AUGUSTA – In a ceremony where seniors more than once paid tribute to parents, teachers and others who helped, Oak Hill High School graduated 106 Monday night at the Augusta Civic Center.

As the graduates marched in, Nancy Boclair of South Monmouth was among hundreds who aimed her camera at the smiling faces in the red and blue caps and gowns. Boclair is a bus driver, and has driven Oak Hill students for 15 years.

“They’re good kids,” she said, naming a few, including Erin Pelletier and Samantha Fiedler. “I do the vocational run to Lewiston,” and she’s driven many to softball, lacrosse and other games. All that driving has allowed her to get to know some pretty well, she said. It’s fun to see them start out as freshmen and grow into seniors.

A tradition during Oak Hill’s graduation is “special recognition,” when seniors holding roses go into the audience and give flowers and hugs to someone who’s special to them. Rose recipients include parents, teachers, family members, friends and bus drivers.

By the time it was over, Boclair was holding seven roses given to her. “Those are my kids,” she said with a smile.

During one of the speeches, mistress of ceremonies Lindsay Heald poked fun at parents saying it seemed at times their mission was to embarrass them. Now she knows it was all about love. If they ever doubt the love their parents have for them, “just look into their eyes and say ‘I love you.’ They will always return the phrase.”

She asked the parents and guardians of the graduates to stand and receive a round of applause offered by the audience.

Salutatorian Daniel Fontaine said high school graduation is a big milestone, one that students often wish would happen sooner. He urged graduates not to focus on the future to the point they don’t appreciate the present. “Worrying about the future and wishing our lives away are two ways to forget about the wonderful thing we have right in front of us, the present.”

Everyone has someone in their life who is always there for them, even if they don’t agree with them, Fontaine said. For him that person is his brother. “I want to thank him for all he has done and for always being there for me. I love you, Gabe.”

Valedictorian Heather White said everyone can have success, even though each person’s road there takes a different path. In the senior class some had to study, others didn’t. “Yet we all proved that we could reach this goal, for we’re sitting here today.”

In a light moment, White congratulated the class for “surviving high school and all of our parents’ threats and warnings.” In a warmer moment she thanked “all the parents, grandparents, guardians and others for believing in us.”

After the speeches and music, “Until We Meet Again” and “Come Sail Away” performed by student singers and musicians, graduates received their diplomas.