Seats were packed with parents and loved ones as “Pomp & Circumstance” played during the Aug. 28 commencement as speakers and 26 Job Corps graduates marched into the room. The Loring Honor Guard Defenders gave a presentation of the colors and student Maalik Jeffries sang The National Anthem.
Center Director Kristie Moir gave an opening statement and introduced Roselin Aris, president of the Student Government Association, who addressed the graduating class.
“It is because of strength, motivation, and self-determination that you are all here today,” said Aris. “I must say, it is quite difficult saying goodbye to all these familiar faces that I see every day — sunrise to sunset. Now you are all off to bigger and better things. All that hard work and dedication finally paid off. Doesn’t it feel good to finally be sitting in these seats? I wish you all the best, no matter what path you choose.”
Moir then introduced guest speaker Jason Parent, director of advancement at The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle.
“I am here today to share the secret of success,” said Parent, “and that this secret lies with six numbers. All of you have a photocopy of a lottery ticket under your chairs today. I’m here to talk to you about what the numbers on the ticket mean. The first number is one. If you forget the significance of any other numbers, remember number one. It is ultimately the reason you are here today. Believe in yourself. The next number is two. It represents the special someone in your life. It is always important to have that one person you can confide in and that can see you to the other side of the storm. Five, the next number, represents family. Statistically, the average family has 2.3 children, two parents, and one pet. Add the numbers together and it rounds out to five. Don’t forget to tell them you love them.”
Parent asked the graduates to give him the fourth number, which was seven.
“Lucky number seven,” said Parent. “A little luck always helps, but it’s important to put that luck in perspective. Next, we have 13, an unlucky number. This is a reminder to challenge the status quo, and to question the course in life that is best for you. I was born on Friday the 13th, and I’ve always challenged the stigma attached to that number. The final number, 26, represents the number of graduates here today, and your ability to work, live with, and have fun with others.”
“Tomorrow,” concluded Parent, ”you will be in 26 different directions but you will bring with you the card of 25 others who share this experience with you.”
Career Development Director Natasha Brewer introduced Graduating Student Speaker Shilo Meehan to the stage.
“Before I came to Loring, I was a college dropout and I worked for a transportation company for the elderly and disabled,” said Meehan. “I was unhappy, and unfortunately the job did not pay much money. One day, when I was home from work, I was watching TV and thinking about my life. All of a sudden, a commercial from Job Corps came on the screen. I figured ‘What did I have to lose?’ So I gave the number a call and three weeks later I ended up in Limestone.
“Job Corps was a great change for me. Now, being at Job Corps, I’ve made so many friends and memories. I can now call Maine my new home. Job Corps helped me get back on the right track to go to college. After this, I will be studying to become a Medical Assistant at Northern Maine Community College. Job Corps not only changed my life, but they saved it,” he said.
Graduating students participated in the Flower Ceremony, and then the faculty presented their diplomas. Administrative Services Director Nicole Cote and Social Development Director Martin Thompson read biographies of each graduate before they received their diplomas.
“Pomp & Circumstance” played once again as the graduates exited the Ballroom.
“I want to take one last opportunity on behalf of the students and the staff to congratulate you,” said Moir during her closing remarks. “Words can not express the feelings of pride, joy, and accomplishment that we feel for you. You never gave up. I hope you all leave realizing that what you did, others are only dreaming of, thinking of, or working towards. So dream your dreams and don’t be afraid to take chances and make them all come true.”
