RICHMOND -- Sarah Williams told the 46 graduates of Richmond High School Saturday that they were like ships out at sea.

About 300 people turned out for the graduation ceremony held in the Richmond High School Gymnasium.

Williams told her classmates that the first 18 years, they were building their own personal ships to take them through life, toiling under the watchful eyes of master craftsmen -- their parents and teachers who helped mold them into the young men and women they are today.

"At the end of the day, however, it was our own hands that built our ships," said Williams, valedictorian. Now we have finished all the building and our ships are ready to be launched."

She said the prospect of casting off from shore and beginning this voyage was a little daunting. But they must remember, in the case of stormy weather, do not be afraid to take shelter in their home port -- friends and family who will support and comfort them.

"It is important to watch out for rocks and to look to lighthouses or your charts for guidance," she said. "If however, your ship runs aground or sinks in the middle of the ocean, call out for help and you will get it."

Other words of encouragement came from David Redmond, salutatorian. Redmond said many of the graduates were off to college, while others were headed straight into the workforce.

He raised his voice to emphasize they are now in charge of their lives. What they do with their lives, he said is up to them.

"Whatever you do, don't let life pass you by too quickly," Redmond said. "Slow it down. Take it one step at a time. Relax, enjoy it -- savor it. There are going to be some downers, it's inevitable, it's life. Just try not to get caught up on the small things . . . Shoot for your dreams and aspirations, do what you want. Ultimately, you are the one that is in control of your life."

First honor essayist, Alex Forsythe, told classmates now is the time to decide on their ideals.

He said time and time again, young people are asked not only what they believe in, but what they are prepared to do for their beliefs. Would they fight for it? Would they pay the ultimate price? he asked.

"Now is the time to decide not what we will die for, but what we shall live for, whether it be learning a trade, exploring a new skill or a purely academic pursuit of information in college," Forsythe said " . . . It is time to listen, evaluate and pay heed to that which makes sense to us on the eve of this grand opportunity."

Rachel Carter, the second honor essayist, told her fellow classmates not to panic. For the past few years, she said they have been living in a fairy tale world, one that was strikingly similar to reality, but jaded.

She said they've quested along to reach an ultimate goal, graduation. And have learned to deal with good and evil in the world and in themselves.

Some, she said have been rewarded for their noble deeds, either through sports or academically.

As with all fairy tales, some of her classmates have even fallen in love.

"We have had people to guide us on our quests, our parents and teachers," Carter said. "They set us on a path, which we must now continue down on our own. By our own means, we need to find the endings to these tales, happy or otherwise. The start of this new journey begins today!"

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com