TURNER – Graduates and their families endured brutally hot conditions and a tense situation at Leavitt Area High School’s commencement Friday evening.
The graduation began with undertones of confrontation as senior Matt Worcester, who had been denied the privilege of marching with his class this week, attempted to enter the public seating area wearing his green cap and gown. Worcester, several people accompanying him, school officials and security personnel handled the situation with restraint, and Worcester removed the gown.
LAHS officials revoked Worcester’s privilege of marching at his graduation after allegations of inappropriate behavior preceding a class bus trip to Funtown USA in Saco on Tuesday morning. Worcester denied the accusations of wrongdoing.
Except for a brief chant of “Let him walk” by a dozen or more people at the end of the diploma presentations, there were no disruptions.
As crowds filed down corridors toward the gymnasium just before 6 p.m., Worcester walked along in cap and gown. As he reached the guidance office, he was stopped by school and security personnel and asked to go into the office. He complied, and as those accompanying him waited, he could be seen through the office windows talking with an administrator.
Within minutes, Worcester came out, removed the green gown and handed to an administrator.
Worcester proceeded with some relatives and friends into the gymnasium, where he took a seat near the back. From there, he quietly watched the proceedings, and when diplomas were presented he rose often to applaud for numerous friends.
Superintendent Thomas Hanson said he could not comment on the discussion in the guidance office or other circumstances related to the allegations against Worcester.
At Friday’s graduation, valedictorian Emily Jacobs told her classmates, “Standing on such a pinnacle of change, we claim to be ready for this adventure, eager to sacrifice our former lives,” but went on to say she believes that the great changes are not necessarily about to take place in their lives.
She said the chance to go out and do great things does not arrive all of a sudden. Rather, that chance “has been present every day.”
In her honors oration, Claire DeSoi suggested that a simple ball of clay has qualities that come out through various actions. Thrown on a pottery wheel, it becomes a bowl. Fired in a kiln, it becomes permanently hardened, and may be often enhanced with pretty glazes.
However, she said, if a ball of clay is left simply to sit by itself, it dries out and becomes useless.
“Don’t label something a failure just because it didn’t go just as you wanted and expected,” DeSoi told her classmates.
Sarah Trexler delivered the honors essay. She said, “No matter how hard you try, your teachers will always find something you can improve upon.”
She said, “There is always more knowledge out there for you to attain.”
In his address, salutatorian Sean Murphy related a number of memorable times at Leavitt Area High School.
Academic recognition and scholarship awards were announced by LAHS Principal Patrick S. Hartnett. He was joined for presentation of 153 diplomas by Hanson.
SAD 52 encompasses Greene, Leeds and Turner.
Madison MacLean, class president, welcomed family members and friends. The Leavitt chorus performed “For Good,” and the band performed “Proud Heritage.”
Honors students spoke of Leavitt memories and of the challenges of the future. Dozens of scholarships and special awards were announced.
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