PARIS — With her back to the lectern, Salutatorian Evangeline Kim paused during the middle of her speech, lofted her smartphone, took aim and clicked, capturing an image of herself, the Class of 2014 and nearly 3,000 residents of Oxford Hills.

“That’s definitely going on Facebook,” Kim said with a laugh.

Students roared, parents laughed — and 235 students marched to collect their diplomas at the 52nd annual commencement ceremony.

Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School’s graduation, held at the Gouin Field Complex in South Paris on Saturday, drew a crowd of more than 2,650 parents, friends, well-wishers and staff.

A total of $671,000 in scholarships was awarded to the seniors during Wednesday’s Class Night ceremony.

“Let us smile and turn to the cameras as we start the brand-new race of our lives that starts today,” Kim said.

Valedictorian Kieran Sadler said change enabled the growth shaping his and classmates’ lives over the past four years.

“This is not the end,” Sadler said. “This is a crucial point in our lives and we must tread carefully. We are, and will be, faced with many decisions.”

“If we don’t keep our minds open, then we cannot change,” he said. “And if we cannot change, then we cannot grow. If we come back in 10, 20 years in the future and we are the same, we failed to honor the gifts of those who made this night possible.”

The keynote speaker was Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Scott Allen of the Boston Globe, who gave a graduation speech at his own Oxford Hills commencement ceremony 35 years ago.

“… Your hometowns, and the things you have learned right here from your family, your teachers, your neighbors and your friends — that’s your secret weapon,” Allen said. “And you will learn that you are carrying a lot more from your home than you realized as life’s endlessly surprising pageant unfolds before you.”

Brimming with anecdotes at once funny and instructive, he related his experiences to students and encouraged them to find their own paths.

“All the crazy, fun, smart, dumb, beautiful, ugly and sometimes just plain boring stuff you did to get to this moment have marked you for life,” Allen said.

“But what you can do is go out there and help remake the world, be part of that tidal wave of human creativity,” he said. “Your family here in Oxford Hills has given you many gifts, some of which you may not even know yet. Now is the time to find your strength and use it. Be bold.”

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