NEWPORT -- Nokomis Class of 2008 Valedictorian Rachel Mary Gordon exhorted her 161 fellow graduates to continue pursuing their own identities in the coming years.

They came in as freshmen not knowing who they were, got a better idea of it in the next few years, and now must remain true to themselves in order to lead fulfilling lives in the years to come, Gordon said.

""There are always people wanting you to do what they want," she said, addressing the graduates in front of a hot gymnasium packed tightly with seated, sweaty people. "But do what you want to do. No one can live your life for you."

At least one woman passed out from heat exhaustion as various speakers made their comments. First responders lifted her in her folding metal chair and took her outside to a waiting ambulance. Temperatures reached the low- to mid-90s outside as the ceremony began at 2 p.m. Sunday, and inside the gymnasium the still air and large crowd made it even hotter.

Still, those in attendance cheered enthusiastically as Gordon made her final point:

"Today may be the end of this chapter, but the rest of your book is unwritten," she said. "And you are the only author."

Maine School Administrative District 48 Superintendent of Schools William P. Braun thanked members of the community for support, lauded faculty members for their hard work, and praised the seniors for their achievement.

"The single most important factor in determining the future of our state and nation is education," Braun said. "These seniors have worked, studied and earned the right to be seated here today, and today brings many promises of the future."

Braun pointed to the many failures of Abraham Lincoln's life and career, contrasting them with his later success as a U.S. president, and told graduates that the key is to not give up.

"It's a rare person who doesn't get discouraged, whether (a setback) happens to them or to friends they are trying to support," Braun said. "As you write your personal novel, the positive end will center around one word -- perseverance."