CAHS graduates encouraged to set goals
By Tomi Henderson
Special to The Star-Herald
MARS HILL — The Central Aroostook High School gymnasium in Mars Hill was the site for graduation activities on June 7, as the members of the Class of 2013 received their diplomas. Mrs. Wendy Grass played the Prelude and Processional as Class Marshal David Milliard led the Class of 2013 into the auditorium.
Photos courtesy of Tomi Henderson
At CAHS Graduation activities on June 7, Valedictorian Kayla Cushman remembered some of the future plans the class had in pre-K. “Some of our dreams have changed; some of them have simply grown bigger.”
Salutatorian Breanne York speaks at CAHS Graduation activities on Friday, June 7. She said, “This important milestone leads us to remember the past but also to look to the future.”
Senior Class Advisor Nola Pendexter hugs Marissa Smith as the graduates get ready to march into CAHS Graduation activities on June 7.
Connor Boulier and Whitney Cote march in to CAHS Graduation activities on Friday, June 7.
Principal Kevin Grass took great delight in presenting a diploma to his daughter Sarah during the June 7 CAHS graduation ceremony. He couldn’t help but open it to show her it was actually signed!
Class Salutatorian Breanne York welcomed friends and family to the commencement activities. She encouraged her classmates with the following example: “Think of life as a jar that is filled to the top with rocks. The jar seems full, but then pebbles are poured in to fill the spaces between the rocks. Yet again, the jar seems full, but sand is poured in to fill the remaining spaces. The rocks are the important things — the solid foundation to life. They are the qualities such as integrity, respect, self-esteem, responsibility and trustworthiness. The pebbles are other skills that make life livable, such as a sense of humor, tolerance and courtesy. The sand is everything else that fills in life and makes it enjoyable. If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the important things. The same goes for life. If you spend all your energy and time on the small stuff, you will never have room to develop the characteristics that make up the rocks your life will be built on.” She concluded by urging the Class of 2013 to “make your life worthwhile with the things that matter. Set goals, have confidence and rely on the solid foundation you’ve built at CAHS.”
A slide presentation, prepared by Sarah Grass, was enjoyed by all as the class was shown through the years. Sarah stated, “ I hope it reminds you of all the fun times we’ve shared through our 12-year journey and holds a special place in your hearts.”
Valedictorian Kayla Cushman spoke of many memories shared by the class through the years — from Lexie and Connor’s “wedding” in the third grade to “ruling the school” in 6th grade to high school sports accomplishments and vehicle mishaps. She stated, “We always knew that when we looked back on the tears we would laugh. What we didn’t know was that looking back on the laughs could make us cry. We have grown and so have our dreams. Tonight is the end of one chapter of our lives but also marks the beginning of an even greater chapter. We have the chance to discover who we are. We have the opportunity to follow our dreams, to set foot in the world, to test our wings and fly. I urge you to dream big. Remember your roots and look forward to the future. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ Now is the time to spread our wings and soar.”
There were many scholarships handed out during Class Night on June 6 and at graduation, with over $54,437 awarded. Many of the graduates are going on to college.
The presentation of diplomas was done by Troy Grass, chairman of the Board of Directors, Superintendent Roger Shaw, Principal Kevin Grass and Class Advisor Nola Pendexter, with Mrs. Robin Barker reading the graduates’ names.
Principal Kevin Grass told the graduates, “Your thirst for knowledge and your motivation towards life itself determines your success or failure as an individual. If you have failed in some way, go discover the necessary knowledge to ensure a successful future, then strong motivation from within you can help overcome any failures. Remember, life is nothing but another classroom; you will constantly be tested and challenged to do your best in all that you attempt. May each of you be able to meet this challenge, and may life be a fulfilling experience each step of the way. Again, congratulations and best wishes to each of you in the Class of 2013.”
