Staff Writer
As the Limestone Community School band played, “Pomp and Circumstance,” 22 graduating seniors of the Class of 2008, led by class marshals, Melanie Allen and Tyler Menifield, entered the packed auditorium setting the stage for the 100th graduation commencement exercises to be held in Limestone.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott Salutatorian and Class President, Kalli Cote, first welcomed her classmates, families, friends and teachers then proceeded to speak of the challenges, successes and attempts that the Class of 2008 witnessed throughout their high school years.
“It’s been quite a ride,” the salutatorian stated. “As freshmen, we entered looking to find our identity, opening our lockers for the first time and we couldn’t wait to get older.”
“Three years ago we couldn’t wait to get older, we were expanding as students, but still searching for our identity,” said Cote.
“Two years ago,” Cote reminded, “as upperclassmen we realized who are true friends were, we got our licenses and we were still not sure of our identity and we couldn’t wait to get older.”
“This year, as seniors, we realized all the things we were doing would be for the last time as a class,” added the class president and salutatorian. “We applied for colleges, got accepted and rejected. We became aware of the time which had slipped away. We realized that we would be saying goodbye to friends, family and our homes as we once again start over.”she said.
Robert Hancock next addressed the graduates reminding them of a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt,”Hope is not a goal, it is a product.”
“Seek peace,” encouraged Hancock, “work for justice, you are each responsible for your part of the world. Stand for something,” he enforced, “sail against the wind, do not drift and never anchor. Remember, life is not fair, get up.”
Robert Amuzzini, valedictorian of the Class of 2008 at Limestone Community School, addressed his classmates reminding them “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, it is measured by the things which take our breath away.”
The valedictorian offered special thanks to Principal Ryan Enman and Assistant Principal Leland Caron for “helping the class of 2008 become what it is.”
Speaking directly to each of his classmates, Amuzzini, spoke of special memories created throughout their high school years, brining laughs and tears with each testimony.
Class Adviser Christian Johnson, gave a very personal and emotional address to “my friends sitting on the stage.”
“What a great experience I’ve had for the past three years, I am very thankful, this has been more than healing, it has brought closure.” This statement reflected on Johnson’s own struggles and challenges he was faced with at an early age.
Johnson proceeded, after having the graduates adjust their chairs toward him to give his “final will and testament” to each individual graduate, easing the obvious emotional tensions by stating, “May all your first born be just like you.”
As Johnson finished, he charged the graduates to “Never give up. Don’t stop dreaming, and to be careful on the ladder of success – you never know who you’ll meet on the way back down.”
Principal Ryan Enman and Michelle Albert, Limestone School Committee chair awarded the graduates their diplomas.
The new 2008 graduates left the auditorium to their class song, “Learn To Fly”. A reception followed immediately in the school cafeteria.
Members of the Limestone Community School graduating Class of 2008 are: Thomas Albert, Melanie Allen, Robert Amuzzini, Matthew Beaulieu, Ryan Bell, Ryan Burress, Leah Caldwell and Ashley Case.
Also, Sarah Cappola, Kalli Cote, Jessica Dempsey, Matthew Enman, Caleb Foster, Marie Mazerolle, Tyler Menifield, Joseph Norton, Scott Pelletier, Addison Rossignol, Melanie Saucier, Kasondra Smith, Zachary Tounzen and Morgan Adams.
