STACYVILLE, Maine — “To anyone who says ‘you can’t,’ just say ‘watch me.’”
Those were the words emblazoned on the banner looming over Katahdin Area High School’s gymnasium and the theme for Saturday morning’s service as 20 graduating seniors said good-bye to their classmates.
Led into the Cougar gymnasium by class marshals Kassadi Moore and Jacob Buhler, there were plenty of smiles for the multitude of camera flashes going off. Gavin Russell opened the service with the reading of a prayer, followed by Caleb Cullen’s salutatorian address.
“In all situations, everything happens for a reason,” Cullen said. “Although you may not see it initially, just remember that for every door that closes, another one opens. There are opportunities everywhere if you are willing to take the time to find them.”
Cullen recalled some of the humorous events that helped mold the students into the young men and women they are today and encouraged his peers to embrace the new challenges life presents.
“After today, we are the next generation of adults, setting out on our own individual journeys and beginning the next chapter of our lives,” Cullen said. “Some of us will immediately jump into careers, while others will seek higher education. Sitting in front of me today are soon-to-be veterinarians, physical therapists, welders, businessmen and other skilled professionals. Just remember, high school does not define you or your potential.”
Valedictorian Mariah Farrington warned her peers not to listen to the voice inside their heads that tells them not to try something new or different.
“What would you do if you were not afraid?” she asked. “This is what holds most of us back. Somewhere between pre-school and now, we’ve developed an internal voice that screams ‘Don’t do that!’ every time we’re about to initiate something.”
She encouraged her classmates to step outside their comfort zones and to try something different at least once in their lives.
“I encourage you to stop out and do things boldly, and to re-examine the things you’re most comfortable with,” she said. “Don’t throw out your values. Just because you are content doesn’t mean that you are doing things right.”
Buhler delivered the Class Message and benediction for the ceremony.
Jonathan Porter, principal for RSU 50 schools, was the keynote speaker and thanked parents for supporting their students over the past six years while at KAHS. The 2014-15 school year was Porter’s first as principal of both KAHS and Southern Aroostook Community School.
“You have welcomed me into your school community and I am forever grateful,” Porter said.
Porter used a fishing story to convey the message that there are no shortcuts in life and encouraged the students to use grit and determination to help them succeed in life.
“You have a support system of parents and family that have helped you and guided you along the way,” he said. “You have also had some teachers who gave you all of their content knowledge to help you be successful. You have grown up in an area where life is good and your parents and communities have modeled what it takes to be successful when times are tough.”
Porter closed his speech with a message to not just the students, but for all of those gathered in the gymnasium.
“In my experiences this year, working with this community and school, I have this one thought,” he said. “Don’t let anyone tell you that this school’s best days are behind it or that the spirit of this community has been defeated. My observations over the past year tell me differently. Keep your faith; keep your grit. Things are good here.”
During the conveying of diplomas, Katahdin continued its proud tradition of having the graduates pass out roses to family members or loved ones.
