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06/07/2008

enlarge Staff Photo by David Leaming

TEAMWORK: It took the efforts and attention of three Lawrence High School seniors to pin a corsage on graduate Megan O’Clair prior to commencement in Fairfield on Friday. From left are Chris Fulcher, Bradd Giguere and Josh Lewis.

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Both the valedictorian and salutatorian urged the graduating class to consider the moment as a beginning, not as a crowning achievement.

"This is called commencement," class salutatorian Jonathan Chamberlain said. "That means 'the beginning.' The rest of your lives starts here."

Chamberlain said seniors should be proud of their achievements, celebrate them responsibly and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Class valedictorian Shawn Champagne, who, according to teacher Chris Hutchins, earned a nearly perfect grade point average, encouraged his classmates not to become complacent.

"Creating legacies entails consistently setting new goals that put us at even higher positions," Champagne said. "As we all sit here awaiting our diplomas, we should be planning for our futures, and not settling for simply graduating from high school."

Champagne said students who intend to enter the work force directly from high school must continue to be ready to learn as well as those planning to continue their studies in college.

"We must take advantage of our strengths and work to improve our weaknesses," Champagne said. "We should pursue fields that we feel passionate about, because with passion comes motivation."

A good work ethic will be key to realizing students' aspirations, Champagne said.

"Now that we are no longer required to attend school, it will be up to each of us to stay motivated to make a unique name for ourselves," he said.

"It would be a disappointment for any to come out of Lawrence High School with a superior education and not make anything out of the rest of their life."

Joel Elliott -- 861-9252

jelliott@centralmaine.com

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