross country team.

 

During his time at Marianapolis, O’Brien participated in cross country, swimming, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and orchestra, where he played trumpet. Reflecting on his experience, he said, “The most important thing that I learned from my high school experience was how to plan and execute larger projects over longer timeframes, such as with my engineering Capstone project.”

 

DiCicco commended O’Brien for his consistency, discipline, and impact on the school community. “Charles has quietly built an impressive academic story of excellence and rigor,” DiCicco said. “He has pushed himself, his teachers, and by extension all of us, to gain as much from each moment of learning possible. His leadership benefited the community in and out of the classroom.”

 

O’Brien credited his parents for their role in his success. “I owe my success to my parents, who have always supported and encouraged me academically and as a person,” he said.

 

When asked for advice to future Marianapolis students, O’Brien encouraged them to embrace opportunities and challenge themselves. “We often think that we do not have enough time to take up more activities, sports, or classes that we are actually interested in,” he said. “However, the pressure of doing so makes it easier to manage time rather than wasting it.”

 

He also reflected on the support he received from faculty and coaches. “My teachers and coaches at Marianapolis, while always pushing me to do better, are also very understanding,” O’Brien said. “When I have schedule conflicts between school, sports, and life, they are always willing to work with me to resolve the issues.”

 

As he prepares for the next chapter at Clarkson University, O’Brien said he will carry forward the lessons, relationships, and experiences that shaped his growth at Marianapolis.