FARMINGTON — Students in the Mt. Blue High School Class of 2018 dedicated the 2018 yearbook to Tom Ward, retiring superintendent of Regional School Unit 9.

The theme of the yearbook is The Last to Leave.

Students and staff highlighted Ward’s commitment to the school and his daily presence at the school. They assembled for the unveiling May 31, entering the gym carrying signs made by students in Charlie Fontaine’s commercial arts class at Foster Career and Technical Education Center.

The signs listed characteristics of Ward, inlcuding “Supportive,” “Compassionate,” “Helps to Fight Poverty” and “State Wrestling Champ and Coach.”

Ward thanked the staff and students as he prepares to leave after 41 years in education, 21 of them at Mt. Blue.

Griffin Mayhew, a student who has worked closely with Regional School Unit 9 Superintendent Tom Ward, stands next to Ward as he thanks the students and staff for dedicating the 2018 yearbook to him. Class of 2018 President Kayla White looks on in the school gym in Farmington. (Photo courtesy of Stacey Damon)

Editors of the 2017-018 yearbook, Marielle Pelletier, left, and Talazen Smith, stand with Regional School Unit 9 Superintendent Tom Ward. The yearbook was dedicated to him. (Photos courtesy of Stacey Damon)