SKOWHEGAN — Just four years ago, members of the Skowhegan Area High School class of 2012 kept hearing about how they would inherit a nation on the decline when they graduated.

As they prepared to receive their diplomas Sunday afternoon, however, salutatorian Emmalee Tracy told her fellow graduates to think about how much has changed since freshman year and embrace their bright future.

“Our best days are yet to come … and America’s future rests with today’s graduates,” she said.

Tracy challenged her classmates to champion cutting-edge technologies that are helping build the economy of today and tomorrow, joking that just one student had an iPhone and only birds could tweet a few short years ago.

She also gave a tip to graduates who think they may have everything figured out, saying they should never stop growing and learning until they reach their goals.

So many people wanted to celebrate the 164 graduates walking the stage Sunday that hundreds of parents, family members and friends packed into the gymnasium while dozens more watched the ceremony live on a big screen in a nearby auditorium.

A duet by graduates Kaylin Knott and Silas Price drew a standing ovation, with the pair singing “For Good.” Then Knott sang a solo version of “Bridge over Troubled Water,” with Price playing piano for both songs.

Valedictorian Charles W. Qualey IV reflected on his successes and failures during high school, which taught him about finding a balance between ambition and passion.

Qualey’s biggest regret is letting his passion for playing music take a back seat to his academic goals, but he told his classmates the experience helped him realize how vital it is to find a balance in life.

He urged them to find ways to incorporate their passions into careers, saying people change the world for the better when they pursue a path that makes them happy.

“Find out what you love, make time for it, do it well and strike whatever balance works best for you,” Qualey told his classmates.

Dalton McGovern, of Skowhegan, seemed to know exactly what he would love to do after Sunday’s graduation. He plans to take the next year off and pursue his boxing career, calling it a lifelong dream to win a championship like his great-great grandfather “Terrible” Terrence McGovern.

McGovern, 18, talked about his plans just before the graduation ceremony while surrounded by family members. Although many relatives agreed he was sure to be the clan’s next famous boxer, the mother reminded the aspiring champ about another promise he made.

Ann McGovern smiled at her son before bringing up their agreement to continue his education. She said that after one year her son would be enrolling at Kennebec Valley Community College to study physical therapy, regardless of how the boxing career is going.

The son smiled back, nodded and assured his mother that it’s all part of his plan to reach such big dreams.

David F. Robinson — 861-9287

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