06/06/2008
enlarge
Staff Photo by Jim Evans
enlarge
Staff Photo by Jim Evansfrom the Kennebec Journal
QUESTIONS REMAIN
No complaints from those who switched to Somerset County center
Vote on 1 may hurt some in election
Steeple at center of debate in Whitefield
VETERANS REQUIRE ASSISTANCE: Homelessness takes center stage
J.P. DEVINE: Overcome sadness with hope
BASKETBALL: NBA Hall of Famer Barry doles out advice at Thomas College
HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY: Maranacook sophomore Mace dominates Class B field
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
A year later, families await answers on fatalities
Owner of topless coffee shop on the comeback trail
Officials report cheaper, better service after switch
Two people in critical condition
Young Marines stick to program
Issue of homeless veterans at center stage
GIRLS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Winslow falls to York in Class B
Bard hits her marathon stride
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
"The students chose me to be their speaker," said biology teacher Cobb, who later gave the commencement address.
"Rose Smith and I -- she teaches chemistry -- always do this," she said of the last-minute flower detail, as students readied for commencement ceremonies held at 7 p.m. in the Wadsworth Gymnasium at Colby College in Waterville.
Before the ceremony, students milled behind the gym, their hats and gowns reflecting the high-school colors -- boys dressed in royal purple, girls in brilliant white -- while in the starkly decorated gymnasium, parents and visitors quickly filled bleachers and seats.
But soon, stark turned to stirring and colorful. The loud rhythms of "Pomp and Circumstance" reverberated through the room, performed by the high-school band under the aegis of band teacher Dan Ross, and the audience cheered, shouted and whistled as a small army of graduating seniors marched down the aisle beneath rows of floral arches.
A harmonious rendition of the National Anthem was sung by the Adelines, the high school's award-winning chamber choir, a performance that also brought loud applause.
Cobb pinned her commencement address on the wisdom of Dr. Benjamin Carson, a world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, who had delivered the keynote address to Waterville students attending the recent National Science Olympiad.
"Dr. Carson is a classic example of someone who overcame many obstacles to reach greatness," she said.
Although she didn't expect every graduating student to become a brain surgeon, like Carson, she wanted them to believe, as he did, that they could break new ground.
"Keep conquering your obstacles and keep being involved in the community . . . Think big."
That evening, 16 seniors, like Derek Jolicoeur, 18, were draped in bright-orange stoles, signifying their membership in the National Honor Society.
"I'm going to Maine Maritime Academy. I want to be a power engineer," he said.
Forty-three other seniors graduated with honors, which means achieving an average of 85 or better in seven semesters. The top graduating seniors were Catherine Kelley Johnston and Tariq N. Haq.
The festive and formal occasion would be the last hours the seniors would spend together.
"I'm nervous and excited at the same time," said Megan Rancourt, 18. "I am starting something new, but I'm going to miss my old friends. It's going to be hard," she said.
Around her neck hung several medals, dangling from long colorful ribbons.
"These are my medals for swimming, for coming in first for the state when I was a freshman," she said. "And this is my class night Latin award."
This fall, Rancourt is heading for Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor. "I want to get into radiology," she said.
Kaitlin Champagne, 18, an honors student, wasn't looking back.
"I love it. I'm excited to move on," said Champagne, who works full time at J.C. Penney in Waterville. She was accepted at Thomas College in Waterville, she said, and someday hopes to teach first and second grade. She is taking fond high-school memories into her future.
"I loved my senior year. I loved accounting class, taught by Kay Grindall. It was the best class," she said.
During his commencement greeting, high school principal Donald J. Reiter bestowed plenty of practical advice.
"Try to do your best . . . exercise good judgment. Know your limits. Your best tomorrow should be better than your best today," he said.
Reiter also took the time to explain why he wasn't in his office on the seniors' last day of school: His daughter was born that Friday, at 12:42 a.m.
Lynn Ascrizzi -- 861-9245
lascrizzi@centralmaine.com
Reader comments
Click here to view or add reader comments