HAPPY GRADUATES — Houlton High School graduates began celebrating before they left the stage on Thursday, June 4. The John Millar Civic Center was filled with several hundred guests for the 110th graduation of the school. Mr. Timothy Tweedie, high school social studies teacher gave the commencement address.
Houlton High grads reminded of community
By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
HOULTON — The 110th Houlton High School graduation was held on June 4. The students, led by Class Marshall, Justine Anderson entered the John Millar Arena to see it filled with family, friends and faculty members.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Karen Donato
ALL SMILES — Sharing their last activity together as seniors of the Class of 2009 are seated, Desiree Dow. Standing from left, Ashley Findlater, Kelsey Theriault, Eleanor Widhalm, Josh McFarland, Ashley Bailey, Justin Haggerty and Cori Crovo.
The senior chorus sang the “Star Spangled Banner” to begin the exercises and entertained during the program singing, “In My Life” and “Hakuna Matata”, directed by Rebecca DeWan, the high school choral director.
Class President Emily Gendron welcomed her 94 classmates reminding them never to forget the life’s lessons they had learned through their school days at ‘good old Houlton High’ and how proud she was of all of their accomplishments. She thanked those individuals who had encouraged and inspired them, some of the same words commencement speaker Timothy Tweedie would reiterate in his address to the seniors.
FINISHING TOUCH — Senior class advisor Dawn Matthews attaches an honor society sash to Porter Gervais.
Salutatorian Colleen Fitzpatrick praised the class as well and encouraged them to keep their same attitude that had been their trademark throughout their school career. They had “never been afraid to look beyond the unknown.”
Fitzpatrick introduced Tweedie, Houlton High School social studies teacher. The class had selected him because he demonstrated many of their same views, always challenging them and encouraging students to explore beyond the boundaries.
Tweedie, a resident of Blaine and a graduate of Central Aroostook High School and the University of Maine at Presque Isle reminded the graduates to never forget their community as they go their separate ways. “Remember how good the community of greater Houlton has been to you all through your years of education. Even when the rest of the country is experiencing major lifestyle changes, the residents of Aroostook County who have been brought up in a more conservative fashion seem to be dealing with the economic woes a bit less dramatically,” he said.
CONGRATULATIONS — Levi Prosser receives his 2009 Houlton High School diploma from Supt. Steve Fitzpatrick.
“Is that because we have never known the other side of the bubble?” asked Tweedie. “Or is it, that long ago we accepted the fact that our prosperity here in the county would never reach the levels of a citizen in Manhattan or even the communities of southern Maine?”
“Yet,” said Tweedie, “when you, the students needed a skate park, it was built. When the auditorium was deemed unfit for such a prosperous music program, the town voted overwhelmingly to construct a new one. You’ve been garnished with Little League fields; you’ve hosted world renowned entertainers in your like-new arena, which doubles as an ice hockey rink; your town has worked hard to provide you with the best Soapbox Derby Hill around, a beautiful amphitheatre, The Millennium Walking Bridge, a successful recreation department and the list goes on.”
Tweedie commended the generosity of the community that has given their children the best life in Aroostook that a County dollar can provide.
“By continuing to invest in the experiences and education of your local youth you are declaring to both this generation and the many to come that Houlton is and intends to remain a small but thriving community,” he said.
Tweedie charged the graduates to make the most of the opportunities that lay ahead. In order to achieve their goals, they will need to show leadership, kindness and confidence.
“In the next few weeks you will join more than 800 other graduates from Aroostook County,” said Tweedie. “That is more than 800 that were looking for jobs yesterday and competing with you for employment. Hopefully you have two, four or six more years’ of education left. Take that next step to max out your potential, because it will be your turn someday to give back to the community that has given so much to you.”
BEST FRIENDS — High school friends who shared many classes are waiting in anticipation for their diplomas and their future plans. From left, Kerstien Wilcox, Tiffany Carmichael and Tiffany Tucker.
Valedictorian Anna Caron, spoke about the tough times that her classmates had endured; not just academically, but dealing with real life situations. She praised the tight-knit class and how they had been there for each other through some very difficult situations, such as, financial burdens, parents divorcing, losing a loved one, dealing with a broken heart, speeding tickets, running a Chinese Restaurant, building a Chinese Restaurant.
“Some found faith, while others lost faith,” said Caron. “Life is about love, when you are down, get back up, your family and friends are there to help you.”
First Honor Essayist, Corinne Crovo said that she cried every day when she started kindergarten, but her mother made her go anyway. Once she adjusted she tried to do her best. Her advice now was to “stick with what you start.”
“It’s not that bad and someday you will be rewarded … it will get better,” she said. “Now we are ready to go our separate ways, finally getting our reward by graduating. Never give up. Some day it will pay off.”
Superintendent Steve Fitzpatrick presented the diplomas to the graduates assisted by Marty Bouchard, high school principal.
Erika Lackey, second honor essayist, wrote the Class Ode to accompany music by Bob Dylan, “Make You Feel My Love.”
Officers for the class were, Emily Gendron, president, Lainey Herring, vice-president, Laura Schools, secretary and Tiffany Carmichael, treasurer.
Make You Feel My Love
(Words and Music by Bob Dylan, performed by Garth Brooks)
As you stand here upon the stage
Try and look back to an earlier age
Life’s a book, just turn back the page
As we say good-bye.
These years went by, so fast we know
Saw each other laugh and grow
We just wish it had gone by slow
As we say good-bye.
Going back to that familiar place
It will never be the same
Times were spent with friends you can’t replace
Forever in our hearts they will remain.
Through your journeys, make your dreams come true
Do the very best that you can do
Always venture out to something new
As we say good-bye.
Reflecting on the memories that we’ve made
Flashbacks flowing in your mind
The former innocence, we wish had stayed
Why can’t we just sit and hit rewind.
Seasons change and so do we
Never thought this was who I’d be
The time has come, we’re finally free
Now we say good-bye
Now we say good-bye.
Class of 2009
