BUCKFIELD – The Buckfield High School Class of 2003 filed inside just as the rain began to fall outside Friday night.
In an evening that centered around family, friends, community and much hard work, the 49 seniors became graduates.
Principal Ralph Peterson, in his first graduation address, set the tone for the evening. “You know each other better than anyone ever will,” he told the seniors. “Work to maintain the relationships you have developed. Your family and friends are the bedrock you will build your life around.”
Shawn Turner reaffirmed the close ties the Buckfield students have with each other in a poem he wrote for his classmates. “Here in this place where the population is so small, I feel like I’ve formed a serious relationship with you all.”
Before the presentation of diplomas, the seniors gave special thanks to their friends and family. The ceremony paused for a few minutes while each senior, in turn, went out into the audience to give roses, and in many cases tearful hugs, to the moms, dads and grandparents in attendance.
Speakers stressed that the seniors had arrived at their graduation after a lot of hard work. “A lot of kids don’t believe that they can make straight As or that they can make the honor roll. That’s not true,” asserted salutatorian Justin Kangas.
“You can be whatever you want to be if you put your mind to it,” guest speaker Gladys Russell told the seniors. “The best dreams usually take a good many years to come true. They take time, dedication and hard work.”
Russell has worked with the class since they were in the first grade. She thanked them for the support they gave her while she fought cancer, and was thanked in return with an honorary diploma, presented by senior Cameron Hinkley.
Superintendent William Shuttleworth said he has no doubt that the Buckfield graduates will achieve their dreams.
“I have to tell you,” he said, “sometimes I get tired of people picking on Buckfield. The Class of 2003 has been held to the most exacting standards for graduation.”
To the seniors, he said, “You have been given the gift of a great education in a small community. Go get ’em.”
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