By Debra WalshStaff Writer
Graduates of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics were urged during their recent commencement ceremony to become part of the solution to the energy problem.
In her keynote address, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said that MSSM graduates could get involved in energy production and usage research.
“The breakthroughs that will come from this renewed commitment to research will make a huge difference in every home here and around the world,” Collins said. “These breakthroughs are just waiting for you to discover them.”
A total of 31 students graduated from the magnet school in Limestone on May 24.
Collins talked about the new challenges of energy security and of achieving energy independence while protecting the environment at the same time. The country needs to respond to the challenge with the same commitment as to land a man on the moon.
“We must rally around the goal of national energy independence,” said Collins.
The senator cited her ten-point energy plan that she introduced in April, which included four steps that government could take to mitigate high prices. The other steps involve energy independence for long term.
“You can be part of this important mission,” said Collins.
Offering remarks on behalf of the faculty was Michael McCartney, who told a story about the construction of a church in England that took several centuries.
As the church was being restored in the 1950s, a man was found to be cleaning the murals with a toothbrush, as did his father before him. When asked about why he used such a small implement, he said a larger bush would ruin the murals in the church.
“It’s an act of love and acts of love should never be rushed,” McCartney said.
As the graduates leave MSSM onto other paths of endeavor, McCartney urged them to lay foundations with hope, asking them to consider “what will my cathedral be?”
In an emotional speech, Victor Tardif III said that the pride of graduation comes neither from graduating from a high school named the 35th best high school in the nation nor from graduation from the Maine School of Science and Mathematics.
“Our pride come from the tests, the home work done during late nights,” Tardiff said. “At this school, we have been tested, we’ve been quizzed … to take that next step takes as much courage as it did on moving day.”
Also offering comments were Dr. David Haines, chairman of the MSSM Board of Trustees and Walter Warner, the school’s executive director.
“Regardless of (school) consolidation, energy problems, the Maine School of Science and Mathematics will always be around to provide the best high school education in the state,” said Warner.
Graduating were Corina Batson, Ashley Burr, Nicholas Castonguay, Caitlyn Charles, Ashley Chenevert, Nicholas DeStafano, Allison Dupont, Daniel Freedman, Eileen Haffner, David Jameson, Andrea Jarrett, Nicholas Jimenez, Paul Kennedy, Alexandria Kidson, Alisha Latvis, Chunan Liang, Donald Ernest Joseph Manning, Dawn McDonald, Harry Mickalide, Emily Pike, Arya Poppema-Bannon, Charles Rose, Jake Rottersman, Corey Sarsfield, Kelly Schwicardi, Victor Tardiff III, Kristin Thornton, Christopher Toothaker, Seth Wagner, Kristina Yurko.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Daniel Freedman of Caribou, right, receives his diploma during commencement exercises May 24 at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone. Freedman was one of 31 students who graduated from the magnet school.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Kristin Thornton of North Waterboro was one of 31 graduates who “survived” the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. Students wore similar T-shirts under their commencement garb on May 24.
