RANGELEY – Seventeen seniors from Rangeley Lakes Regional School have taken the first steps toward their future.

“Good morning, my geniuses,” began the speech of Mary Ellen Bartlett, 8th-grade teacher for the class of 2003. Bartlett offered up some solid advice for the seniors during their graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 7.

“Smile a lot. Vote, it’s your chance. Always be the first to say hello. Take lots of pictures. Be kinder than necessary. Always have a friend with a truck. Count your blessings and, lastly, call your mother.”

Coach Tom Danforth was chosen by the graduates to be their second speaker. He offered seniors a moment to focus and reflect on “how each of those here with you today, loves you.”

Danforth, accompanied by Mike Schrader, sang “Stand by Me.”

Danforth’s advice to the graduates was met by their tears of realization, when he said, “This is the last time you will all be together.”

He received a standing ovation from the senior class.

“Our class together has learned to read and write, side by side we learned to love; hand in hand we discovered our strengths … moved forward, backwards and grew” said the graduation address given by salutatorian Sarah Drosdik and valedictorian Leah Schrader.

The most important pieces of advice came at the close of their speech.

According to Drosdik and Schrader, “Live every day like it was your beautiful, amazing, loving last; when life gives you lemons, get naked and sing; and try not to follow the street signs, the wind will whisper your way.”

The senior class gave their thanks to the Rangeley community, along with the teachers and staff at Rangeley Lakes Regional School in a special tribute.

“Thank you for loving us on this journey, especially those who have helped us grow from the peanuts in the pillow tub to the people you see now, who are ready to tackle the world.”

Each person honored received a plant “that will grow as we continue to grow” and a hug by members of the class.

Graduates also took time to thank those most important in their lives and gave yellow roses to their parents, grandparents, siblings and friends.

Members of the class of 2003: Marshall Joseph Bartlett, Sarah Rae Drosdik, Crystal Lea Frost, Alicia Christine Frost-Kolva, Lily Jane Gacki, Spencer William Grey, Charles Neal House, Vincent Michael House, Marcus Ryan Hughes, Scott Andrew Jani, Kenneth Ryan Lemke, Gabriel Elias Moura, Andrew Joseph Perry, Leah Gabriella Schrader, Neil John Stewart Jr., Wiley Thomas Tesseo and Jacqueline Marie Vogeley.