SKOWHEGAN — An estimated 800 community members sat in a sweltering gymnasium at Skowhegan Area High School to celebrate the achievements of 156 graduates who they said represent the region’s best chances for a successful future.
The crowd filled bleachers on both sides of the stage. Many people fanned the tiny beads of sweat on their brows with fluttering paper programs while various students were recognized during the 90-minute ceremony.
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During the rite of passage, the graduating seniors were given accolades in many forms — good-natured yells and whoops of encouragement, bound hard-backed diploma casings, cheers, applause and, significantly, about 90 scholarships totaling tens of thousands of dollars, represented by folded papers handed to each recipient as he or she walked across the stage.
The scholarships, from a wide range of donors that at included individuals, companies and civic organizations, were a tangible indication of the values the community sought to encourage and recognize in students who, they hoped, would go on to strengthen the region.
Some scholarships were based on academic merit and high grades.
Others, such as the Smithfield Baptist Church Scholarship, the Margaret Chase Smith Award and the Skowhegan Pride Award, sought to reward students who demonstrated admirable personal qualities, such as good citizenship, moral character, community service, tenacity and a positive attitude.
Various students also were awarded scholarships for having been outstanding athletes or for achievements in the arts.
Other scholarships were given based on a student’s interest in a particular vocation or career path — such as a scholarship from Redington-Fairview General Hospital given to students pursuing a degree in a health-related field, the Franklin Savings Bank Scholarship Award given to students pursuing a business-related field and the Florence Blaisdell Sterns Culinary Arts Scholarship, which is given to a student who will pursue a degree in culinary arts.
Finally, scholarships from groups such as the school district’s Education Association and the Philip N. and Ruth E. Harris Memorial Scholarship, were given to students who planned to pursue a career in education, to help ensure that some day in the far future, teachers will continue to be on hand to usher more classes of students into adulthood.
The students themselves were dressed in traditional graduation robes — black for the boys, white for the girls — but their individuality was also on full display; some were festooned in sashes, cords, pins and medals given to distinguish them for special achievements; while others decorated the tops of their caps in glittering demonstrations of creative spirit.
Many of the graduates had large groups of family members in attendance, some of whom had traveled hundreds of miles to see their loved one graduate.
About a dozen members of the family of Emily Shrader, of Canaan, were there, including her grandmother, who drove up from Massachusetts.
Emily’s sister, Samantha Shrader, said the point of the turnout was to provide a physical symbol of love and support for her achievements.
“She got a scholarship. She’s going to college,” she said. “I want her to know she’s supported.”
Scott Atkinson, of Skowhegan, was there to support his daughter, Alanna Atkinson. He was part of a larger group that included his parents, Mike and Linda Atkinson, of Norridgewock; two of Alanna’s sisters; his brother; and his brother’s wife.
He came, he said, “just to see what she accomplished. Just to see her move on is a big step for her.”
Atkinson said his daughter plans to play basketball for Central Maine Community College and pursue a career in the medical field.
Laura Weeks, of Saco, one of about a dozen family members of graduate Haley Anne Weeks, said sometimes the families appreciate the momentousness of the occasion more than the graduates themselves do.
“It’s not until after, looking back, that you realize what a milestone it is,” she said. “Even if the graduate doesn’t want to be there, it’s important for the families to be able to come and show their support.”
A valedictory address from graduating senior Delaney Curran suggested that some of the students, at least, understood that the community’s future was at stake.
Curran’s speech gave a nod to all of her classmates, no matter what achievements they might pursue.
Some, she said, will become professionals — lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers and scientists “who will choose to dedicate many more years to further their education in pursuit of making the world a better place.”
Other walks of life are also important, she said.
“Among us, there are many future parents who will risk their own happiness to make their children’s lives as successful as possible,” she said. “Some will courageously serve our country, risking their lives to protect others. Many will be some of the most valuable citizens of society, responsibly entering the workforce to contribute positively to the community.”
The ceremony was begun with a flag salute by class president Shelby Watson. Also, speeches were delivered by senior class steward Austin Frederick and honors student Grady Aldrich. Senior Spencer Lynds sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and senior Brittany Hemphill sang “Whenever You Remember” during the event.
Matt Hongoltz-Hetling — 861-9287
Twitter: @hh_matt
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