06/08/2008
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Staff photo by Joe PhelanThe 17-year-old Gardiner Area High School senior from Pittston stood out in the hallway with friends on Saturday and posed for pictures before the processional at the Augusta Civic Center.
The class of 2008 had 137 students who succeeded. Now that she's made it through high school, Kaitlyn said her course is set for college to earn a business degree at the University of Maine at Augusta.
"I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but I did," Kaitlyn said. "I'm going to get a degree in business. I want to own my own bar. I love people and I love staying up at night so I felt it would fit. It's going to be a country bar with a riding bull, kind of like Coyote Ugly, but I'm going to make it my own."
Her classmates, Brandon Thompson, 18, from Pittston, and Chelsea Cooper, 17, of South Gardiner, both said they were excited about graduating. But at the same time, they are nervous about leaving their friends behind and heading out into the world on their own.
Thompson will be attending the University of Maine at Orono, possibly studying journalism. And Chelsea wants to become a graphic artist. She will attend Central Maine Community College in the fall.
"It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here," Chelsea said. "You have to say good-bye to your friends and finally grow up."
As for Ben Villeneuve, 17, of Pittston, he plans on working a year before enrolling in college. He wants to become an English teacher.
"I'm a military kid, so I'm graduating at a different school I started in," Ben said. "I've been here a year-and-a-half. I'm happy (to be graduating). I've made a lot of friends. But I'm glad it's over."
After the processional, Principal Chad Kempton welcomed everyone to the ceremony and told graduates it was the end of a great and exciting chapter of their lives.
"When you leave this building, each of you will start a new chapter," Kempton said. "You all are going to be faced with challenges, but these (challenges) will build character."
A special guest speaker chosen by students, English teacher Joseph Klofas, gave the outgoing class bits of wisdom, often quoting others and telling short, enlightening stories.
Klofas told students:
* Life does not give you a pass that tells you where you're supposed to be. You've got to find out for yourself.
* Make a habit of talking to people. There are many things well worth learning through conversation.
* Be open-minded.
* You can't blame anyone but yourself for your problems.
* Do what you say you'll do when you say you'll do it.
"Take no more than your share and, if you are given more, give back generously without regret," Klofas said. "And do things with grace and friendliness."
More advice came from Kristin Marks, 18, of Gardiner. Marks, the salutatorian, said his classmates have learned how to be caring friends, dedicated team members, responsible students and independent adults.
Because of these characteristics, the class of 2008 will excel in future schooling, in the workforce or the armed services, he said.
But what touched the audience the most was advice from valedictorian Emma Mohney, 18, of Gardiner. She told her fellow students as they leave the building, they need to remember all the people who have helped them become who they are today.
"We need to remember to thank our families, our neighbors, our teachers and our friends, who will be cheering us on as we search for that elusive personal best," Mohney said.
"They're part of the reason we've made it this far."
Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811,
Ext. 408
mcooper@centralmaine.com
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