Mars Hill graduates told to ‘be the change you want to see’

    The Central Aroostook High School gymnasium in Mars Hill was the site for graduation activities on June 6, as the 24 members of the Class of 2014 received their diplomas. Mrs. Wendy Grass played the prelude and processional as Class Marshal Spencer Garrison led the graduates into the auditorium.
Principal Kay York welcomed the Class of 2014. She stated, “I can picture many of you sitting in my first grade classroom, all bright-eyed and excited to learn! Now you are here, all bright-eyed and ready to graduate from high school! Thank you for making my first year as principal so rewarding.” She told them, “Your life, your goals, your successes will be what you make them. As you go forth from here tonight, don’t settle for mediocrity. Make your life what you want it to be. Be the change you want to see.”
Class Salutatorian Megan King spoke about the names written on the inside cover of textbooks she has used throughout school. To be “remembered by our names in books, then students for years to come will potentially meet someone who may become a nurse, a teacher, a video game designer, a writer or a marine biologist. We are leaving behind just a piece of what we did and who we are on the journey to fulfill the legacy of our names. If we are all leaving behind a bit of hope for the future, I’d say that’s a pretty good legacy.”
Valedictorian Stephanie Dame thanked everyone for “all of your support and encouragement that you have provided us throughout the years; we would not be standing here today if it wasn’t for your help. I think it is safe to say that our successes were not done alone. I would like to thank our teachers for always pushing us to do our best and providing us with opportunities to grow and learn. I hope one day we will be able to make a difference in the lives of others the way you have in ours.”
“Each of us have special people who have had a significant influence in our lives. For some of us, it may be a parent, a sibling, a teacher, a coach or even a close friend. I think that it is important for us to remember that we cannot do this alone. We are going to face obstacles that we need help overcoming. And that is okay. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Knowing that you may need some guidance shows strength.”
“This also means that the opportunity to help others is always present. As we leave this school tonight, we are starting a brand new chapter in our lives. The opportunities awaiting us are endless. We can do this, Class of 2014. I know that we can all make a difference,” concluded Dame.
Class President Conor Todd spoke of graduation being a special time — the “day that we all graduate from high school and move on with our lives. I know that the bond that we have all created as a class over the years is a solid and permanent one. Though parting and saying goodbye to something that we have known for so long, and to all the people that we have spent so much time with is extremely hard, it is an inevitable part of our lives. Just remember that memories are forever.”
Superintendent Roger Shaw, who never expected to be where he is today when he graduated 50 years ago, congratulated the class “for the efforts you have made to make this night a reality.” He told them, “You will face many choices, some will be difficult and significant, but the quality of your life and the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment you experience will be determined by your actions.”
“Two words that hold so much importance for all of us are: reputation and character. Reputation is determined by the circumstances in which you live, character by what you believe. Reputation is who people believe you to be, character by who you really are. Reputation comes from others, while character comes from within. Reputation is made in a moment, while character is built over a lifetime. Reputation is what you have when you move to a new community; character is what you take with you when you leave. Reputation is what you do when everyone is watching; character is what you do when you are alone.”
“I encourage you to live a life of courage, integrity and passion for everything you do,” said Shaw.
There were over $72,400 in local scholarships awarded during Class Night. Many of the graduates are going on to college.
The presentation of diplomas was done by Troy Grass, chairman of the Board of Directors; Superintendent Roger Shaw, Principal Kay York and Class Advisor Nola Pendexter.