PARIS – A commencement speaker urged members of the Class of 2009 to capitalize on their interests and strengths at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School graduation Saturday.

Bill Green, a sports anchor with WCSH-6 TV and host of the show “Bill Green’s Maine,” spoke at the Gouin Athletic Complex to the class of 221 students. Green, a 1971 graduate of Bangor High School, said he worked his way up to the position after beginning as a cameraman.

“You’ll be the one who determines if you’re happy,” Green said. “You’ll be the one who determines if what you’re doing is right.”

He said it is important for the students to find happiness in their lives.

In general, the more successful people in high school are the more successful people in life, he said. However, there are many, many exceptions, both ways. “Besides, it’s not about success, it’s about happiness.”

Green urged the graduates to determine what their skill sets are.

“Lock into that thing that you can do well,” Green said, “because there you’ll find both personal and professional growth and satisfaction.”

Valedictorian Bobbi Jo Surette said that the students had all made mistakes during high school but were able to overcome them and graduate.

“In the coming years, as we go off to college, or to the military, or to whatever our hearts desire, it will be helpful to remember that we will have our stupid moments, but they won’t stop us from being successful,” she said.

Salutatorian Sean Merz listed the influences in his life, including his family and math teacher Allen Gerry. Merz praised Gerry for his interaction with students.

“I want to try to influence the lives of others as he has mine,” Merz said. “I want to be the next Mr. Gerry.”

Principal Ted Moccia said the students had created strong relationships with staff and with their classmates.

“Please remember how you got here, how you got to this time, and all the people who helped you along the way,” Moccia said. “And remember, once a Viking, always a Viking.”

[email protected]