Staff Writer
WASHBURN — Graduation June 6 marked both the conclusion of one chapter of life and the beginning of a new one for members of the Class of 2009, bringing on the mixed emotions such milestones have a tendency of creating.
“Today is the launching pad for our class. We’re going on, moving on, but we won’t forget the memories we made here,” said Chelsea Sadler, second honor essayist. “We head into the future with new dreams and luck to guide us.”
Reading from a poem found in “Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul,” Morgan Berube, first honor essayist, read about looking to the future and not the past.
“This poem speaks to me as a student and an athlete and reminds me of the importance of persevering. In terms of winning and losing, I believe this class sitting behind me tonight, the Class of 2009, is all winners,” said Berube. “From here on tonight, many of us will go our separate ways. But we must never forget the classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, fans, supporters, family and friends who have pushed us — pushed us to being the best we can be.”
Jeremiah Sjoberg provided the salutatory address, noting his “excitement to move on” was tempered by the knowledge of what he was leaving behind.
“It really started a few weeks ago when it hit me that I’m not going to be seeing the people at my school nearly as much any more. Change is an exciting and scary thing. Just when you start to find out who you are, it’s time to move on to the next step in life. It’s incredible and sad at the same time,” said Sjoberg.
Class Valedictorian Elizabeth Gagnon reflected on how quickly time had passed from the first day in elementary school to graduation festivities.
“This is an event that often seems extremely distant and incredibly far away for many. Today is a day that I thought would never arrive. Yet here I am, giving my graduation speech. Although the journey to graduation seemed never-ending at times, I now realize that the past 13 years really did fly by and time shouldn’t be taken for granted,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon followed the lead of Sadler, Berube and Sjoberg, expressing gratitude to all those who made reaching the end of high school and the beginning of the next stage of life possible, saving comments for her classmates for last.
“I wish all of you the best of luck in the future. May your goals be achieved and may your dreams come true. Don’t let time pass you by; soak up and enjoy every moment of your life,” said Gagnon.
Following the speeches, various presentations were made, including gifts for faculty and staff, flower presentations to loved ones, scholarships and, finally, the diplomas.
Guidance Counselor Andrea Hallett was pleased with this year’s ceremony.
“I thought graduation went well. The students’ speeches were exceptional,” she said.
Hallett expressed appreciation for the community support that provided for numerous scholarship opportunities.
“With the stock market, we lost a number of great money providers for this class; we went from 28 scholarships to 19. Without our community, it would have been very slim; we’re grateful for such positive community support,” said Hallett.
Hallett said one of the most rewarding presentations was made to Shawn Michaud, who was recognized for graduating, despite facing obstacles along his educational path.
“Shawn received an award called the Educational Achievement Accommodation. It isn’t a scholarship. It’s usually a watch, engraved with the date and graduation information He definitely deserved it. He has turned into such a fabulous man, from where he began,” Hallett said.
She also acknowledge a student at the opposite end of the educational spectrum.
“Jeremiah is going to RIT in New York. He received 11 scholarships totaling over $6,000. He’ll be studying photography,” said Hallett.
Sjoberg, the son of Craig and Betty-Jo Sjoberg, said he is looking forward to attending Rochester Institute of Technology.
“I’ll be studying advertising photography,” he said. “My photography business is doing great and it’s certainly growing.”
Sjoberg said he’d continue to book photo sessions in Aroostook County for when he’s on college breaks.
“I don’t know what my exact career will be after college, but I know that I want to be taking pictures of people,” Sjoberg said, noting he first got interested in photography in middle school. “That’s when I began taking tons of pictures of my friends and uploading them all to share online. My friends loved them and I learned more and more about image making from then on.”
Sjoberg said he’s inspired by “all photographers who are truly artists,” and that he is inspired by “fashion and magazines.”
Now that he’s graduated, Sjoberg said there will be a lot of things he’ll miss as he moves on to the next stage of his life.
“I’m going to miss growing up sharing experiences and memories with my closest friends. Growing up in a small town, I’m going to miss always being surrounded by people who I know care about me,” said Sjoberg.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
REACHING A TURNING POINT in their lives, members of Washburn’s Class of 2009 move their tassels from right to left, signifying their transition from student to graduate, during commencement June 5 at Washburn District High School.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HEATHER EVERETT was presented with one of the first scholarships awarded during graduation June 6 at WDHS. Presenting the McBreairty-Dickinson Scholarship — an award that honors three students each year, one each from Perham, Wade and Washburn — is Noreen McIntosh.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
JEREMIAH SJOBERG receives his diploma from Superintendent Ed Buckley during commencement June 6 at Washburn District High School. Sjoberg plans to major in photography in college, an interest that evolved into a business for him during his years at WDHS.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ALEX McINTOSH, a member of the WDHS Class of 2009, presents a carnation of thanks to Superintendent Ed Buckley, as Principal Ricky T. Bragg looks on.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS and staff were presented by members of WDHS’s Class of 2009 at graduation June 6. Here, student Nicholas Pignatiello gets a thank-you hug from Class Advisor Tracy Reed.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
SHAWN MICHAUD receives a congratulatory hug from Dee Trombley during graduation June 6 in Washburn.
