RUMFORD — Mountain Valley High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian have goals that include hiking the Appalachian Trail and running in a marathon.
Nathan Fitzpatrick, 18, is valedictorian for the Class of 2014. He is the son of Lynn Lepage-Fitzpatrick and James Fitzpatrick of Rumford.
Andrew Boucher, 19, is the Class of 2014 salutatorian and the son of Roger and Judy Boucher of Byron.
Among Fitzpatrick’s goals is to hike the Appalachian Trail and write about it.
“I love to hike. I love being alone in nature,” he said.
He hopes to complete the goal after he graduates from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, N.Y. He said he’s not sure of his major, but he enjoys science and writing.
Boucher plans to attend St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt., to major in biochemistry and neuroscience. He also enjoys psychology, and hopes to minor or take courses in that subject.
He’s set a goal of running a marathon.
He and his twin brother, Anthony, were adopted by the Bouchers and help their parents operate their camping area in Byron.
“We’re adopted and I wanted to do as best as I could through education. We were given an opportunity and I didn’t want to waste that,” Andrew said.
Fitzpatrick and Boucher are members of the National Honor Society and enjoy Nordic skiing. Fitzpatrick takes part in drama; Boucher plays trumpet in the band and was chosen to participate in the Kennebec Valley Music Festival.
Fitzpatrick is captain of the track and cross-country teams, while Boucher is captain of the soccer and tennis teams.
In his valedictorian speech, Fitzpatrick plans to talk about the condition of the world.
“It’s our job to make it better. This is a time not to be normal or lazy,” he said.
Both said they believe there is more to life than getting good grades.
“Take studies seriously,” Boucher said. “But have fun, laugh and be goofy. To be remembered, touch people. Don’t always be stressed but relax and take time to debrief. Take a step back.”
He also said everyone should step out of their comfort zones at times.
Fitzpatrick said students should try to balance everything in their lives.
“We can find beauty everywhere. Be yourself because you are never going to be anyone else. Be the best person you can be,” he said.
“It’s never been about school and education, but to make myself better,” he added.
The Class of 2014 will graduate Thursday, June 5.
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- Nathan Fitzpatrick, left, and Andrew Boucher are valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford.
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