CASWELL, Maine — The Dawn F. Barnes Elementary school in Caswell held their graduation ceremony Monday for the school’s graduating eighth-grade class.
There were only three students in this year’s graduating class, making the middle school commencement ceremonies even more intimate and special for the graduates, parents and teachers alike.
The ceremonies began with a message from Caswell’s Principal Krystina Davenport, who talked about how she would miss the students, but she knew they were ready to take the next step in their education. She conveyed how much pride she felt knowing they would be prepared for any obstacles they may face at their new school, which will likely be Limestone Community School.
Once Davenport had finished at the podium, second- and third-grade teacher Debra Blanchette was next to speak to the graduates and their friends and family in the crowd. She talked about some of the lessons she and her students had learned during their time together at Caswell. Blanchette told the graduating class to never be afraid, to never give up, no matter what happens and to ask for help if they need it. Before saying goodbye and congratulating the students, Blanchette laughed, and told them to also remember to take care of their future responsibilities, like making sure to get all of next year’s homework done.
Next, it was time for the graduates to step up to the podium and have their moment of recognition, as they spoke to their peers, friends and family members with a new sense of accomplishment.
The first graduate to grace the podium for their farewell speech was Marissa Emery. Emery spoke to those in the audience about her fond memories from the small Caswell school. She claimed that at first she was skeptical about the small class size of the school, but as time went on she built lasting relationships with the students and faculty that will last forever.
Graduate Josh Dufour was next to deliver his speech, as he told the audience of the many lessons he has learned as a student at Dawn F. Barnes Elementary.
Last, but certainly not least was graduate Jeanna Guillemette, who like Emery, spoke about the extra attention and hands-on learning experiences she was able to receive as a student at the Caswell school. She told the audience about her former school, which was much larger than Dawn F. Barnes Elementary, which made her nervous coming into such a new and different atmosphere. However, after her arrival in Caswell, she would soon learn that there was no school she would have rather attended.
The graduation ceremony ended with an emotionally moving slide-show that was presented to the graduates, as they sat in the crowd surrounded by friends and family. The slide-show included pictures from the students’ earliest days of elementary school, up until their final days in eighth grade.
