Houlton Class Marshal Hannah Foley leads seniors into the Millar Civic Center Thursday evening for graduation. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — Seventy-four seniors said goodbye to their peers and classmates Thursday evening during the 118th Houlton High School graduation ceremony.
Led into the John Millar Civic Center by class marshal Hannah Foley, who also was the third honor essayist, to the familiar chords of “Pomp and Circumstance,” Thursday’s ceremony was everything one comes to expect from a graduation.
There were plenty of smiles, lots of hugs and even a few tears as the significance of the moment weighed upon some of the students.
Senior class president Dylan Johnston welcomed the nearly 2,000 guests in attendance and took the group on a humorous trip down memory lane as he recalled events such as the time fifth grade teacher John Bushey did a turkey call that fellow teacher David Sewall responded to by clucking down the hallway.
Tessa Roshto, left, gets some help with her cap from classmate Taylor Reed prior to the start of Houlton’s graduation ceremony Thursday evening. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
“Who can forget the endless nights of flocking [a student fundraiser where pink flamingos are placed on someone’s lawn under the cover of darkness] that many of us participated in,” he said. “One memory of flocking is of an old lady yelling out the window as Brooke and I dove into a muddy garden for cover. Or the time when Emma and I tried to flock Mrs. Stone, and we were charged by a skunk.”
He also reminded his peers that while the urge to leave Houlton and explore the world was strong, they can always return.
“Most of you cannot wait to get out of Houlton and explore new places, but I urge you to remember where you come from no matter how far away from Houlton you go,” he said. “This is home and always will be.”
Salutatorian Kate Newman challenged her classmates, and those in the audience to not be complacent with where they are at in their lives.
“Everyone is capable of making a difference and everyone has made a difference, even if he or she does not realize it,” she said. “You do not need to attract the attention of a crowd; you only have to influence one person. We are fortunate to have an abundance of considerate people right here in our community and throughout this great nation In fact, I am thankful to have had many of my own personal points of light guiding me in my journey to this podium.”
Emma Peterson, first honor essayist, introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Houlton math teacher Michael Kenney.
Sharing a smile before they march into the arena for Houlton’s graduation ceremony Thursday are Mikayla Fitzpatrick, left, and Jessica Michaud. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
“As we graduate and leave Houlton High School, we take with us the unforgettable memories and valuable life lessons that Mr. Kenney has provided,” Peterson said. “Whether it be staying after school hours to help students understand the curriculum with ease or improving lesson plans, he has shown all admirable characteristics a teacher should have: determination, dedication, thoughtfulness, and humor. He has taught us that life gets tough, classes can be challenging, and we may not always succeed on our first try, but that does not mean we can give up.”
Kenney gave a humorous address saying he understood he was selected because New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, media mogul Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were not available for the ceremony.
In her valedictorian address, Hannah Jacobs offered some insightful advice.
Snapping a quick selfie before graduation are Tessa McCormick, left, and Austin Brown. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
“None of us can be exactly certain where our chosen paths will take us,” she said. “But our roots have been planted here, this compassionate town of Houlton, where people wave when driving by regardless if they know you. By embracing tolerance, we can all devote ourselves to leading compassionate lives. Tolerance is the key to peaceful functioning in our society.”
The senior chorus, under the direction of Jason Anderson, sang two songs, “When We Were Young,” by Adele and “Back Home,” by Andy Grammer.
As has been the tradition at HHS, after the conferring of diplomas the senior class erupted with an explosion of confetti and “silly string” before marching out of the arena.
