Staff Writer
Members of the 2010 eighth grade class at the New Sweden School donned their caps and gowns, June 9, as they prepared to received their diplomas, having completed their grade school education.
Aroostook Republican photos by Barb Scott
New Sweden graduate Autumn Kavin accepts congratulations from Rep. Bernard Ayotte, on receiving the Secretary of State’s Citizenship Award.
‘Pomp and Circumstance,” played by members of the School Union 122 Band, announced the entry of the six students into their familiar gymnasium, led by Class Marshal Jacob Alan Bither.
Following a welcome the commencement ceremonies by Sarina Voisine, and the flag salute, led by Bither, and Elliott Jo Landeen, the “National Anthem” was sung by eighth-grade graduate Autumn Lynn Kavin.
Caleb Scott Findlen presented the Salutatory Address offering thanks to his parents and teachers, encouraging his friends to ”dream big.”
The Class History was presented by Jacob Bither, Elliott Landeen and Kimberleigh Pottle, followed by the Class Prophecy delivered by Caleb Findlen and Elliott Landeen.
Honors Essayist Kimberleigh Pottle, spoke to her classmates, telling them to look forward to their future.
Faculty member Linda Ross was a guest speaker at the commencement exercises, recounting a number of activities and events she had shared with the six students, stating, “It has been a priviledge to have taught each of you.” After Ross’s remarks graduates, family members and friends, enjoyed a slideshow which showed the students as babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, continuing through their New Sweden School days.
The Class Will was presented by graduates Autumn Kavin and Sarina Voisine.
Prior to the awarding of diploma by Superintendent of School Union 122 John Hedman and Gail Maynard, principal of the New Sweden School, Rep. Bernard Ayotte (Caswell) a presented the Secretary of State’s Citizenship Award to Autumn Kavin. Ayotee is a former teaching principal of the school.
The 2010 Valedictory Address for the New Sweden graduates was given by Autumn Lynn Kavin who stated, “ Next fall we’ll be getting on the school bus but won’t be going to the New Sweden School but to the high school.” Kavin encouraged her classmates to set goals for themselves and to move foward.
The six new eighth -grade graduates left the stage for the last time as students at the New Sweden School as the band played the recessional, music to the song “Good Riddance.”
2010 eighth-grade graduates include Jacob Alan Bither, Caleb Scott Findlen, Autumn Lynn Kavin, Elliott Jo Landeen, Kimberleigh Logan Pottle and Sarina Lillian Voisine.
