Hodgdon holds commencement

    HODGDON — Fifty-one students wrapped up their high school career with a commencement exercises at Hodgdon High School June 6.     After the processional and Pledge of Allegiance by class officers Taylor Quint, Samantha Boxwell, Stacie Wellington and Julia Lunn, the audience was welcomed by high school Principal Clark Rafford who also awarded honors to Hodgdon’s All-Around Boy and Girl — Alex Harris and Camille Hutchinson.
    Harris, salutatorian of the Class of 2008, started off speeches by the honor parts.
    “Graduation is the end of one journey and the start of another,” he told the audience. “This is a time when we can all look back at all the moments, friendships and experiences we have had. Tonight is the first night that we can all say that ‘we are’ instead of ‘we will become.’ Tonight we have accomplished a major life goal. Tonight we take the first step into the rest of our lives.”
    Harris went on to express appreciation to all the family and friends whose support enabled the graduates to reach this milestone. He compared the rest of their lives to amusement park rides the class enjoyed on their senior trip.
    “Sit back. Relax. There are no exits and you will need to keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times,” he quipped. “Get ready world because Hodgdon just had a graduation.”
    Third Honor Essayist Ashley Levesque also expressed gratitude, especially to her family members, in her address. Graduation is a time of sad goodbyes, she continued, and also happy expectations.
    “What we have to look forward to are the things unknown beyond the ridges of time,” she said. “The future holds great opportunities for us. I can only hope you seize your responsibilities and curiosities and conquer your fears. For today is a new beginning.”
    Second Honor Essayist Taylor-Jo Quint talked about life’s doors in her speech.
    “Each door we opened [here at Hodgdon High School] gave us knowledge and memories that we took with us,” she said. “I want each and every one of you to know that there is a special door out there waiting for you, but when you open that door don’t forget all of the doors that you have opened and closed along the way.”
    After music by Krystal Estabrook, Julia Lunn, Sarah Morey, Camille Pierce and teacher Melissa Barton, First Honor Essayist Kaitlin Russell spoke.
    “I don’t think we realize sometimes how lucky we are to grow up in such a small school,” she told her fellow graduates. “We know everyone in this high school and we’re close to many of them. I, for one, am going to miss a lot of underclassmen next year. Maybe I’ll never have a genie for a best friend or a fairy godmother … and I’ll probably never live in a castle or get my dream ride on Pegasus … but I have grown up with a class full of best friends and I couldn’t ask for any more than that.”
    Valedictorian Shannon Martin talked about her family and described how each one helped her become the person she is today. She also encouraged her classmates to hold on to the friendships they’ve developed during high school.
    “Hold on to those people who loved you without limits and never let go of them because they are the ones who made you who you are today,” she concluded.
    Remarks were given by Superintendent Robert McDaniel before diplomas were conferred by McDaniel, Rafford, Assistant Principal David Minzy and Guidance Director Bernadette Willette.
    Ceremonies closed with a recessional to the song “Good Riddance” by Green Day and led by Class Marshall Shannon Martin.