Lisbon graduates receive keys to their futures
By Connie Footman
Special to the Sun Journal

LISBON – More than $47,000 in scholarships were handed out to graduating Lisbon High School seniors in ceremonies Sunday at the Lewiston Armory.

With the high school band providing the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” 87 seniors marched as a group for the last time and were presented their diplomas as beaming family members and friends looked on.

Lucas Michaud, class president, led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the high school band and welcomed family members and friends.

Class speaker Chase Hebert chose as his topic “Out With The Old and In With the New” followed by a musical interlude by the school band and a solo by Peter Richard. A choral interlude was presented by the high school chorus and soloists Allyn Stevens and Stephanie Cummings.

The keynote speaker, popular history teacher Carol Bianchi, was given a round of applause and a standing ovation. Bianchi told students, “Don’t let opportunity pass you by because you’re afraid to take a risk. Just do it.”

Bianchi taught at Sugg Middle School for 12 years and at the high school for the last four, and as a result she has had many members of the class of 2003 in her classes since the eighth grade.

Principal Richard Read, who is retiring after 28 years at Lisbon, the last nine as principal, was commended as a strong advocate for vocational studies. For the first time, two Lisbon seniors who attended the Lewiston Regional Vocational classes, Candace Marie Doughty and Sarah Jacqueline Elie, were named to the National Vocational-Technical Honor Society. It was noted that during an assembly last Thursday that they were the first Lisbon students inducted, and Read was named the first to receive an honorary lifetime membership in the society. Mrs. Read was presented with flowers, followed by a round of applause and an emotional thank you from Read.

Following the presentation of awards Read and Superintendent Shannon Welsh presented diplomas to graduates.

More than 70 seniors left by bus Sunday evening to participate in an all-night chemical-free graduation party at Howard’s Sports Center in Topsham. They will leave by chartered bus early Monday morning for day-long trip to Six Flags in Agawam, Mass.

The graduation ceremony will be broadcast on Channel 11 this week.