LIMESTONE, Maine — For high school seniors, it is the time of year when prospective graduates begin to seriously look ahead to their futures — whether planning to continue on to secondary schooling, or seeking their place in the workforce. For the graduating seniors of Limestone Community School, last Friday marked the day that would officially end their high school careers and begin the next phase of their lives.
For some, graduation may be viewed as the beginning of the end, as far as education is concerned, however, for LCS graduates the ceremony was the celebration of an achievement that is a stepping-stone, leading into a new platform of education.
The school held their commencement ceremony at the Boothby Auditorium in Limestone on June 13. It was, of course, a day of celebration, but also brought about a feeling of sadness for those graduates moving on and leaving behind all the people who made high school such a special experience. For friends and family, the tears of joy they shed were inspired by the pride and admiration they felt for their respective graduates, along with the hopes and aspirations they hold for the future of all those students who worked so very hard to earn their high school diplomas.
The graduates made their way to the stage of the school’s auditorium, led by Class Marshals Tristan Kirk and Jennifer Booth, while the LCS Band played the traditional song “Pomp and Circumstance.”
Class President, Alexis Bell was the first graduate to grace the podium, as she welcomed all the friends and family members in attendance to the graduates’ special night. Bell also had the honor of introducing Brent O’Neal, who was asked by the 2014 graduating class to be the guest speaker.
After O’Neal’s inspirational speech, it was time for the class Valedictorian Jordyn Hopkins, to give her Valedictory address, as well as introduce the administrators, who would later present a long list of awards to a number of the graduates. Hopkins began by welcoming, on behalf of her classmates, all the friends, family, school board members and staff in attendance.
“Looking back now, our high school years flew by. Yet, here we are on graduation day. We’ve finally reached the day we’ve been talking about since the start of the year,” said Hopkins. “We’ve talked about graduation and our involvement with our Project Grad event, as well as the events later to come.”
Hopkins described the endless amount of memories she and her fellow classmates have created over the last four years. She also implored her classmates to look far beyond these last few years, and to strive to achieve any future goals they might have.
“The four years we’ve spent together in high school are irreplaceable,” said Hopkins. “This is just one of the steps along the way. Next fall, when school starts up again, we won’t be coming back here. We will all be pursuing our own dreams.”
Hopkins concluded her speech with a message to her fellow classmates telling them to get out in the world and explore.
“Have big dumb and fun adventures, ask questions and learn. Today is the day that we begin creating a future for ourselves,” said Hopkins.
Hopkins then congratulated the graduating Class of 2014, and left the podium to a resounding ovation.
Next, Principal Susan White and Assistant Principal Travis Barnes were welcomed to the stage by Hopkins to hand out scholarships being awarded to a number of graduates. However, before the local scholarships were announced, Barnes invited Aroostook Aspirations Initiative Executive Director April Flagg to the podium to present this year’s Gauvin Scholarship to Kaylin Blood.
Linda Harvey was also invited to the podium to present the Carl Robert Langley Scholarship. Harvey mentioned that this was the 17th year since the Langley family started the foundation in memory of the young boy’s passing. Harvey also pointed out that this was the 12th year in which the foundation has awarded the scholarship to an Aroostook County senior.
“In memory of my nephew, Carl Langley, I’m honored to award this scholarship for the amount of $8,000 to Melissa Cantafio,” said Harvey.
Other members of the 2014 LCS class who received local scholarships include, Mariah Williams, Tristan Kirk, Kelsee Albert, Bailey St. Pierre, Chris Bernier, Tyler Morgan, Courtney Chartier, Kaylin Blood, Jordyn Hopkins, Alexis Bell and Brianna Hale. Barnes finished his long list of award recipients by informing the crowd that throughout the night they would be giving away more than $150,000 worth of scholarships.
Finally, it was the moment all the graduates had been waiting for, as Class Adviser Pam Morgan, School Board Member Michelle Albert, RSU 39 Superintendent Frank McElwain and LCS Principal White all made their way to the stage for the presentation of diplomas.
The 2014 LCS graduates then proceeded off the stage, as they followed the class marshals in sync with the class song, “Where is the Love” by the Black Eyed Peas.
Tyler Morgan receives his high school diploma from Limestone Community School Principal Susan White during graduation.
