BUCKFIELD — After a moving graduation ceremony Saturday evening, 39 graduates threw their caps into the air to celebrate their special day.

One of the most moving moments was when a group of students honored business teacher Janet Wicks. She missed the last part of the school year and the graduation because of illness. The students had a small tree in a pot to present to Wicks. They said they hoped that as the tree grew and bloomed, she would remember the important part she played as they grew and bloomed.

Salutatorian Abigail Campbell spoke highly of Buckfield High School. “Our little school has amazing opportunities. Something we can take away with us is the opportunities we had. Buckfield High School has inspired us,” she said.

Valedictorian Mickayla Wiley thanked the teachers for “making us happy, motivated and where we are today.” She said that high school was just one chapter of their lives and “we still have lessons to learn, by the grace of God.”

Rebecca Cooper led everyone in the national anthem. Cooper, Wiley, Megan Salsbury and Micah Madore provided vocal performances.

Music and drama teacher Ethan Wright was chosen to give the commencement speech. “You don’t get to decide where you were born or how you die,” he said. “All you can decide is what happens in between.” He encouraged the students to see the world to gain a greater perspective on life.

He was loudly applauded when he praised the young women in the class for their intelligence and strength and again when he told the young men, “I spent a long time trying to figure out women and eventually I just gave up. Just give them all of the respect that they deserve and you will be happier for it.”

Wright advised the seniors to try to ?nd the good in everyone and everything. “This is easier said than done, but hatred is a suffocating emotion and isn’t worth it. If something or someone is not good to or for you, then move on. Don’t waste your time and energy on it or them.”