AUGUSTA -- There is a difference between knowing things and learning, and the Erskine Academy class of 2009 has been steeped in both.

"They are not, in fact, the same thing," valedictorian Katherine Reynolds said during commencement Friday at the Augusta Civic Center. "It is learning, not teaching, that constitutes a real education. I urge you to think back on what you have been taught...but above all that, treasure what you have learned."

Reynolds was one of five people, including four students and a former headmaster, to offer insight and wisdom to the 142 members to graduate from the South China school on Friday.

"It's now you can have complete control of your life," said salutatorian Astrid Gleaton. "I highly recommend grasping it."

The festive ceremonies opened with somber remembrance as Headmaster Michael McQuarrie conveyed diplomas to Amanda Edwards' parents and step-parents. Edwards, who was 17 when she died in a car crash last fall, was honored by each student wearing a pink carnation. The carnations raise breast cancer awareness, one of Edwards' favorite causes.

"The senior body has picked up on her interest and it really has become our cause throughout the year."

Edwards' classmates used their speeches to encourage the graduates to live life to its fullest. First honor essayist Allison Putnam urged the graduates to remember the moments.

"No matter what route you choose, it's always important to remember where you came from," Putnam said.

The class chose Donald Poulin, who spent 32 years at the school before retiring as headmaster last year, to offer the keynote address. Poulin described what he had learned from a former student who had overcome incredible adversity, including an addiction at birth, to earn a nursing degree.

The student's conversion began when she realized, with the help of a teacher at Erskine, that her anger and poor grades were holding her back.

"She no longer saw herself as a victim," Poulin said. "She saw all the negative things in her life were an opportunity to learn and make a plan."

History often defines who we are, second honor essayist Michelle James said. The experiences shared by the graduates had molded them into friends. James offered a list of hopes she holds for her friends, including that they would always be able to laugh at themselves.

"It's OK, even noble, to take the path of most resistance," James said. "What I hope for all of you is that you meet those challenges boldly."

James final hope for the class of 2009 is that each member will live in the moment.

"If we've learned anything this year it's that today truly is a gift and tomorrow is not guaranteed," she said.

Craig Crosby--623-3811, ext. 433

ccrosby@centralmaine.com