SKOWHEGAN — Members of the Skowhegan Area High School Class of 2016 will emerge into a turbulent world fraught with challenges and must become the leaders who will help dig the country out of the mess.
That was one message graduating senior Sydney Cooke issued Sunday during commencement exercises held in the school gymnasium.
“History has its eyes on us,” Cooke said.
She said that as she listened to “Hamilton,” the cast album from the 2015 Broadway musical of the same name, she realized the correlation between the album and her Skowhegan class — and three truths emerged. First, she said, class members, while they at one time thought high school would never end, are running out of time, and now graduation is here.
“I encourage you, as I try to encourage myself — pursue your dreams,” Cooke said. “Do what makes you happy. Do what makes you proud.”
Second, she said, we live in turbulent times with violence and a divisive presidential election. Young people are the future of America and will be the teachers, politicians and leaders who will help to make things right.
“We must dig ourselves out of this mess,” she said.
Last, it is difficult to say good-bye, but it is time to work on leaving a legacy, planting a garden.
“We can’t waste our time because history has its eyes on us,” she said.
Cooke, graduating magna cum laude Sunday, was one of 158 seniors to march into a packed gymnasium and receive their diplomas, according to school Principal Monique Poulin.
Senior Brooke Curtis welcomed seniors and their families and friends and urged class members to be open to change, take risks and while it may not be easy, find what they love to do — and do it.
“Most of you will have to decide what is more important to you — money or a job you love,” she said.
Kylie Welch, senior class steward, gave a reading, Kaetlyn Stinson played acoustic guitar and sang a sweet rendition of “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons and the high school band performed “Twilight” by David Shaffer. Regan Billings Pearce, Benjamin Hatch, Madeline Price, Breanna Scoville, Mackenzie Warren, David Washburn and Nathanial White sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” The school’s concert band performed processional and recessional music.
Warren, the class valedictorian, issued a farewell in which she asked her peers to take action against injustice, be passionate and empathetic and ensure everyone has a right to be heard. To fail and make mistakes is human, she said, but determination also is human and gives one the power to become successful. She said she knows the members of the Class of 2016 are spirited and passionate, and she is confident they have the ability to create change and will go on to be successful.
Timothy Downing, chairman of the School Administrative District 54 board of directors, Superintendent Brent Colbry and Poulin presented diplomas. Cooke, Braydn Fitzmaurice, Seth Pratt and Leah Kruse, who also was a class marshal and student council president, introduced speakers and presenters.
The seniors milled about in the school lobby before ceremonies began and then gathered in the cafeteria to prepare to march into the gym.
Shantelle Williamson, 18, said she planned to work as a secretary for her parents’ business, Chestnut Auto, after graduating. She was a bit nervous about Sunday’s events, but felt ready, she said.
“It means I’ve accomplished something — it means I made it through something,” she said. “I feel proud of myself. My parents are proud.”
Tanner Towle, 18, of Smithfield, said he will enroll at the University of Maine, Orono, to study political science, and then may go to law school or pursue a job in community service or government.
He said high school helped him grow and develop and armed him with the tools he needs to enter the real world.
“I’m better prepared do deal with stuff, while four years ago, I wasn’t,” he said.
Standing at the head of the line in the cafeteria, holding her class marshal baton, Kristen Salley, 17, of Smithfield, said she plans to attend University of Maine at Farmington to study secondary education and social studies with an eye toward teaching high school advanced placement U.S. history or geography.
The senior class president, Rotary Interact president and co-president of the National Honor Society said she enjoyed her high school experience.
“I absolutely loved it,” she said. “I spent all my time here, even before school and after school. I was very, very active.”
Salley, who also dances and lives on a farm and shows cows, said leaving school is bittersweet.
“I really love it here, but it’s time to go on to greater things,” she said. “It’s time.”
Amy Calder — 861-9247
Twitter: @AmyCalder17
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