Fort Class of 2012 urged to stay sharp
Staff photos/Mark Putnam
SECONDARY SENDOFF — Faculty members at Fort Fairfield Middle/High School were first in line to congratulate the Class of 2012 following Sunday’s commencement exercises. Seniors Kacie York and Sonia Carrasco, right, receive hugs and well-wishes from two unidentified teachers as instructors Paul Lamoreau and Larry Gardner, left, await their turn.
FORT FAIRFIELD — Superintendent Marc Gendron couldn’t resist squeezing one final math lesson into his comments to the graduating class of Fort Fairfield Middle/High School Sunday.
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| TOUCHING SPEECH — Amanda Hotham, salutatorian of her Fort Fairfield Middle/High School graduating class, asked those in the audience to reach out and touch the person to their immediate right. “Now,” she said, “I can honestly say you all have been touched by my speech.” |
“Today is one of the biggest milestones of your lives, so far. It’s your 2,776th day of school and it’s also your last. The world refers to you as ‘Gen Y’ — a label put on you by others. What you do from now on is up to you; you will choose your own label,” he said.
Gendron congratulated the 36-member Class of 2012 for “finishing and doing it so well.” He also thanked the community for its support of the senior class, especially in awarding nearly $100,000 in scholarships to FFMHS graduates with post-secondary aspirations.
Student speakers took those packed into Lawrence A. Gardner Gymnasium on a ride down memory lane, detailing the highs and lows of the Class of 2012. While many chuckled and blushed when remembering their first trip on a school bus or a field trip to the ocean, there was hardly a dry eye in the room when thoughts were directed toward a classmate who had died during their high school years.
Valedictorian Kacie York compared her class to a box of crayons with each personality represented by a different color. She encouraged her classmates to stay sharp by embracing the difficult situations that will come their way and ultimately define them.
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| LONG DAY — A tradition at Fort Fairfield Middle/High School is the receiving line held outside the auditorium immediately following graduation exercises. Awaiting their turn to say good bye to faculty, friends and family are graduates, from left, Aleesha Campbell, Melissa McKenney and Joshua Wortman. |
“If a crayon sits back in the box and doesn’t get sharpened, then it won’t be able to contribute to the picture as much,” she said.
York ended her speech with a challenge. “Travel the world, try new things, and talk to all sorts of people. If so, by the time you’re 82 you’ll have a bajillion stories to tell.”
In her salutatory address, Amanda Hotham encouraged classmates to set goals, work hard and dedicate themselves to realize their potential. “For those who are inclined to say ‘I can’t’ or ‘I wish I had talent’ or ‘I wish I were gifted,’ I say ‘You are gifted.’ ‘You are talented and special.’ God has a plan for each of you; just believe in yourself and follow your dreams.”
Class President Ashley Parady echoed the other speakers in expressing appreciation for the tremendous assistance her class has received from faculty, family, friends and Fort Fairfield.
“I believe I speak for all the graduates today when I say that I sincerely appreciate the support from the community that has helped us build our characters throughout the years and earn our seats on this stage,” she said.
