DIXFIELD — Some wore flip-flops or sandals, others high heels and fancy dresses, and at least one girl was barefoot. The boys were dressed in everything from baggy jeans and worn sneakers, to Sunday pants and leather shoes.

The 70 Dirigo High School graduates were all smiles mixed in with lots of tears, as they marched to the podium for their last activity as a class Friday night.

As each waited at the top of the ramp before their name was called, there were sighs of relief, nervousness and sadness.

“It’s been an amazing roller-coaster ride,” said Dakota Turnbull who was one of the young people to provide the class history.

Kirstin Blood, the valedictorian, spoke on the class motto Success is never final; failure is never fatal; it is courage that counts.

“We’re ready to begin our adult lives, to become what we want to be. Your future is up to you, no matter where you come from, don’t mess it up,” she said.

Turnbull said graduation was both exciting and terrifying.

“We’re all going off into different directions, but the Class of 2010 is certainly unique. I’m sure some parents are asking, are these really our kids?” he said.

Class President Lyle Hutchinson said graduation could be called a terrifying free-fall into adulthood.

“Some have taken careful preparation for the future, some will feel scared and uncertain. This class has embodied individuality, but our differences have brought us together,” he said.

Class support for each other was evident everywhere. Girls hugged each other as a slide show depicting each student as they grew up was shown. Bursts of applause greeted the senior choir, and two class soloists, Kathleen Paquette and Katie Brown. Groups of young men and women were proudly gathered together outside the gym just prior to the ceremony to have their photos taken with each other.

Hutchinson and others were grateful to Dirigo High School and the community.

“This place has given us an upbringing we can be proud of,” he said.

Eric Bolduc was surprised at how quickly his high school years passed.

“When I was a freshman, I didn’t know how I would handle three more years, but it all flew by like a blur. Dirigo has prepared us well for the next step in our lives,” he said. “The classes, the teachers, the program were all exceptional.”

Brodie Thompson spoke of opportunity.

“It’s all around in many forms. Those who take advantage of it will get ahead. Effort and hard work can make up for not being the best and we can make our own opportunities. We all have the potential, and a little effort and drive can go a long way,” he said.

Principal Michael Poulin said it was a pleasure to be the Class of 2010’s principal.

“Even when high school ends (tonight) you will have put more shape and meaning into it,” he said.

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