Fort Fairfield High awards 32 diplomas
FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Thirty-two members of the Class of 2016 marched into the Lawrence A. Gardner Gym at Fort Fairfield Middle-High School on Sunday, June 5, 2016 to receive their diplomas.
Leading the group were the four class marshals: Hannah Holbrook, class president; Thomas Krause, vice president; Lillian Ashby, secretary; and Dalton Cassidy, treasurer.
Following a welcome by Holbrook, Valedictorian Joshua Ricker gave his obligatory speech. After thanking his parents, the teaching and coaching staff at FFMHS and his peers for their friendship and support, Ricker offered some advice to his classmates.
“As 18 year-olds stepping out into a new world, none of us should be afraid to fail. Therefore, we should all set our bars high and shoot for our dreams. Whether you want to be the general manager of a professional sports team, a doctor, or even the president, do not be afraid to go after that dream.
“Do not listen to people that tell you you can’t do it, or that what you’re studying is too hard, or that you will not get a job within your major. Ignore it, make a plan of how you will succeed and fulfill it. Even if you do fail once, twice, or even three times, get back up again and keep trying, it is better to experience failure now rather than later in life,” he said.
The top five graduating seniors in academic standing were Ricker, valedictorian; Lillian Ashby, salutatorian; Dalton Cassidy, third; Alexis Coiley, fourth; and Emma Huffman, fifth.
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Tim Watt presented athletic awards following the valedictory. In addition, Principal John Kaleta recognized several students with academic awards.
After the presentation of scholarships by Guidance Director Jacqueline Martin and several scholarship providers, Superintendent Marc Gendron delivered the commencement address.
The graduation ended with the school administrators awarding diplomas to the 32 members of the FFMHS Class of 2016, a recessional and a receiving line.
