DIXFIELD — Dirigo High School’s top two students are headed in pretty much the same direction after their graduation Friday night. They are both entering some aspect of the medical field, and they both want to help others.

Kirstin Blood, 18, of East Dixfield, will enter the University of Southern Maine in the fall to major in nursing and minor in biology. She hopes to become a pediatric nurse.

“I love kids and want to be able to help and make a difference,” she said.

Bryce Carver, 18, of Peru, has been accepted at the University of New England in a pharmacy program.

He said he had had to take a series of medications when he was younger, and now he wants to learn more about them.

“I’m really interested in pharmacy. I want to know more and I want to help people,” he said.

Kirstin, the daughter of Wendell and Louise Blood, and Bryce, son of Donald and Penny Carver, will be among the 70 or so students graduating at 6 p.m., Friday, June 11.

Kirstin has already earned a head start on her medical career. She is a certified EMT and has to pass just one test to become licensed.

Both young people have been extremely active throughout their high school career, both in school and out.

“I help out neighbors and family friends,” said Bryce who is looking for a summer job.

Kirstin also cleans houses and maintains lawns for neighbors and is also looking for a summer job.

Both are members of the National Honor Society and student council. Kirstin has also served as a mentor in the Big Sister/Big Brother program, volunteers through the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club, and has participated in soccer, cross-county skiing and softball.

Bryce has also participated in soccer and cross-country skiing, as well as in tennis. He is a member of the school’s ecology club and Voices Committed to Change.

“When I was growing up, things were easy, but when I started middle school, classes became harder. My parents helped me manage my time. My family always knew my capabilities. I didn’t want to not try. I wanted to do my best,” Kirstin said.

“I’ve always had to work hard,” said Bryce. “This was instilled in me by my older brother (Brandon). I wanted to follow in that path, and my parents have always been supportive.”

Kirstin is the middle sister of three girls. An older sister, Chlorissa, 20, is majoring in teaching. A younger sister, Krystal, is an eighth-grader. Bryce in the middle brother of three boys. Brandon, 19, is majoring in engineering, and Garret, 17, is in high school.

Both young people have helped their communities through a variety of volunteer activities. Kirstin is active in her youth group at the East Dixfield United Baptist Church and in the Franklin County 4-H Wranglers.

Bryce was one of the students who went to the statehouse to mark National Violence Awareness, and has volunteered at Rumford Community Home, Maine Handicapped Skiing and has checked for milfoil at the community boat launch.

Bryce said to be successful people must stay on top of schoolwork and not be afraid to ask for help.

“Don’t allow others to force you to do something you know isn’t right,” he said. “Do the best you can regardless of what others say.”

Kirstin said students shouldn’t be satisfied with current successes.

“We have to continue to work hard. Ask for help and don’t be afraid to do your best,” she said.

The motto posted in the high school gym for graduation was chosen by Kirstin: “Success is never final, failure is never fatal, it’s courage that counts.”

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