FARMINGTON — With a high school still under construction, Principal Monique Poulin applauded this year’s graduating class for accepting the challenge and setting an example for the rest of the school.

At Saturday’s graduation, several hundred well-wishers packed the auditorium, even though some of the new building areas await sheetrock, paint and flooring. Seniors put up with the construction noise and disruption without having the enjoyment of being on campus next year to enjoy the final product. That significance was worthy of mention, she said.

“As a group, even if they didn’t do so with intentions, these students made a choice to make the most of their circumstances,” Poulin said. “I truly could not be more proud of the young men and women before us today.”

Poulin said she and her colleagues agree that graduation is their favorite day.

“I feel so lucky and proud to be part of what happens here for the benefit of this student-centered community,” she said. “I’ll miss what you brought to this school.”

Students’ thoughts were appropriately appreciative and reflective, with some added personal perspectives about handling life’s pressures.

Valedictorian Abby Lochala believes that singer Beyoncé fixes everything.

“Before and after I found out in March that I didn’t get into any of the colleges I applied to, I danced around my room, listening to one of the most headstrong women in the world sing about disappointment, strength and love,” she said. “It made me feel better to know that even the strongest people have let-downs. So when your world gets real dark, turn her up, because I’m pretty sure she knows everything.”

Lochala also suggested to her classmates that that being on the verge of failure and being on the brink of opportunity could look and feel unnervingly similar. Avoiding all risks, she said, would lead to a boring life.

“Choose adventure in lieu of static,” she said.

Change that standard order at the restaurant to something new. Don’t let, “I’ll have the usual” become the choice.

“Usual is boring,” she said. “It’s safe; it’s unworthy of your time. You should want to be worth more than a pile of routine.”

New military recruit Laura Dunham echoed her friend’s thoughts.

“Applaud accomplishments and show your success,” she said. “Why settle for ordinary?”

Lochala, the daughter of Charles and Zale Lochala of New Sharon, will attend the University of Maine in Orono, majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Salutatorian Ruth Leopold, the daughter of Roy and Barbara Leopold of Wilton, will also attend the University of Maine, majoring in computer science.

Superintendent Michael Cormier and assistant principal Randy Cook, who are retiring, stood to receive the audience’s applause and cheers for their service.