ASHLAND, Maine — Graduating Ashland seniors were ready for their big day to shine inside the gym of the Ashland District School despite a cold and rainy evening.
Eighteen seniors received their diplomas during graduation Friday, June 2.
Classmate and FAA speaker Brady Berry dedicated the commencement ceremony to Tripp Reese, who tragically passed away at 16 in November 2021. His presence was signified by an empty chair with the black gown he would have worn and a sash with his picture.
“Tonight is the night that we finally reach the pinnacle of our high school careers,” said Berry, who was the FFA speaker.
Valedictorian Benjamin Howes (left) gives his address during the Ashland District School graduation ceremony in the Ashland School Gym on June 2. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
Salutatorian Darby Clark (left) gives her address during the Ashland District School graduation ceremony in the Ashland School Gym on June 2. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
Valedictorian Benjamin Howes and Salutatorian Darby Clark spoke about class memories, the challenges in remote learning overcome through the COVID-19 pandemic, and how school has prepared them for their lives outside of school.
“If high school has taught me anything besides Y equals MX plus B, it has taught me to get involved. Some of the best memories were when I became more involved, and I wish I would have done it sooner,” Clark said.
Kaili Condon gave a dedication speech to the parents of the class of 2023, taking a moment to remember where the students came from and the support role their parents have played during their school years.
“We didn’t know it then, but we were on a continuous road that would move from experience to experience, with straight stretches, potholes, corners that were marked, and unexpected turns,” Howes said.
The lack of structure during the COVID-19 pandemic with a strange sense of freedom and increased personal responsibility made it hard, but students learned what they needed with the help of dedicated teachers and staff, Howe said.
Guidance counselor Lynwood McHatten (left) hands a high school diploma to Kaili Condon (right) during the Ashland School District graduation ceremony in the Ashland School Gym on June 2. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
Graduating senior Brady Berry gives the dedication of graduation for the class of 2023 at the Ashland School District Gym in Ashland on June 2. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
Guidance Counselor Lynwood McHatten passed out 68 scholarships, the highest among he has presented in his 29 years as a guidance counselor. McHatten said he hoped the graduating class of 2023 would spend their scholarships wisely in the coming years.
“The ultimate goal in our current [school] system is to be where these students are tonight,” said Joel Hall, the principal and superintendent of Ashland District School. This year closes out Hall’s first year as superintendent and he looks forward to many more graduations.
“Our rules no longer apply to the class of 2023 as it’s up to the graduating seniors what defines success is to them,” he said. “Others will try to define it for you but yours is the only voice that matters,” Hall said.
