Staff Writer
EASTON – Thirteen young men and women from Easton’s population moved onto the next stage of their lives with the presentation of their high school diplomas on June 6. Members of the class of 2008 affirmed to their classmates and gathered friends and family that Easton’s tight-knit community prepared them for college and careers.
Class President and Second Honor Essayist Brittney LaFrance advocated growing up in a small town like Easton. “We have been very fortunate to be members of Easton High School. We were given the tools we needed to succeed. Our small class size made it possible for teachers to be able to make us feel special and unique. Easton school is the reflection of the Easton community, a community that comes together and supports one another … As the next stage of life begins, I am honored to have learned the lessons of my youth in a small and caring community,” she said.
LaFrance thanked the parents of the Class of 2008 for their “heroic acts” who had supported the graduates to this point in their lives. She also commended the community for their involvement with the high school.
“When you attend a basketball game, you don’t just see students playing basketball with their families on the sidelines. You see other members of the community from 1 to 92 all coming together, each in their own special way contributing to this place we call home. Our community cares for one another, we support each other and we all have our special place in carrying on that tradition,” she said.
Valedictorian Molly White described how her classmates had become like brothers and sisters. She urged the graduates to make their mark on the world.
“Don’t go through life waiting for others to do the job, stand up and make a difference. Take charge. Never let someone else outsmart or outshine you. You all have the tools to succeed. Use them. Prove everyone that thought you couldn’t do it, wrong. I know you all will make it, but if you don’t find instant success, don’t give up. You all have the strength to take whatever life throws at you. Never let life break you down. If you think you’re down for the count, look up and realize you can do it,” she said.
Salutatorian Kristen Boxwell recognized that future steps for each individual would not always be easy, but she had faith in their abilities. Boxwell likened the choices they would soon make to a farmer choosing what to plant.
“There is always going to be positives and negatives to every situation and to every decision. Some decisions you make will be hard, others easy, some will challenge your beliefs and some will challenge your morals. You know what is good for you and the things that mean the most to you … If you believe that the decision you have made is right for you then follow through and be confident, don’t let those who don’t like your decision tear you down,” she said.
The graduates also took the time to recognize and make their farewells to Paul Dudley who has taught history at Easton High School for 39 years.
2008 Easton graduate Adriana Gonzalez also addressed the audience. Gonzalez, who is an exchange student from Mexico, thanked members of the community for their friendship and helping her improve her English while biding them farewell.
Awards were presented to the Second Honor Essayist La France, First Honor Essayist Amanda Weeder, Salutatorian Boxwell and Valedictorian White. Musical selections performed by the Easton chorus were “May You be Led by the Highest Star” by Carl Nygard and Kenneth Blekicki and “Walk Tall” by Carl Strommen. Easton High School graduates included Casey Baston, Heather Blodgett, Matthew Blodget, Kristen Boxwell, Jeremy Brock, Nicholas Flewelling, Starla Gadaire, Adriana Gonzalez, AnaRae Holmes, Brittney LaFrance, Nathaniel Sanders, Amanda Weeder and Molly White.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
LEAVING ON A SONG – The 2008 Easton High School graduates say good-bye to their high school days with a song after receiving their diplomas on June 6. Pictured, from the left, are Casey Baston, Brittney LaFrance, Starla Gadaire, Amanda Weeder and Molly White.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
AMANDA WEEDER reads her first honor essay during the 2008 Easton High School commencement exercises on June 6.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
MATT BLODGET, 2008 graduate, leads the young men of Easton High School into the gymnasium at the commencement exercises on June 6.
Staff photo/Meridith Paterson
VALEDICTORIAN MOLLY White dries her eyes during an emotional moment of the 2008 Easton High School commencement exercises on June 6.
