LIVERMORE FALLS – A slight breeze and the sun setting behind them, the 63 members of the Class of 2009 took another step in their journey of life Saturday as they graduated from high school.

Seniors walked across the edge of Griffin Field, following their educators of the last four years, toward the baseball field where one chapter would end and another one would begin.

Salutatorian Kendra Lyman blended words of a speech her grandmother, Gladys Lyman, gave in 1934 as salutatorian of Monmouth Academy, and those of her own as she spoke to her classmates and those gathered for graduation.

“Opportunity; such a small word, but it has endless meanings, does it not?” Lyman said. “At no period in our lives will the opportunity of life seem greater or be considered more seriously and enthusiastically, than now. There are many opportunities that we may seek, if we know the right way to do so.

“The education that has been well-implanted in these last four years must continue to be developed through further study and through the experiences of life, in order that we may continue to grow and be able to benefit by the opportunities offered to us.” Lyman encouraged seniors to continue to grow intellectually by reading and to take risks and set their own paths in their lives.

“We can start a new novel of our life; we can change characters, attitudes and emotions,” Lyman said. “Our life is now a set of blank pages just waiting to be written.”

Valedictorian Erika Newman encouraged classmates to follow their dreams.

“Whatever path you choose to follow, make sure you follow your dreams and most importantly, have fun,” Newman said. “Face every day with a smile and put your best effort into all that you do. Remember: Never give up; if you have a goal, stick to it. Strive to succeed.”

Commencement speaker, teacher Sue St. Pierre, told the graduates that many of them had shown that they are passionate about sports, family and friends and all the things that are important to them.

“You have achieved much but will achieve so much more if you attack your future with passion,” St. Pierre said. “Be committed, accept responsibility for yourself, give back more than you take and love your work. Then you will never have to work a day in your life.”