AUGUSTA -- In a raucous ceremony that was part pomp and part beach party, 213 Messalonskee High School seniors stepped off the stage and into their futures during Thursday night's graduation at the Augusta Civic Center.

"After this point, you have entered the real world," class president Avery Richter said before leading the seniors in a ceremonial shift of the tassel.

Surrounded by family and friends that nearly filled the bleachers and chairs on the floor, the graduates of the Oakland high school celebrated between the speeches and presentations -- and sometimes during -- with shrieks of joy, bouncing beach balls and blown bubbles.

It was just the sort of ceremony those who have known this class would expect, Richter said, recalling the hallmark of the class in each of its four years of high school.

"Senior year we were downright disrespectful," she said, applause thundering over her words. "We are the reason you can't eat lunch in the gym anymore.

"Yes, we're unique and outspoken individuals," Richter continued. "But we're also very driven and ready to take on any challenge in front of us."

Principal Lori Putnam kicked off the light, energetic celebration by praising the seniors for their hard work.

"This evening marks 13 years of school, and as their senior T-shirt says so well, 'Thirteen years: Enough of these people already,'" Putnam said holding up the blue T-shirt created by the senior class.

Putnam thanked the family and friends who helped guide each senior through the years.

"I am certain they will go out into the world and make a difference," she said.

Valedictorian Lindsay Mathes recalled being humbled in a tennis match against the best player in the state last week.

"I realized she got to be so good because that is what she was raised to be, then I thought about what I was raised to be," Mathes said, recalling trips with her family, moments on the athletic field and listening to her friends' problems.

"We will all experience humiliation, but nothing can take away those adorable quirks that make up our lives," Mathes said to a standing ovation.

Salutatorian David Kent also recalled the years of high school and what the graduates had learned in the classroom and in athletics. More than just arithmetic or types of defenses, the students learned how to handle stress, make friends and stand up for their opinions.

"We've learned about pride -- pride in our schools and pride in ourselves," Kent said.

Using the analogy of speed bumps in front of the school that cause so much irritation among the student body, Kent urged his fellow graduates to persevere while keeping a sense of humor.

"Some speed bumps will be so small and we'll pass over them quickly," Kent said. "Some will be bigger and we'll have to slow down or find creative ways around them ... like riding a tractor to school."

Craig Crosby--623-3811 Ext. 433

ccrosby@centralmaine.com