PARIS — Joking that his audience would know exactly how far along in his speech he was, former Gov. Angus King addressed the 2010 class of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on Saturday with a speech containing 10 pieces of advice.

King, who was in office from 1995 to 2003 and later co-founded the alternative energy company Independence Wind, presented the graduating class of 240 senior with a list titled “10 Things I Wish Somebody Had Told Me When I Was 18.” The first item advised students that taking risks can be beneficial.

“Reach further,” he said. “Try things that you don’t think you can do, and you will find amazing capabilities beyond your imagination.”

Other suggestions drew laughter and applause from the audience, including the advice: “When in doubt, don’t get married.”

King also advised the students to treat their first job like it was the most important one in the world, saying hard work would help them advance later in life. He said the graduates should always be honest and have a positive attitude.

“Value your friends and family and never let them down,” he concluded. “In the end, they’re all you’ve got.”

Salutatorian Riley Eusden told students to take risks in their lives. He said they cannot rely entirely on the opinions of others but must make their own decisions in life.

“It is time that we humans, at the top of the ladder of our little blue planet, need to come to think for ourselves,” he said.

Valedictorian Caitlin Hanley said graduation marked a frightening change in the students’ lives. She said the class was destined to move on to greater things, and thanked the guidance of teachers and parents.

“Accept your fears, take a second to breathe and enjoy living the rest of your lives,” she said.

Principal Theodore Moccia quoted the class motto: “You live your life only once, but if you live it right, once is enough.” Moccia said the graduates had well-spent their time in school and they would be missed.

“I wish you luck in the future and in everything you do,” he said.

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