WATERVILLE — Don’t be afraid to know that you don’t know everything you need to know.

That was part of the message Wednesday night at Winslow High School’s 111th commencement exercises by guest speaker and high school English teacher, Jared Goldsmith.

“You don’t — and you never will — and that’s the beauty of life. You do not know everything and that’s okay,” Goldsmith told the graduating class of 2013 at the Harold Alfond Athletic Center at Colby College.

Goldsmith said it is important to remember the class motto: We go unafraid.

“I hope that you go through life unafraid to know that you’re not going to know everything, ever,” he said. “The mark of wisdom is to be OK with that. Figure it out or ask for help.”

With that, Goldsmith moved to an electric piano and sang a song for the 90 or so graduating Black Raiders, their assembled families and friends. The song, which he composed himself, “You Never Know,” is a humorous collection of memories and stories about members of the class.

“You never know how it goes,” was the melodic refrain. “You never know how it can be. You never know for sure now.”

Graduation got underway Wednesday with a grand processional of the graduates, marching to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” performed live by the Winslow High School Band. Graduates, all wearing black caps and black gowns with orange stoles and orange carnations, were led into the hall by flag bearers and class marshals.

In her commencement address, class president Erica Bertolaccini touched on the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon, in which her father was a participant, for inspiration.

Her speech was titled “Boston Strong.” She said the willingness of the first responders to help the victims of the blasts overpowered the desire by others to inflict pain and was a good lesson for all Americans.

“This diploma we are about to receive is only the first step in a lifelong attempt to make our lives something memorable,” Bertolaccini told her classmates. “This class is not just strong, it’s Raider strong.”

Bertolaccini also drew from previous commencement addresses delivered by U.S. Sen. and former Maine governor Angus King, whose 12-point action plan is a blueprint for all graduates.

Among the points were “take more chances,” “listen to yourself,” “be honest, even when it hurts” and “don’t believe you can’t make a difference.”

“Congratulations, class of 2013 — we did it,” she said.

Diplomas were handed out to the hoots and hollers of family members and friends by school superintendent Eric Haley, assistant superintendent Peter Thiboutot, high school principal Douglas Carville and assistant principal Richard Hendsbee.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367
dharlow@centralmaine.com