Grads told
‘success is direct result of hard work, not luck’
By Tomi Henderson
Special to The Star-Herald
MARS HILL — The Central Aroostook High School gymnasium was the site of graduation activities on June 8, as 29 members of the Class of 2012 received their diplomas. Mrs. Wendy Grass played the prelude and processional as Class Marshal Lindsey Watson led the Class of 2012 into the auditorium.
Photos courtesy of Tomi Henderson
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Valedictorian Landon Jackins, Principal Kevin Grass and Salutatorian Victoria McIntyre smile for the camera following graduation exercises June 8 at Central Aroostook High School. |
Class Salutatorian Victoria McIntyre welcomed friends and family to the commencement activities. She stated that “tonight signifies the success that each and every one of us has reached. Whether it has been in sports, academics or in our personal lives, we have all achieved many great things. However, without our parents and the faculty of our school, we wouldn’t be sitting here before you tonight.” She finished by saying “the Class of 2012 will never be forgotten because ‘Many seniors graduate, but only true leaders leave footprints behind.’”
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| GREW HONORED — Central Aroostook High School Principal Kevin Grass presented Student of the Year to Rachael Grew during Class Night on Thursday, June 7. |
Seniors Mariah Brewer and Lindsey Watson each sang selections for their classmates. A slide presentation, prepared by Olivia Cyr, was enjoyed by all as the class was shown through the years.
Valedictorian Landon Jackins spoke of how far the class has come in the last 12 years. He stated, “And now, at long last, we are at the end of our time here” at CAHS. “I have looked forward to this day for a long time, but now I wonder where the time has gone. Tonight marks the ending of one chapter of our lives and the beginning of another.” He urged his classmates to “Remember what you learned here and use that knowledge to reach your goals. Don’t forget about the experiences you’ve had here and do not forget the people who brought you to this point. We will all go and live as we please and we will strive to accomplish our goals as adults. Don’t give up … Life is what you want it to be. Make it the best you can.”
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| Mariah Brewer gets a final tweaking by Mrs. Nola Pendexter, class advisor, before graduation exercises at Central Aroostook High School on June 8. |
There were many scholarships awarded during Class Night, held on June 7, and at graduation. An Army Scholarship was awarded to Taylor Garrison. An ROTC Scholarship was awarded to Brendan York.
There were over $67,000 in local scholarships awarded during Class Night and at graduation and another $144,000 in military scholarships. Ninety percent of the graduates are going on to college, four will be entering the military and one will enter the workforce.
The presentation of diplomas was done by Jason Woollard, chairman of the Board of Directors; Superintendent Roger Shaw; Superintendent Marc Gendron; Principal Kevin Grass; and Class Advisor Nola Pendexter, with Mrs. Robin Barker reading the graduates’ names.
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| Graduates Shannon Todd and Daniel Brewer deliver the Class History during graduation exercises at CAHS on June 8. |
Superintendent Roger Shaw congratulated the class for their many accomplishments. He stated, “Take advantage of the opportunities that await you, care deeply about others and always strive to give back more than you take from society. You most importantly need to be good people who care for others more than yourselves; accepting both success and adversity graciously, always greeting others with a smile and establishing a good internal moral compass to follow.” He closed by urging the graduates “Don’t ever underestimate the influence of good character.
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| Marching into graduation exercises at Central Aroostook High School on June 8 are Heather Bradstreet and Joshua Barton. |
Success is a direct result of hard work, perseverance, integrity and goodness, not luck.” He challenged them “to always live each day guided, above all else, by a strong desire to do what’s right, not necessarily what’s popular. God‘s blessing on each of you and your future endeavors.”
In closing, Class President Whitney Klein extended her thanks to all who supported her class through the years.
Congratulations, Class of 2012.
