LEWISTON – With the warning that “there is no perfect plan, there is no straight course through life,” U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe told 90 Lisbon High School graduates Sunday afternoon that “you are already headed in the right direction.”

In her keynote address at the Lewiston Armory, Sen. Snowe told the graduates, “You are immersed in a world with instant access to more information from infinite sources, and greater and more astounding technology than at any other time in the history of humankind.”

She said, “We live in a barrage of staggering immediacy. We are in the midst of a technological revolution that may well eclipse our industrial revolution.”

Valedictorian Jeffrey Mercer spoke about memories, lasting friendships and the important contributions of parents and teachers. He urged his friends to bounce back boldly whenever they experience the downside of “life’s ups and downs.”

Mercer concluded by noting that his comments may have seemed simplistic, but “it’s the most simplistic things that are the most meaningful.”

Kelsey LeGloahec, class president and salutatorian, compared the high school experience to a video production that was placing “Life on Hold.”

She listed many of the memorable events that made up this production and ended by telling her classmates it is now time to press the play button.

Wishing her classmates the best in the future and in their choices of career and life, she said, “Whatever you do – college, work, kids – I hope it’s something you do for yourself and not for anyone else.”

Sen. Snowe’s address emphasized that technology instantly alerts us to news of terrorism and war in Iraq and Afghanistan, of suffering in Darfur, devastation of Hurricane Katrina and “the unspeakable and incomprehensible loss of 32 lives at Virgina Tech.”

She asked, “How is it that we have come so far with our machines, but we still have so far to go when it comes to each other?”

She urged the graduates “to be engaged in the world around you.”

“These pressing issues and many more should hopefully sound an alarm that will be heard above the noise of your daily lives,” she told the graduates. “That’s what is required – more involvement, not less.”

Sen Snowe emphasized that, “By placing no restrictions on your horizons, a broad range of possibilities exists for each and every one of you.”

She also remarked, “Given Lisbon High’s continued academic excellence, not to mention your remarkable five state championships in just the last two years, all I can say is go Greyhounds.”

Following her talk, Snowe commented on her recent introduction of the 21st Century Skill Incentive Fund Act, which would provide $100 million in matching funds to states that offer students curriculum options beyond the core requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.

“In this high tech age, it’s important that young people also learn leadership skills.” She said, “I really think it’s so central to the future in helping young people to nurture these kinds of traits and qualities that are all so imperative.”

Meaghan Pelletier sang “No Place That Far” and the Lisbon High School Band played the National Anthem and “Theme from Family Guy.”

Dr. Shannon Welch, superintendent of schools, and Lisbon High School Principal Kenneth J. Healey present the diplomas.