WINTHROP — Following Principal Keith Morin’s closing remarks Sunday afternoon, the 43 Winthrop High School graduating students pulled their tassels to the right, many throwing the green and white caps into the air as standing friends and family members applauded in the school’s gymnasium
Earlier in the hourlong ceremony, valedictorian Maureen Tierney thanked friends, teachers and relatives who have supported the graduating students over the years.
“To those of you who have graduated, those up here with me today and to those who have a year or two before they stand in our shoes, there is so much you have done for all of us,” she said.
“Not all the members will stay with us,” she continued, “but for the ones that shine the brightest, we will treasure those forever. For those special moments, I wish to thank you.”
Tierney also wished her classmates luck in all that they do moving forward.
“Today is a day of celebration, a day of thanks and, certainly, a day of change,” she said. “We have all reflected on our years here: the work, activities, joys and sorrows. We stand here in our last moments as high school students, and we should enjoy them.”
Tierney plans to attend St. Michael’s College in Vermont to major in anthropology and archaeology.
The salutatorian, Alex Chamberland, spoke of the future in his speech, comparing graduation to the trailhead of the journey through the rest of their lives.
“We are all choosing our own individual path. We are beginning a journey to find an occupation that we are passionate about,” said Chamberland, who plans to attend the University of New England. “Whether it’s being a doctor, engineer, teacher or serving for our country in the armed forces, we all want to find a sense of happiness and achievement.”
He said he and his classmate’s friends and families will serve as trail markers to keep them on track and guide them through obstacles or distractions.
“In the end, it doesn’t matter what hardships or setbacks we encounter, because anything is attainable with the right outlook,” Chamberland said. “This perseverance will allow us to find an occupation that we enjoy in life so that we can be happy.”
Morin in his speech offered the students one last history lesson about the logo for school’s mascot, a school bus. He comparing the graduating students to the bus, saying they’re bright, durable and resilient to damage.
The original logo still hanging in the gymnasium was drawn by a student, Calvin Yeaton, who graduated from the high school in 1968. He designed it as a freshman for decals to sell to raise money for the high school band’s trip to President Lyndon Johnson’s inaugural parade, Morin said.
Thirty years later, Yeaton stepped forward to design the current logo, a more animated school bus with the original bus logo on its license plate.
“I hope we have fueled your tanks for the next exit on your educational venture,” Morin told the students. “You have merely kicked the tires, and we are confident that you have the skills necessary to navigate to your next destination.”
Paul Koenig — 621-5663
Twitter: @paul_koenig
Send questions/comments to the editors.
