EASTON, Maine — Amid remembrances sprinkled with humor, Easton’s Class of 2022 stepped into their future during graduation ceremonies Friday evening at the high school auditorium.
Class marshals Maggee Currie, second honor essayist and class president, and Emma Lamoreau, salutatorian, led the class in the traditional processional.
Second Honor Essayist Madison Ouellet reminded the class to accept the challenges that come their way and not focus on defeat. This is the time when they will choose whom they will become.
“It all depends on what we see for ourselves, not what others see for us,” Ouellet said.
Currie shared four tips for success: passion, commitment and being willing to work hard, kindness and loyalty.
“Dedicate your life to a passion and not a paycheck,” she said. “Kindness ripples, so don’t be afraid to give it and receive it.”
Easton High School Valedictorian Kaden Arnett delivers his address during graduation ceremonies Friday evening. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
In her address, Lamoreau thanked her parents and urged fellow graduates to treasure the years they shared together.
“We will make new friends along the way, but the best friendships are those that have been with us all the way,” Lamoreau said. “Thank you all for the best years of high school. I wish you the best in our next adventure.”
Valedictorian Kaden Arnett thanked his family and friends for their support and credited faculty for inspiring him to pursue a career in education. He also shared a few humorous stories involving faculty and fellow seniors.
“High school wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but I feel like we should spend time remembering the good things that happened, rather than the bad, because we’ve been through it all together,” he said.
‘This is a big change, but I feel we’re all very, very ready for the next step.”Principal Laura Hunter congratulated the class and shared remembrances of each student.
Easton Superintendent Mark Stanley presents a diploma to Jazmin Tompkins during Friday evening’s graduation. In the background are, from left, Ian Bubar, Benjamin Pelkey, Marcus Czosnek and Kaden Arnett. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
The yearbook staff presented a 2022 book to Debbie Smith, having dedicated the yearbook to her late husband, Vance Smith, a longtime Easton School Department employee who died in 2019.
Rep. David McCrea issued legislative sentiments to Lamoreau as the school’s Maine Principal’s Award winner and salutatorian, and to Arnett as valedictorian.
Graduates received a total of $175,992 in scholarships.
Superintendent Mark Stanley, Board of Education Chairman David Hopkins Jr. and Hunter presented diplomas, then Stanley directed the class to turn their tassels as they officially became graduates.
Easton High School graduates share a touching moment as they sing “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again” by candlelight during Friday’s graduation ceremony. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
The class shared a poignant moment onstage as all lights in the auditorium were extinguished and the graduates held lit candles, singing “God Be With You ’Til We Meet Again.”
As the bang of confetti cannons rang out, the newly graduated ran happily off the stage amid the shower of colored paper.
