POLAND – “Everyone can achieve greatness, this class has proved this again and again,” Principal Derek Pierce, saluted Poland Regional High School’s class of 2005, during Saturday afternoon’s commencement ceremony.
Throughout the tightly packed gymnasium, hundreds fanned themselves with programs creating rippling, white waves across the many rows. However, the nearly unbearable heat could not squelch the enthusiasm and pride of faculty, students, friends, and family.
Pierce, the keynote speaker, radiated with energy as he addressed the crowd for the final time after serving for four years as principal of PRHS. Pierce, who was a crucial part of the school’s opening, will be moving on to the challenge of starting the new Expeditionary Outward Bound High School in Portland this fall.
When Pierce was introduced at the start of the ceremony, the entire audience rose to their feet. “He has been the glue that has helped to make and build a cohesive faculty over the past four years,” Graduation Adviser Nancy Violet said in an introductory speech.
Ike Levine, PRHS committee chair, referred to Pierce as “a guiding force and driving light” just before announcing, “The room we are sitting, or rather sweating in” would be christened the Derek Pierce Gymnasium.
Pierce infused his speech with humor as he formatted his presentation to follow a rubric similar to one that the students at PRHS are expected to use, “If I get an incomplete on, this all my mentors and I are back here in two weeks,” he joked. At one point, Pierce called two graduates up on stage to aid him in the “visual requirement” for his presentation. The gym erupted in applause as Pierce and two young men performed several elaborate handshakes.
On a more serious note, Pierce spoke to the 118 graduates about the importance of positive relationships: “If the measure of the greatness of a community is how much it will be missed, then I guess Poland Regional High School stands mighty tall.” Of the class of 2005 he said, “I can’t wait to hug my each of my advisees as they cross the stage and receive their diplomas, I’m so proud of who they’ve become.”
Valedictorian Max Levine, Salutatorian Brendan Blake and Class President Benjamin Briggs also spoke during the ceremony.
Confetti and caps were tossed high into the air as Class of 2005 officially became the sixth class to graduate from PRHS.
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