LEWISTON — Although one of the smallest Lisbon High School graduating classes in recent memory, what the Class of 2010 lacked in numbers was made up with enthusiasm in ceremonies at the Lewiston Armory Sunday afternoon.

To the traditional strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” 66 seniors marched down the aisle amid flashes from cameras and cheers.

Senior class President Jennifer Chick led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the audience and graduates singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” accompanied on the piano by Renovia Marco.

Chick gave the welcoming address: “Parents, guardians, mentors, friends and family welcome to the Lisbon High School’s Class of 2010 graduation … as I’m sure so many of you know this class is filled with many wonderful and unique young adults. I have served as class president for the last three years and have watched most of us grow by leaps and bounds.”

“Although we’re not by any means the largest class that has passed through these doors, I see us as something special” she told classmates. “I mean, aren’t people always saying it isn’t about quantity it’s about quality? In this smaller group of individuals I have seen something wonderful. I look at our class, and I realize we have all struggled, we have all lost and fallen, more frustrated than it even seemed possible. We all missed out, moved on and gotten left behind … but through it all we stuck together.”

Senior essayist Phillip Carville said while thinking of what to write his speech about he asked himself what his classmates would say if all of them could come up on the stage with him. He said he wished they could, but “sadly this can’t happen, but I did find a way to get everyone’s voice heard.”

He asked every class member to provide him with a short memento from their high school days, “something that made them laugh, happy or never forget.” He then read through many unsigned memories drawing numerous chuckles.

He also recognized “two wonderful people who gave their time and knowledge to us and many other kids, whose memories and legacy will walk the halls of Lisbon High School forever, who will always have a place in my heart, I would like to recognize Kenneth Hough and Peg McGraw.”

This was followed by a vocal selection “Heal the World,” by the high school, Sugg School and Community School chorus.

Valedictorian Dana Marquis chose “18 years in the making” as the topic for her speech. “Whoever said high school was the best time of their life was either lying or had a pretty dismal life. High school is a difficult time for most teenagers, ask any parent. It’s a time when we are required to do many things at once — mature, live up to the expectation of our parents, peers and teachers, do our homework, get good grades, eat and sleep a lot, make friends, play sports, video games, decide on a career … all while we try to find ourselves.

“It’s amazing that we all survived it, some more gracefully than others. I have many people to thank for helping me in the process, first of all my parents. Without them I wouldn’t be here, literally. And without their perfect parenting skills I wouldn’t be valedictorian giving you this speech right now.

“I also have my wonderful teachers to thank. Specifically Mrs. Quintal for being supportive of every advocacy I needed to rant about something, which was pretty much every advocacy. And Mr. Hall and his psychology class for helping me realize that I really shouldn’t care how others judge me. And my friends. All you have to do is look at them, specifically their hair colors to know why they’re just as crazy as I am and that’s why I love.”

Commencement speaker Edward Regan, a former English teacher at the school for eight years, reminded students of many old cliches to guide them through life: “Not every day in their life will be a milestone, don’t lose your sense of humor. Don’t let your education stop here, don’t wish days and weeks away. My dad told me don’t ever sell yourself short, don’t lose touch with your friends … and make every year the best year of your life.”

Diplomas were presented by Superintendent Richard Green and Principal Kenneth Healy followed by cheers and tossing caps.