BUCKFIELD – As the 2008 Buckfield High School graduates marched into the auditorium led by grand marshals Charles Allen and Vera Abbott, senior James Guilmet was seated with assistance on the platform.

Guilmet was one of three seniors injured when a pickup truck rolled over Tuesday night. The other injured seniors, Nathan Fortier and Matthew Mahar, were able to march with their class.

It has been the custom for years for graduates to present roses to their parents and other relatives during the slide show while memory photos are projected on a screen. Guilmet’s mother took the rose and walked up on the stage to give her son a hug. She also accepted his diploma.

Salutatorian Sarah Busch read from her book of quotes and ended her speech by saying, “Your life is an occasion; rise to it.”

Marjorie Swanson, Zachary Leavitt and Joseph Hooper sang “Stand By Me,” before guest speaker Jason Tardy addressed the graduates.

Tardy graduated 11 years ago from Buckfield High and became a renowned juggler who has performed at the White House. By juggling five pins at once, he showed the graduates how they could reach their goals through determination and practice

“Believe in yourself and practice, practice, practice,” he said.

Valedictorian John Condon wished his classmates great success as they continue on the first of many milestones. He received the Maine Principals’ Award this year and plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Southern Maine.

The other top 10 students were salutatorian Busch, Susanna Cooper, Amelia Reuter, Elijah Allen, Megan Dyke, Kelly Larochelle, Chrissy Vining, Alyssa Henderson and Joseph Hooper.

“Make us proud; we are proud of you,” Superintendent Rick Colpitts told the graduates.