By Lindsay Tice,Staff Writer

AUBURN – For two years, 20-year-old Jason Hebert worked his way through Central Maine Community College’s automotive program. From early-morning classes to homework, everything took effort.

On Friday, all that work paid off.

Hebert graduated with a degree.

“Free!” Hebert shouted as he and hundreds of classmates burst through the gym doors.

More than 350 community college students became graduates Friday in an afternoon ceremony at the school. The Class of 2005 was the largest in the school’s 41-year commencement history.

During the two-hour ceremony, college officials praised the graduates for their work and determination.

“You are, without question, the best of Maine,” said Brian Thayer, a member of the Community College System’s Board of Trustees.

Gov. John Baldacci was scheduled to deliver the keynote address, but was replaced Friday morning by Maj. Gen. John Libby, adjutant general for the Maine National Guard. Baldacci instead spent the day dealing with fallout from the Department of Defense’s military base closure announcement.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was on the list to be closed, and the Brunswick Naval Air Station was marked for a major realignment.

Libby told the graduates he was pleased to take the governor’s place.

“Though I haven’t had a great deal of time to think about what I’m going to say, this is to your advantage,” he joked.

Libby urged the new graduates to take care of the important things in life and remember those people who supported them through their education.

“You have a responsibility, an obligation to give back to your community, your state, your country,” he said. “Take advantage of that opportunity to give back when it comes.”

System President John Fitzsimmons was also scheduled to speak, but was replaced by Gary Crocker, the system’s director of state and federal programs. Fitzsimmons was at a legislative hearing on the Maine Community College System’s budget.

Hundreds of students received their degrees in business, nursing, liberal studies and other fields, marching across the stage to the cheers and applause of friends and family. Afterward, students said they were happy to graduate, but sad to leave the small school.

“They’ve just got a very inviting atmosphere,” said 40-year-old Alisa Everett of Farmington after she posed for pictures with her three young sons and her nephew. “I’m going to miss it here.”

Everett, a mother of seven, a grandmother of two and a worker at Community Concepts, spent four years getting her associate’s degree in early childhood education. On Friday she planned to spend her extra time with family.

“Now is the time for them,” she said. “They’ve got me back full time. At least for a while.”

Ashley Swett, 20, also celebrated with her family after the ceremony. But while she graduated with a degree in business administration and had been honored as the school’s student of the year, Swett jumped with joy for a different reason.

“I got a car!” she exclaimed, opening the tiny gift-wrapped box that held the key to her red Honda Passport, a present from her parents.

Still, like Everett, she thought the day was bittersweet. Swett was leaving the school she’s known for three years.

“I’m going to miss it. It’s kind of like a family,” she said.

Nearby, Hebert celebrated with his friends and fellow automotive students. They reveled in a single fact: They wouldn’t have to get up early for class any more.

Now they just had to figure out what’s next.

Said Hebert, “Hopefully get a job in the field.”