LIVERMORE FALLS – Only yards from the goal posts on the football field, the Livermore Falls High School Class of 2008 reached another goal as they crossed the field to receive their high school diplomas Saturday.

“This is a class that is not afraid to alter tradition,” said guest speaker Anne Weatherbee, the 2008 class adviser.

She described the class as having diverse talents. “Your involvement, energy and enthusiasm has set the tone,” she said. “The legacy you leave is one of hard work, excellence and making the most of the opportunities that are available.”

She told the 72 graduates to “discover what you love and pursue it. Learn all you can, find a way to make it part of your life and most importantly, share your passion with others.”

Valedictorian Esther Bizier recognized all of her classmates as friends.

“During our 13 years in the Livermore Falls school district, our class has had the chance not only to learn but to explore, discover and play. We have discovered our strengths and our weaknesses and discovered who we are. One thing we have learned is how to get along with each other,” she said.

She advised her classmates not to become so caught up in adult life that they forget what it was like to play and have fun. Exploring, discovering and playing are a part of a happy and healthy lifestyle, she said.

In the salutatory address, Michelle Morlock advised her classmates to “do something unexpected in your lifetime, and make sure you thoroughly enjoy it. The most important of all: Surprise yourself. Face the new chapter of your life with more confidence, passion and energy than you ever knew you had,” she said.