Sunday, June 8 marked the end of an amazing journey for the Fort Fairfield Class of 2014. Each student within the graduating class has overcome different obstacles, achieved different accomplishments and created many different memories throughout their school years.
As the 32 students gathered in the cafeteria of the Fort Fairfield Middle-High School, the mixed emotions were felt. Classmates adjusted one another’s caps, zipped each other’s gowns and posed for many pictures. But nothing could prepare them for the life-changing moment that was about to happen, their high school graduation.
Class President, Madeline Martin, and Vice President, Jordan Sirois, led their fellow classmates into the gymnasium. Ending the lineup were Class Secretary Shyanna Smith and Treasurer Whitney McNamee. The class filled the stage with their red and white gowns. After everyone took their seats, Madeline Martin took the stand.
“I think I speak for my whole class when I say that we are all very excited and happy to finally be here in front of you all. We are also very thankful to have you all here to help us celebrate this special day as we come to an end of one of the biggest chapters of our lives,” Martin said.
Martin expressed her thanks to all those that have been a part of her journey as well as her classmates. Bringing her introduction to a close, she left her classmates with some uplifting advice.
“I myself have complete faith that everyone on this stage will make their own mark in this world. So my advice is and always will be, don’t ever let anyone stand in your way, because you decide your future. I wish you all nothing but complete happiness and the best of the best in whatever life throws your way,” Martin said.
Applause followed, congratulating Martin on a job well done, and welcoming Salutatorian, Jordann Coiley to express her thanks and share her memories. Her speech provided the audience members and her fellow classmates with a quick trip down memory lane, and little lessons she’s learned along the way.
“The sad, overwhelming part of senior year arrives not when college applications and scholarships are due, but when you realize each event is the last of its kind,” Coiley said. “Quickly, I’ve learned to appreciate the little things, and in these moments I’ve realize just how special the people surrounding me are.”
Coiley made her appreciation of others in her life known, and she expressed just how important it is for us all to do the same. Her journey and everyone else’s journeys wouldn’t have been possible or nearly as meaningful without all the people along the way to provide guidance and assistance.
“Personally, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have made it this far without the love and unconditional support from my friends, family and classmates. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough time in the day to thank everyone personally for all of their support over the years. Just know that your influences have made this all possible,” Coiley said.
Appreciation and thanks was certainly the theme of the speeches given by the graduates. Valedictorian, Jordan Sirois thanked many people within her speech, and noted that much of what she has accomplished wouldn’t have been possible without them. She also made it clear that their class was a very close one.
“We have so many great memories together as a class that I’ll never forget. And even if we could be divided at times, we always came together when we needed to,” Sirois said.
Sirois shared memories specific to the class, and smiles spread across all their faces. She also had some final remarks and advice that will last in the minds and hearts of not only the graduates, but those in attendance as well.
“Today we are walking out into an even bigger chapter of our future. The future can be scary, but it can also be wonderful,” Sirois said. “I think it’s important for us all to remember that if you’re doing something you love, you will be happy. Happiness should be the number-one goal in life, because, without it, nothing else really matters.”
On top of all the wonderful advice given and all the memories shared, over $75,000 in scholarships were awarded. Class officers were recognized, and the top 10 were awarded with plaques by Principal, Tanya Belanger. And of course, the moment all had been waiting for, graduates were awarded with their high school diplomas.
After the ceremony came to an end, graduates formed a receiving line in front of the school to receive recognition from family, friends and staff. The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful for such a great ending to such a special day.
