LIMESTONE, Maine — The Maine School of Science and Math celebrated its twentieth Annual Commencement on Monday. Founder and lifetime honorary board member Dr. James Patterson delivered the ceremony’s keynote address.
“Use the head start [MSSM] has given you to follow your dreams,” Patterson told the 45 members of the 2015 graduating class.
Fellow graduate Lillian Costello gave Monday’s student address, a fun speech about the good times the class has had over the years. “We’ve stayed strong,” she told her classmates as she reminded them that no problem had been too big for them to solve.
Many hugs were given as students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. Executive Director Luke Shorty was at the receiving end of most of those hugs.
“It’s a wonderful thing to celebrate the accomplishments of these young people,” Shorty said. He welcomed the graduates into the Alumni Association with a ceremonious clap.
Patterson said in an interview he’s happy to see the “original excitement and intensity” hasn’t left MSSM since it was founded in the mid-90s. He was most impressed with the former students who now act as board members for the institution. Seeing a return on your investment, it’s a wonderful thing to see, Patterson said. For the future, Patterson would like to see the school expand into a flexible facility for students to live and learn. And hopes to see students come back to Maine and become entrepreneurs.
After the presentation of diplomas, original board members and faculty were honored and given awards in celebration of MSSM’s 20-year anniversary. Recognized for their efforts were Gary O’Neal, Art Thompson, Sandra Cyr, Walt Elliott, Tom Cote, Fred Edgecomb, Bob Clark, Kevin McCartney, Sue Pines, Leo Kieffer, Judy Paradis, Rosaire Paradis, David King and Dr. James Patterson.
The day was capped off with a rocket launch at Loring Development Authority. The launch button was pushed by adjunct faculty member Larry Berz and sent the rocket about 200 feet into the air.
