RANGELEY – “I want to say thanks to all of you extraordinary teachers, who have helped me see my path, my potential that I have always had but could not clarify, “ Valedictorian Meaghan Bolduc said at the Rangeley Lakes Regional High School graduation exercises for 22 seniors Saturday afternoon. “Without all the teachers there to push me on and help me, I would not be where I stand today.”

At the close of her speech, Bolduc said, “The state gives us diplomas and tells us to leave, but at the same time, the simple inertia of our lives so far tells us to stay. As that final bell rings, we realized that high school, with all its faults, is no less real than anything that lies beyond. And as Katherine Dunham, an African American choreographer and dancer said, `I wasnt concerned about the hardships because I always felt I was doing what I had to do what I wanted to do, and what I was destined to do.'”

In her speech to classmates, Salutatorian Katie Drosdik offered insight and advice to all, “We work together for the sweetest of rewardsin remembering the struggles and achievements of yesterday, as well as anticipating the brightness of the future. I would like to indulge in some advice I was given. An anonymous person once said: `While pursing our endeavors for tomorrow, we dare not forget the prospects of today.’ I think we should live everyday soaking up the sweetness life has to offer.”

The Class of 2004 recognized they are not the only ones leaving the Rangeley Lakes Regional School. The students acknowledged the departure of Gaylon “Jeep” Wilcox, Chris “Doc” Aylesworth, Beth Bartlett, Theo Bartash and Superintendent Kenneth Coville.

The Class of 2004 chose Jeep Wilcox to give the graduation remarks. Wilcox, a school custodian, is retiring later this summer after more than 20 years at the Rangeley School. Wilcox said, “None of the honors I have ever received will I cherish more that this.” He described the Class of 2004 as “one of the best ever.”

He said, “I see, as I stand here today with these graduates beside meI see an artist, a brilliant scientist, a skilled surgeon, a member of our Armed Forces, a teacher or two, an architect, a congressman and maybe even a president.”

The High School Girls’ Choir performed “You Raise Me Up” as a tribute to the support each graduate had received from members of the audience. More than 50 scholarships were given to members of the graduating class. Serina Holbrook received the Bessy Ellis and Heidi Clark Scholarship. The $2,500 Seasonal Friends of Rangeley Scholarship was given to Sabrina Clark and a $5,000 Franklin Savings Bank Scholarship was awarded to Danielle O’Neill. Two other special awards, chosen by the Rangeley faculty and staff were announced. Serina Holbrook received the Tilton Lamb award, while the Babe Ruth award went to Sabrina Clark.

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