Central Aroostook High School seniors Gavin Miller and Megan Wells march into graduation ceremonies on June 9. (Courtesy of Tomi Henderson)
The week of June 5 was a full one for the 25 graduates of Central Aroostook High School, beginning with a Baccalaureate Service on Tuesday, June 6.
Rev. Gloria Watson felt honored to be asked to speak, especially this year as her daughter was one of the graduates. She urged graduates to always take the high road and said they should never stop learning, growing and trusting.
Class Night was Thursday, June 8. The class history was given by Sarah Gerritsen and Dayna McCrum. Many local scholarships were handed out, totaling nearly $65,000.
On graduation night, Friday, June 9, the group was led in by Class Marshall Zach Crouch. Salutatorian Sarah Gerritsen welcomed everyone to the commencement ceremony of the class of 2017.
“Over the past 12 or 13 years, you may not have realized it, but you have each been writing your stories, and here we are today at graduation, finishing our last pages in this book,” Gerritsen said. “This isn’t the ending, it’s the beginning of our next chapter.”
Gerritsen thanked parents, faculty and guidance counselor Mrs. Shaw for their continual encouragement to the students.
“It is my honor and pleasure to have been a part of many of your Fort Street years starting in first grade and now throughout your high school career,” said CAHS Principal Kay York. “Whatever you want to do with your life, start working hard today.”
York told of Dan Waldschmidt, who became CEO of a successful company in his late 20s. “Mr. Waldschmidt likens hard work and success to an apple tree. An apple seed does not deliver bushels of apples when you plant it, but over time, with enough care and attention, it grows deep roots and becomes stronger and bigger.”
Finally, Superintendent Elaine Boulier spoke to the graduates, sharing advice including “above all else, work hard and be nice” and “have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
She urged the students to “be kind rather than right,” and added, “The world is constantly changing. Prepare for it and brace yourself for the future. Think on your feet when change comes and learn to adapt to any situation.”
Boulier concluded, “I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities and to the most special places your heart has ever known. We are all very proud of each of you and wish you the very best as you begin the next phase of your life.”
