Education a community effort in Washburn
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — Community support was evident at this year’s graduation, with the gymnasium packed with loved ones beaming with pride as their respective seniors took to the stage at Washburn District High School. Faculty, staff, students and community members acknowledged throughout the festivities how obtaining an education and reaching this point was only made possible through the efforts of many individuals working together.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
WDHS CLASS OF 2013 — Prior to graduation, members of Washburn’s Class of 2013 took time to have a group photo taken. Pictured in front from left are: Olivia Doody, Sierra Rooney, Tracy Reed (advisor), Meagan Fitzpatrick, Kalle Griffin and Rayah Saucier. In back from left are: Daniel Roy, Kolby Koch, Nicholas Silver, Nicholas Bragg, Matthew McCarty, Anthony Henderson, Jesse, Prescott, Sean Sperrey, Dylan Drost, Justin Farley, Joseph Bouchard, Andrew McLaughlin and Mitchell Worcester.
JESSE PRESCOTT was all smiles as he accepted his diploma from Superintendent Ed Buckley during the June 7 commencement festivities at Washburn District High School. Prescott received the 2013 Special Recognition Award for progress made during his years at WDHS.
OLIVIA DOODY, first honor essayist, tests the mic at Washburn’s June 7 ceremony.
Following the processional, Senior Class President Olivia Doody welcomed everyone, noting “we couldn’t have done it without everyone here tonight.”
Nicholas Silver and Andrew McLaughlin sang as flowers were presented to school personnel in appreciation for all they’d done over the years for the Class of 2013.
Daniel Roy, second honor essayist, said, “We are here today because the people around us took the time to help us on our way day by day, one stepping stone at a time. We would not be who we are today if not for the town of Washburn. We students also would not be the same if we did not grow up together. Everyone has had some kind of influence on all the rest — not just the Senior Class, but every other class that has been ahead or behind us throughout our learning career.”
“As the saying goes, ‘It takes an entire village to raise a child,’” continued Roy. “On behalf of the Class of 2013, I wish to thank the town of Washburn and all who have helped us become this years graduating class.”
Doody, as first honor essayist, read a long list of thank-yous, crediting her teachers, parents, siblings, classmates, teammates and extended “family” for helping her become the person she is today. In addressing the many families she’s grown to know and love over the years, she stated, “You guys have always been there for me and I appreciate it more than you will ever know.”
“There are many people that have helped me to reach this milestone in my life and I could never thank them enough,” said Salutatorian Kolby Koch. She too expressed gratitude to the many people who helped her reach her goals, culminating in graduation.
“The members of the Class of 2013 were more than just my friends and second family, they were my well of inspiration. I thank them for all they have done to help me mature as a writer,” said Koch, as she wished her classmates “luck in all your future endeavors.”
Valedictorian Nicholas “Nick” Bragg rounded out the evening’s speakers, overcoming his nervousness as he shared memories of his years as a student in Washburn.
“I have been fortunate enough to grow up in the excellent community and school district of Washburn, and I couldn’t imagine having lived my life anywhere but here. We may be a small town but over the past 18 years I’ve lived here, it has become a place much larger to me. It has become my home and I will miss it as much as all the people living here,” said Bragg. “I would like to recognize the people in this community that have given their time and effort every day for each of us students.”
Bragg went on to thank the many people who’ve inspired him and molded him into who he is today, including family, friends, teachers, lunch ladies, bus drivers and coaches.
“Finally, the next generation will always surpass the previous one. It’s one of the never-ending cycles in life. It’s our turn to take over and add our own style to this world. Good luck with everything you do, guys, I hope that you all will go far,” said Bragg in closing.
Special remarks were also offered by class member Jesse Prescott.
“Since the beginning we’ve been able to stick together but are now diverging. We’re part of each other’s history,” said Prescott, as he reminded his classmates to “never let go of who you are and the memories of each other.”
“I love you as my family — because you are my family,” Prescott said.
Next came the presentation of approximately $100,000 in scholarships.
Vice Principal Ron Ericson introduced former guidance counselor Gene Brown who announced the recipient of this year’s Special Recognition Award, given to a student who’s shown the most improvement despite difficult circumstances. Prescott was named this year’s honoree.
“Jesse’s not comfortable with large crowds,” said Brown, as he noted the young man’s speech earlier in the evening. He said Prescott had struggled in school but with the help of classmates and teachers, persevered and now was graduating with his class.
“Jesse once asked ‘Why do teachers see more in me than I do?’ I told him ‘We know more than you do and you are wrong,’” said Brown.
Students then spent about 15 minutes presenting flowers to their parents, in recognition for all they’d done for them throughout their childhood and now as they enter adulthood.
A total of 18 students received degrees during the June 7 ceremony, with the majority planning to attend colleges and universities in Maine and elsewhere.
