HEBRON – “God be in this ending and in this beginning.”

With these words, Larch Fidler opened Hebron Academy’s bicentennial graduation Saturday morning.

For the 68 graduating seniors, as well as for their friends and families gathered in Robinson Arena, the ceremony marked both an ending and a beginning, as well as a milestone in the history of the school.

John King, head of school, read the words of Deacon Barrows, who traveled to Boston in 1819 to ask that land be granted for the school. Barrows was told that the school was “almost outside the bounds of civilization,” and had “nothing to attract students from abroad.”

Barrows persisted, and the academy was incorporated, a year before Maine was granted statehood.

These days it seems that Hebron has much to attract students from abroad. Among the graduating class were students from Canada, Korea and Japan, as well as those from across the United States.

In his graduation message, class President John William Slattery of Minot noted that he was one of the few “townies” in the class. “Being the local boy has an interesting allure,” he said. He explained that although he drives a truck that is older than he is, and enjoys going to the races, he also appreciates that sandals are comfortable footwear, and “can contribute to a conversation on the book Ishmael.'”

The academy has always been a part of his life, Slattery said. As a young boy, he said, “I didn’t believe my mom when driving by the place that it was a school. It was far too beautiful.”

From a young age, “I knew I wanted to go here based on beauty alone.”

Slattery marveled that he sat in Robinson Arena as a 9-year-old watching Jamie Roach play hockey. “I would lie in awake dreaming of playing hockey for the Lumberjacks,” he said. When he entered the academy, not only did he play for the Lumberjacks, but Jamie Roach was his coach.

In closing, Slattery said, “Hebron is where my heart has been for the last four years,” and it will “always feel like home.” He told his fellow graduates to “hold onto your memories and great achievements. Remember that once something is done correctly, it is always done correctly.”

Before presenting diplomas, J. Reeve Bright, class of 1966 and chair of the Board of Trustees, told seniors, “I hope Hebron will always have a place in your heart.”

He concluded: “May your life journey be satisfying and fulfilling. Let the journey begin.”