WASHBURN, Maine — From the first speaker to the final procession of graduates from the gymnasium, Washburn’s commencement ceremony was a soggy affair, as students, faculty, friends and family shed more than a few tears June 6.
Kennedy Churchill, president of the Class of 2014, kicked off the event, reflecting on her classmates’ time at Washburn District High School, choking back tears as she urged her peers to “cherish memories made at WDHS.”
She also acknowledged the love and support of parents over the years.
“Sometimes parents push you to do things you don’t want to, but they do it because they don’t want you to have any regrets,” said Kennedy. “Thanks for loving us so much.”
Tanya Tarbox and Taylor Thompson followed, announcing the presentation of appreciation awards to faculty and staff.
Nicole Olson, first honor essayist, was next to speak, thanking the communities of Washburn, Perham and Wade for being examples of community spirit.
“Some of us have never lived anywhere else, so we might not understand how fortunate we are to be part of such a caring and giving community. We might be small, but we’re mighty and you always came through whenever we needed anything,” said Olson, as she too dabbed away tears.
“I couldn’t be prouder to call you my classmates, my friends, my teachers, my coaches but, most importantly, to call Washburn my home,” she said.
She thanked her parents, noting they “stood behind me with every decision I’ve made, even if you didn’t agree — and I couldn’t be more thankful for that,” said Olson.
Olson urged her classmates to “show the world what the Washburn Class of 2014 is made of,” concluding her speech by saying “You can take Nicole out of Washburn, but you will never take Washburn out of Nicole.”
Tears continued as Salutatorian Carmen Bragg spoke.
Bragg began by dimming the stage lights, increasing the light as she reviewed the past 18 years, with her senior year being the brightest.
“The lights that have led me here will now guide me through the new darkness of the college life ahead, except this time I won’t be afraid,” she said.
She thanked her parents and family for their continued support, then acknowledged her teachers.
“I appreciate the challenges you’ve presented me with and for the guidance you’ve given to overcome them,” said Bragg.
Going through a lengthy list of thank-yous, Bragg took the time to thank the audience for their support.
“There is no greater feeling than to see the bleachers or sidelines full at almost every single sports game, no matter if it was home or away,” she said.
In talking of her “BFF Cars” (Carsyn Koch), she said, amid tears, “I know you are going to go far in life and can achieve or overcome anything you set your mind to. I can’t wait to hear of all your new adventures. Remember that this is not a goodbye for good, but a see you soon. Love you.”
Bragg finished by telling her classmates to “focus on the things that can go right, instead of dwelling on the things that could go wrong. Attitude is everything. Thinking positively can help you see the opportunities in every difficulty, instead of seeing the difficulty in every opportunity.”
Koch, class valedictorian, rounded out the night’s speakers.
Topping her list of those to thank were her parents.
“To my family: I adore you. You crazy, energetic, wonderful (but also sometimes quite weird, but still very lovely) group of people. Mom and Dad, you have both been my pillars of strength,” Koch said.
Koch couldn’t hold back the tears as she spoke of her best friend.
“According to my last name, I technically only have two sisters. Well throw that out the window because I actually have three. Carmen Rose, you have been and will always be my best friend. I’m pretty much only comfortable when I’m with you. You’re like the sweatpants of my life. Through thick and thin, somehow we’ve made it to this day together,” she said.
“It’s hard to believe that the beautiful young lady who stood up here to give a speech tonight was once the extremely shy little girl I met in the sandbox the first day of pre-school. Carmen hit the nail on the head when she said, ‘You’re there to tell me when I need to use my voice, and I’m here to tell you to shut up.’ We have honestly been through so many storms that could have torn our friendship apart, and yet, here we are,” said Koch, tears welling in her eyes.
Koch said Bragg had a “heart of gold and a personality that is more giving and selfless than I could ever hope to be.”
“Though there is no way anyone could define you in a simple quote, this anonymous quote fits you quite nicely, ‘Courage doesn’t always roar … sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying: I will try again tomorrow,’” said Koch.
Koch advised her classmates to “Be whatever you want to be” and to “give it your all.”
In closing, she reminded them of their responsibility to their community and family.
“Always we hear the cry from teenagers, ‘What can we do,’ or “Where can we go?’ My answer is this: go home, mow the lawn, wash the windows, learn to cook, build a raft, get a job, visit the sick, study your lessons — and after you’ve finished, read a book,” she said.
“Your town doesn’t owe you recreational facilities and your parents do not owe you fun. The world does not owe you a living, you owe the world something. You owe it your time, energy and talent, so that no one will be at war, in sickness or lonely again. In other words, grow up. Stop being a cry baby, get out of your dream world and develop a backbone, not a wishbone. Start behaving like a responsible person,” continued Koch.
“You are important and you are needed. It’s too late to sit around and wait for somebody to do something. Someday is now and that somebody is you,” concluded Koch.
Over $200,000 in scholarships and awards were then presented to the class of 26 graduates, followed by special recognitions. Students then joined their parents, recognizing them for their years of love and support.
Koch, Bragg and Olson were joined on stage by classmate Andrew “Drew” White on guitar, to sing “Never Alone,” which White wrote for graduation.
Superintendent Ed Buckley and Assistant Principal Ron Ericson then handed out diplomas.
