VAN BUREN, Maine — Eighteen young men and women accepted their diplomas during commencement exercises at Van Buren District Secondary School on Sunday, June 11.
“We certainly could not have gotten here on our own,” honor essayist Eric Perrault told those gathered. “I would like to thank all of our teachers and parents who pushed us to do better and work hard to achieve our goals.”
Van Buren High School Class of 2017 graduate Sara Poitras and her grandmother embrace following commencement exercises on Sunday, June 11.
(Jessica Potila)
Nearly three quarters of the small Van Buren Class of 2017 intend to further their education as adults, including Perreault who plans to study carpentry at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle in the fall.
Thirteen of the graduates said they will pursue a post-secondary education or attend trade school. Three will enter into military service and two are not yet sure of their future plans.
The graduates racked up $34,000 in scholarship money, including valedictorian Lindsey Gendreau, who earned a Mitchell Scholarship, a Gauvin Scholarship and a MELMAC scholarship.
Salutatorian Natalie Martin also joined her classmates in Sunday’s celebration.
“Even though we are graduating from high school today, this is only the beginning,” Perreault told his classmates. “While some of us will go on to school and some will go into the military, others will focus on work. So work hard and go after everything you want out of life. Don’t let anything or anyone stand in the way of what you want. The opportunities are endless.”
