Graduation night was held at Central Aroostook High School June 10, 2016 and the 37 graduates marched in for the final time as students under the direction of class marshal Conner Mahan. They would end the night as alumni — members of the 50th class to graduate from CAHS, a school which formed in the 1960s and consisting of Aroostook Central Institute and Bridgewater Classical Academy.
Salutatorian Noelle Bailey spoke about school memories of marriage, hair dye and games of chicken. She is quite sure “a lot of the rules this building has in place are due to the class of 2016.”
She continued, “Four years have flown by quicker than any of us could have imagined. We spent this last week becoming closer than ever. Squeezing in our last laughs, and for some of us, our last goodbyes. It’s a bittersweet thing, this graduation. It was scary, it was joyful, and it didn’t stop for anything. But here we are guys, we made it!”
A senior song was written and performed by several members of the graduating class with the help and accompaniment of Brian Mosher on the guitar. A fantastic and nostalgic slide show, developed by Isabelle Cadet, was enjoyed by all.
Valedictorian Victoria Brewer spoke about embarking on a journey 14 years ago and how those years have blended together.
“Our lives flew by as we made memories that we didn’t realize would be so important,” she said.
She spoke of promotions and eighth-grade graduation, adding, “After tonight, we will go our separate ways, to another new beginning. Senior year is a year that starts with lasts and ends with firsts. From the last first day of school to tomorrow where we experience our first day as alums on project grad.
“The trip along the way from the lasts to the firsts is an emotional journey, with peaks higher than we could ever imagine and valleys so bittersweet and nostalgic that we were forced to wipe tears from our eyes.
“Senior year is amazing. It is our finale, and I can’t think of 36 other people who I would have rather experienced it with. I hope that you all will have many new beginnings and ending with an amazing life in between.”
Several more awards and scholarships were presented, of which a total of almost $59,000 was awarded over two nights. A very special presentation was made by the Mars Hill Rotary Club. Recognizing a gentleman that goes above and beyond for the school and everything that takes place there by presenting him with a Community Service Award was the best way to let Carlton Craig know how much he is appreciated. He was given a standing ovation.
Superintendent Elaine Boulier spoke to the graduates about living intentionally, “being purposeful in words and actions and living a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to you.” She told them to “strive to achieve, don’t settle, work hard and find a career you’re passionate about. If you do, you’ll be lucky enough to look back some day and say that you never worked a day in your life.”
Boulier continued, “We are all very proud of each one of you and wish you the very best as you begin the next phase of your life. We expect great things from you!”
SAD 42 School Board Chair Brian Harris, Principal Kay York, Superintendent Elaine Boulier and Guidance Director Sadie Shaw presented diplomas to the graduates.
Principal Kay York spoke to the class, many of whom she taught in first grade, and told them the importance of hard work. She quoted “Glee” creator, Ian Brennan, “Work hard. Work hard. Work hard. Be the hardest working person you know because if you’re not, someone else will be.”
The school has a motto about being 212. “At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, water boils. With boiling water, comes steam and with steam you can power a train. One extra degree makes all the difference!”
Class President Elizabeth Gillen said, “Today we start the newest chapters of our lives. Today we go our separate ways and start our own personal journeys, but what we take with us as we leave is entirely up to us. We have countless memories to put in a safe place in our minds to save for the rainy days when we are in need of cheering up.
“As each of us leaves Central Aroostook as alumni, we should apply the lessons we’ve learned. I am so incredibly proud of each of you and cannot wait to see all of the amazing things we accomplish from this day forward. May the lights within you burn bright tonight and even brighter in the years to come,” Gillen added.
June 7 was the date of the Baccalaureate Service. Pastors Gil Nkamwesiga and Mitch Ross prayed, read scripture and spoke to the graduates. Pastor Ross told them that he wanted to offer words of encouragement as they prepared for life beyond high school.
Ross told the graduates that they were made in the image of God, and that He had a plan for each one of them.
“People should not live useless lives. You have to choose to live each day intentionally and in accord with God’s plan. Make Him a part of your lives and your daily plans. You choose the course you will follow and invite God to walk that course with you,” he said.
Class Night was Thursday, June 9 and saw many scholarships given out. The class also took trips down memory lane and looked to the future.
