06/07/2008
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Staff Photo by Joe Phelan
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Staff photo by Joe Phelanfrom the Kennebec Journal
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That was the common message delivered to the graduating class of Erskine Academy during Friday's ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center.
"Don't be afraid to make mistakes, really big ones, but learn from them," said keynote speaker Kelsy Cloutier, a member of the class of 2003.
Honor essayist Anna Niedbala encouraged her 175 fellow graduates, most of whom wore mortar board hats decorated with hand-painted pictures and slogans, and the family and friends that filled the civic center, to take time to discover who they are and then stay true to that person.
"Every person in this building has a side that only shows up when we are alone," Niedbala said. "It's high time we start showing ourselves."
Honor essayist Ashley Oliver said the schools shared experience binds it together as a family. She encouraged her classmates to remember the good times.
"Use your time at project graduation to make great, unforgettable memories, and then never lose them" Oliver said.
Salutatorian Stephanie-Ann LaRose shared the story of her grandfather who, without even a high school graduation, worked for the state while building his own construction business. LaRose recalled the generosity her grandfather had shown to the community and provided for his family.
"That man woke up every morning knowing the meaning of success," LaRose said. "As my bampa showed, nothing is impossible if you're willing to work for it."
Valedictorian Margaret Kruithoff encouraged the graduates to get out of their comfort zones, whether that means traveling to another country or just moving to another lunch table.
"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be fearing that you will make one," Kruithoff said.
Cloutier, who is studying veterinary medicine at Ohio State University, recalled her undergraduate experience at the University of Findlay in Ohio. Cloutier passed along advice from her classmates, that ranged from studying abroad to making time to have fun with friends and family.
"Don't think the impossible is anything more than practical and real and you just may end up on the doorstep of the best decision of your life," Cloutier said.
The graduation, which marked the schools 125th anniversary, was the final commencement ceremony for Headmaster Donald Poulin, who will retire after more than three decades of service.
To honor his tenure, and that of every other headmaster and principal the school has held since 1883, the senior class will donate an outdoor plaque with every headmaster's name.
The class, which had a successful fundraising campaign, also will make a donation to the Donald F. Ridgeway Jr. Maine Destination ImagiNation Scholarship, which provides money to students graduates who have participated in destination imagination.
"The gifts this class has given speaks of the character and thoughtfulness of this graduating class," Poulin said.
Craig Crosby--623-3811 Ext. 433
ccrosby@centralmaine.com
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