VAN BUREN, Maine – Eleven students officially finished high school following a June 7 graduation ceremony at Van Buren District Secondary School.
Principal Kylie Lapierre welcomed students, families and guests and Lilly Ouellette performed the National Anthem.
Lapierre, in her welcome speech, encouraged graduates to pursue their passions, become lifelong learners, to make a difference and to be true to themselves. Lapierre also emphasized the importance of gratitude and reflecting on the people who helped along the way, like parents, teachers, mentors and friends.
“As you move forward, remember that this is not an end but a beginning,” Lapierre said. “You are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to shape your future and leave a lasting impact. The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but it is also brimming with opportunities. Embrace it with enthusiasm, optimism and a sense of adventure.”
School counselor Amanda Boynton was the ceremony’s guest speaker. She discussed how it has been a privilege to watch the graduating class blossom into thoughtful, courageous and resilient young adults.
“I’ve seen what you’re capable of, and I believe wholeheartedly in the possibilities that lie ahead for each and every one of you,” Boynton said.
Her advice to students upon entering the world of adulthood included making tough decisions every day, trying again after failure, asking tough questions and being true to yourself.
She also encouraged students to be kind, to never lose their weirdness, to embrace failure because it proves that they’re trying, to be grateful and to remember that graduation isn’t the end, but the beginning.
“You are ready,” she said. “We believe in you. And we can’t wait to see what kind of world you build.”
Class speaker Violet Nelson talked about all the small moments in life that led to this point, and how the graduating class will continue to build their lives.
“Growing up wasn’t a single moment, but a thousand tiny steps — some painful, some joyful, and a few that definitely left us questioning our life choices. It was pulling an all-nighter before a big test, the agony of the first real heartbreak, that felt like the world was ending even though we were only 15, battling nerves before speaking out loud in class, and that feeling of deep pride when someone said, ‘I’m proud of you,’ even though we secretly knew we just passed that final test by the skin of our teeth,” Nelson said.
She concluded by assuring her classmates that they won’t be leaving anything behind, but building on what they’ve already gathered through their time at school together.
Boynton announced over $160,000 in scholarships that were awarded for the class, which was over twice the amount of last year. The class viewed a slideshow of their time together, and Superintendent Karen DuBois and school board chair Nicholas Parent presented diplomas.
DuBois delivered closing remarks, and the class recessional song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears played as the ceremony concluded.
