WINTHROP -- On a sweltering day when many in this small town came out to honor their newest high school graduates, valedictorian Torin O'Brien paid tribute right back to the town.

"Much of what we're saying goodbye to is the town that has raised us," O'Brien said. "I try to think it's not forever. But when we leave here, many of us may not see each other for a very long time, maybe at a future reunion. No doubt we won't be the same people we are today. Imagine what the person sitting next to you will be like 20 years from now. And remember, we got our start as part of the Winthrop High School class of 2008."

Class President Briana Chu encouraged students to never give up even when they fall, knowing there will always be people who, like their teachers and parents have done so far in their lives, will be there to help them along their way.

"We're here because of our hard work and the help we got from our teachers and parents," Chu said, listing teachers and others who have helped her and her class. "Even though we're moving on, we'll always have someone to help us, like the people I mentioned today."

A total of 73 students, clad in green and white robes, graduated from Winthrop Sunday afternoon. Several graduates wore flip flops and other cool clothing under their robes as temperatures soared.

Students laughed and joked outside in the sun as they waited to march into the gym for the ceremonies.

This year's three exchange students-- Lore Euben of France, Chantal Herrmann of Germany, and Natkamol Kaewpunna of Thailand -- issued emotional goodbyes to their classmates, and thanked their host families.

"It's been a great year for me, I've done so many things I've never done before," Kaew-punna said, joking about it taking him two hours to ski down from the top of Sugarloaf, falling about 50 times. "This was the first time I've seen snow. I like it a lot. But you get too much."

Graduates took the stage together to sing their class song, the Journey song "Don't Stop Believin'."

The song starts with a line appropriate for the small-town theme of Winthrop's graduation.

"Just a small town girl...."

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com