LEWISTON — Leavitt Area High School’s valedictorian told his classmates that “goals are not just to be reached; they are to be replaced.”

Harrison Knowlton said he came to that conclusion as he recalled how “running taught me to never settle for average.” That life lesson started to form when he was an overweight nine-year-old, he said. In his valedictory address to the 140 seniors of Leavitt’s Class of 2015, he said they should remember that “failure is not the problem, but never trying is.”

Knowlton advised the graduates to “expect the best from yourself.”

The 116th annual commencement exercises of Leavitt Area High School, which is in Turner and serves the towns of Turner, Leeds and Greene, took place Sunday afternoon at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston.

Nicole Hofacker, salutatorian, told her classmates that they should not let complications interfere with the attainment of their goals.

“Don’t be one of those people out there who is pulling a door that says ‘push’ on it,” she said.

Morgan Knowlton’s honor essay address emphasized the similarities of the four seasons to experiences that will be encountered often in life.

There will be springtimes, she said, “when you will swap the old for new.” Summer is a time for enjoyment, and autumn is a time when change occurs, she said, the time when trees let go of the leaves. She said the graduates should be aware of that season of change, like this graduation, when the graduates are letting go of familiar ways.

Although winter can be lonely, she noted, it’s a time that can be devoted to pursuit of knowledge and appreciation.

Knowlton’s speech also paid tribute to Gunnar Swanson, a classmate who passed away several months ago. She said the way he handled his failing health was an inspiration to all and an important lesson in perseverance.

Leavitt Principal Eben H. Shaw praised Swanson’s dedication to education. He said Swanson was the first Leavitt student to be connected to the classroom over the Internet from his home.

Olivia Maller delivered the honor oration for the Class of 2015. She presented an imaginative movie screenplay narrative of the experiences of Leavitt’s graduates and teachers. She emphasized the similarities between the actors of “Star Wars” movies with the camaraderie and spirit of cooperation among her classmates.

Maller wished them well as they “set forth toward a galaxy far, far away.”

Nichol Lake, class president, asked the seniors to think of friendships they might have passed by, and she urged them to consider whether they gave everyone a fair chance. That’s as crucial in future actions as it is in their high school experience, she told the seniors.

Principal Shaw presented numerous scholarships and academic achievement awards to members of the graduation class. Among them was the first annual award in honor of  Swanson to Lance Harder. Swanson’s diploma was presented posthumously.

The Leavitt commencement exercises included a rendition of the national anthem by Leavitt choir seniors. The Leavitt Treble Choir performed “Fly/I Believe I Can Fly.” The Leavitt Concert Band performed “Hymnsong Variants” as well as playing for the processional and recessional.

Diplomas were presented by Dr. Henry J. Aliberti Jr., superintendent of schools.

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