CARIBOU, Maine — Before the thirteen graduates of the Eastern Aroostook Alternative High School set off on their varied professional endeavors, elected student speaker Nicholas Jackson recounted their experiences at the school one last time during Thursday’s graduation ceremony.
“Here at Alternative High School, our teachers have tried to instill in us how to dream our own dreams, always be yourself, not always follow the crowd and to be an individual,” he said. “The majority of us have listened and followed this advice and tried to make them proud. Staying true to our morals and ideals has not always been easy, but nothing worth gaining ever is.”
Jackson also described how they all learned that someone will always be there for them when the unexpected happens, and when they think that no one cares.
“We found that people care about each on of us here at Alternative High School,” he said.
Director of the Alternative High School Dan MacDonald reiterated Jackson’s sentiment as he welcomed everyone to the June 12 ceremony.
“Today, we are celebrating overcoming obstacles, ignoring stereotypes and achieving set goals,” MacDonald said. “The graduating seniors of alternative education have achieved success on their own terms and with their own distinctive styles, and I would like to commend each of them on their accomplishments.”
While each student was commended and celebrated for their graduation, three seniors received special awards for their efforts: Willie Rossignol, Drew Hemphill and Katelyn Dombroski.
MacDonald presented Dombroski with the Director’s Award.
“She has spent much of her last three years with us overcoming adversities and obstacles to meet her ultimate goal of graduating high school,” he described. “During her time with us, she has developed into a leader and often motivates other to work harder and reach their goals.”
Hemphill was presented the Personal Growth Award by teacher Bill Gehring, who explained that the award is given to a senior who has shown a culmination of positive developments in the areas of self-esteem, decision-making, relationships and responsibility. Although Hemphill only attended the Alternative High School for his senior year, Gehring said that the school has worked with him for the past two.
“We have seen (Hemphill) grow as an individual in and out of the classroom and have seen (him) make solid decisions as to improve himself as a person, today and for the future,” Gehring said.
Rossignol received the Perseverance Award, presented by teacher Peg Conlogue; she explained that the award is given to a student who has shown great commitment to their education.
As Conlogue described, Rossignol came to the school two years ago struggling to find motivation for his education and a bit despondent when he learned that he would have to stay another year to graduate.
“It took all of his teachers, and his mom especially, to convince him that this was the right thing to do and that a high school diploma would make a difference later in life,” Conlogue said. “Thankfully, he listened to us and is graduating from Eastern Aroostook Alternative High School tonight.”
With applause and smiles, the 13 graduates received their diplomas from RSU 39 Superintendent Frank McElwain, Assistant Superintendent Lois Brewer, and Director MacDonald.
They departed the gymnasium to celebrate their accomplishments with loved ones in the reception area, but the words of student speaker Jackson were a lingering reminder of the challenges ahead.
“We know that the future holds endless possibilities and challenges for us. We are prepared to accept these challenges and do our best to achieve our goals,” he had said during his speech. “It will take hard work and dedication, and knowing that every day of the rest of our lives will bring journeys and endless possibilities.”
