Staff Writer
As Steven Crowley approached the stage to receive his diploma during the Caribou High School graduation on Sunday, the audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
A member of the Caribou High School graduating class of 2008, Steven Crowley in commencement garb, stands with his family after ceremonies Sunday. Five years ago Crowley was injured by lightning and used a wheelchair because of his limited mobility. However, he was able to walk to the stage to accept his diploma. From left is Tim Crowley, Steven’s father, the graduate, Mary Crowley, Steven’s mother and Dennis Walls, the ed tech that assisted Steven in high school. In back is Adam, Crowley, the graduate’s older brother.
Although a routine event, Crowley’s walk was significant considering that five years ago he was struck by lightning while sliding at the Caribou Country Club. Since then, he has had to use a wheelchair due to limited mobility while attending classes during his high school career.
It was an emotional, but energetic, moment for most spectators as the student, with the aid of his father, Tim Crowley, and Dennis Walls, the ed tech who assisted Steve for two of his high school years, walked onto the stage.
“It as a goal that Steven had set for himself,” said Mary Crowley, the student’s mother, after the ceremony.
Steven was a sophomore when the incident occurred and he missed the next 18 months of school. Although he was scheduled to graduate in 2005, he was only able to attend classes for half a day when he returned to school since he needed to have therapy for the rest of the day. However, Crowley refused to give up, his mother said.
“He did not say once, ‘I did not want to go to school,’” Mrs. Crowley said.
Crowley was one of more than 100 students graduating during ceremonies at the high school, which drew hundreds of proud parents, family members and friends. The afternoon commencement included speeches, presentations and musical selections from the high school band and senior chorus.
In her valedictory address, Amy Anderson cited two items that student receive from their families — roots and wings. Comparing roots to those of a dandelion, Anderson said that the deep roots are like those of Aroostook County residents.
“Our home, our community, our heritage, our families,” said Anderson. “These are all deeply rooted in the soil and will always remain part of us.”
The students also are similar to dandelion seeds that “fly from the mother flower into a wide new world where they reach a new existence,” she said.
Wings symbolize the quality of change and freedom, Anderson said.
“Our wings will soon bring us to new destinations, where we will make new decisions each day,” she said. “We will soon embark on our ultimate journey (of) life.”
The class Salutatorian, Karyn King, cited the “serious” stride that the students have made in their four years.
“We have learned to take pride in our work, work collaboratively with our fellow students, work efficiently with technology and most importantly to think independently,” said King.
Quoting Thomas Edison, King encouraged her fellow students “to strive for success in their life, to hold fast the morals that have been passed on to them by their families and to never give up.”
Class President Lucas Butler thanked the class advisers, Amy Taylor and Diana Locke for their dedication to the class and to parents who made the Project Graduation of whitewater rafting possible.
Butler said that serving as class president has been an honor.
“The job has been tough and demanding, but it one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done,” said Butler.
Students offering the invocation and benediction at the commencement were Sherri Zbylut and Allyson Hessert, respectively.
Scott Willey, chairman of the Caribou School Board and Franklin McElwain, school superintendent, awarded diplomas.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Waiting for their cue from the concert band were Class Marshals, Spencer McElwain, left, and Jasmine Kirchner, for the 2008 graduating class at Caribou High School. More than 100 students graduated Sunday.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Members of the Senior Chorus perform during the 2008 graduation ceremonies at Caribou High School on Sunday. The group is under the direction of Vicki King.
