The class of 2003 is prepared for the ‘real’ world, ready to accomplish anything.
PORTLAND – The 125 graduates of Gray-New Gloucester High School were told they could achieve anything they set out to accomplish.
In her commencement address, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, reminded the students, who were assembled at the Merrill Auditorium Friday night, that if she can go from the hallways of Caribou High School in Aroostook County to the chambers of the United States Senate, they could achieve anything they set their goals to.
She told about her ill-fated run for governor against Angus King in 1994. “I not only lost, I got clobbered,” Collins said, continuing that after the election she was left broke, without an income, and she could not afford health insurance. She went on to work for Husson College in Bangor and got back on her feet financially. “I learned from that experience. I learned to persevere.
“My dream was to serve the people of Maine by being elected to public office.” Two years later when former Sen. William Cohen decided not to seek a fourth term, the opportunity to run for a major elected office was again afforded Collins. “I decided to take the risk and I ran for Bill Cohen’s seat, and I’ve been privileged to serve the people of Maine,” she said.
“Whatever your dream is, follow it. Don’t fear failure. Don’t let naysayers talk you out of it,” Collins said.
The senator was invited to give the commencement address by valedictorian Emily Bastian.
“I only have to look at these 125 smiling faces” to know what a wonderful school system they were educated by, Bastian said. She went on to thank several teachers for the positive influence they had on her life during the past four years.
“High school graduation is a substantial turning point in our lives,” Bastian said, encouraging her fellow graduates to each choose their own lots in life. “Don’t let anyone else choose your path, for you determine your own destiny.”
Salutatorian Alexander Fiorentino told his classmates that after graduation they would all begin new phases of their lives. “Goals are useful tools but I don’t think they’re the secrets to living our lives. Life is made up of experiences and those experiences are far more valuable than setting goals,” he said.
Hannah Beebe was the class president. “The Class of 2003 has soared in indescribable ways. We are the Class of 2003. We are achieving great things and we will continue to,” she said.
The students honored Timothy Richards, a long-time faculty member who served the past year as interim principal, with an award that consisted of a single sneaker as a token of their appreciation for his service.
“This date marks the end of one part of your life and the beginning of another one,” Richards told the class. “You are now the one that determines your own destination.”
He went on to remind the graduates that as they go through life they would make many choices. “You will make some good decisions and you will make some questionable ones. Never settle for the easy road because it will not be very fulfilling. You can achieve anything you set your sights on,” Richards said.
“Each of you has faced life in the real world every day,” said SAD 15 Superintendent Michael Wood. “Don’t be afraid. Be prepared for what comes your way. Be prepared to give back to your community,” he said.
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