FARMINGTON – On a balmy Sunday afternoon on the grassy plateau overlooking the blue mountains capped with a thick gray clouds, the Mount Blue High School Class of 2003 closed the door on their high school careers and opened the door to their future with a turn of 210 gold and blue tassels.

More than 1,000 friends, family and community turned out to watch the graduation, creating a festive mood by setting up camp on colorful blankets and lawn chairs on the school’s football field.

As black flies whirled and the springy scent of lilacs hung in the muggy air, student speakers took time to offer thanks for those who had encouraged them along the way and go-get-’ems for classmates pursing futures in college, work and the armed forces.

Class Vice President, Doug Geis, was one of seven speakers, each who spoke about carrying the memories of high school on into the future. He will attend Husson College next year.

“We’ve had lots of laughs at each others’ expenses,” he told the crowd, which responded with a tittering of laughs. “In the long run though, the memories are all we have to live on. If I never see you again,” Geis said in a matter-of-fact closing, “have a good life.”

School Principal Greg Potter offered the class a welcomed final gift – a short speech. He spoke about the differences in the word commencement, a start, and graduation, a conclusion. Today is both, he pointed out and urged students to use their skills to meet the “awesome responsibilities and demands” that come with being adults and good citizens of the world.

“Make no mistake,” Potter heeded, “the world is challenging. Take what you have learned and put it to good use. As you say farewell to us, you say hello to tomorrow.”

Class speaker Liza Clark, who will move across the state to attend the University of Maine at Orono next year, told students to work like they don’t need the money, love like they’ve never been hurt and dance like nobody is watching.

“Let people get to know the real you,” she urged. “You must have faith in people, but most importantly, faith in yourself.”

Music, performed by the Mt. Blue Voices, the Senior Vocal Ensemble and student Scott Walmer on the bagpipes, was woven into the 1-hour ceremony.

“We finally made it,” screamed an animated Chy’Anne Cray, who will be attending the Maine College of Art next year, into the microphone. “Here is our first big step. I know I am ready to take it.”

Senior class President Angela Nile, who will move on to the University of Maine, echoed that sentiment in her opening address. “Every one of us is embarking on a new future,” she said, her hair fluttering in the breeze. “All of us have one thing in common-high school. It’s our time to take charge and show the world we can make it, and we will.”

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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