LEWISTON - Nearly a full Androscoggin Bank Colisee watched, cheered and took pictures as 240 graduated from Lewiston High School Friday night.

"I could not be prouder of the leadership this class has provided us," Principal Gus LeBlanc said. Many have overcome hardships and still performed academically. Eighty-eight percent of the class will attend college; others will serve their country or enter the work force, he said.

The graduates were positive role models as seniors and the people they intended to become, LeBlanc said as he shared plans of a few.

Mary wants to be a nurse to help others. She's going to Central Maine Community College, he said.

Amanda is headed to the University of Maine at Farmington to become a teacher to make a difference in others' lives.

"Everyone who knows Matt knows he's identifiable by his dedication. He will serve his country in the Air Force," the principal said

Tom is a critical thinker and will apply his skills to engineering, LeBlanc added.

Keynote speaker Joan Macri, the outgoing aspirations lab director, said her final lesson had two points: Life will be difficult, but the graduates already carry the ability to overcome problems.

During Macri's freshman year in college, she said, "I went through three roommates and worried that I was impossible to live with." She got a D on her first history test. "I was horrified."

The graduates could face problems such as health crises, unhealthy relationships, jobs they don't like or can't find. They'll get through it, Macri said.

She asked them to close their eyes as she told them how much their community cares for and loves them. "Hold that in your heart right now. When you have a roommate problem, a boss who's an idiot, know that there are people here for you."

Valedictorian Audrey Bergeron got her classmates cheering when she said, "Tonight is our night," and asked them to applaud those who helped them get there.

Bergeron said she was supposed to say something inspirational. "I used four years of researching experience to find the best information on valedictorian speeches. I Googled it. Did you know you can buy a valedictorian speech online for $17? In fact I've already posted this one on eBay."

Bergeron encouraged her classmates to do well, "but also do good. Congratulations, Lewiston High School Class of 2008. You have all met the standards, and not a single one of you was left behind."