Easton valedictorian
points out importance of duct tape
EASTON – During her valedictory address, Lisa Dayringer explained to her 14 Easton High School classmates as well as friends and family members in attendance that the usefulness and creativity of something as simple as duct tape can be applied to their future.
“Everyone knows that duct tape can fix virtually anything – leaky pipes, broken wood, ripped fabric,” she said. “However, there are things duct tape can’t fix, and these things are often the most important to us: lost hope, a broken friendship, financial difficulty.
“During these times, we must remember that somewhere out there is something that can help, be it government assistance, prayer or just a great big hug. Even when things seem as though they can’t possibly get better, if you hold onto your faith, you will get through.”
Dayringer’s speech highlighted the June 4 graduation ceremony at Easton High School.
She went on to remind her classmates of the time as a junior when she made a dress out of duct tape.
“Clothing, wallets, purses, jewelry, full-size sailboats, rope bridges, functional cannons – you name it and someone has probably tried to make it out of duct tape,” Dayringer said. “That is the kind of unstoppable energy we need to have in our futures. If someone tries to tell you that you can’t do something, make it your mission to prove them wrong.
“Never allow yourself to think something is impossible. Don’t settle for a life you’ll hate. Do what you love and love what you do, even if it seems totally crazy. Duct tape is not the only medium through which you can express your creativity. You can be creative with your approach to life, too.”
Salutatorian Kaitlin Bennett thanked teachers, family members and fellow students for their role in the journey toward graduation.
“Tonight we say good bye to the life we have come to know and move on to a bigger and better one,” Bennett said, “a life where we can chase our dreams. Tonight we say good bye to the teachers who have helped to shape and mold us into the young men and women that we have become. And tonight we say good bye to the friends who have always been there, through all of the laughs and the tears.”
In his first honor essay, Luke Fuller recalled growing up with his current classmates and spoke of the maturity they now display.
“There is greatness in all of you,” he said. “Even though everyone does not have the same gifts and talents, you all have the potential to accomplish anything you set your mind to.
“After we walk out of her tonight, we will be graduates of Easton High School, and I know we will all do great things.”
Anna Sherwood borrowed a quote from Confucius to inspire her classmates in her second honor essay.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step,” she said. “My classmates, that single step takes place tonight.
“I am sure every one of you will achieve some great accomplishments in your lives.”
More than $200,000 in scholarships were also presented during the evening, highlighted by the $130,000 Elmira College Valedictorian Scholarship that was presented to Dayringer.
Other scholarships and their recipients were as follows: Francis Malcolm, Anna Sherwood; PI Rotary (Earl Carlson Memorial), Nicholas Ambrose; Almon Chip Dodge, Taylor Burtt; Ted Libby, Corey White; John Folsom Hoyt, Luke Fuller; J.M. Huber, Burtt; Annual Alumni, Luke Budreau and Fuller; Student Council, White; Steve DeMerchant/White, White; Bragdon Stevens, Kaitlin Bennett; Madeline Gardner, Burtt and White; David M. Hafford Jr., Bryan Young; EPCO, Young; Flewelling, Dayringer; Fred Seaborne, White; Easton Kiwanis, Dayringer; Kendall W. Bolster and Brenda Bolster Greenleaf, Michael Petrin; Clair E. Carter, Budreau.
Also, Mitchell Scholar, Sherwood; George and Annie Knox (Ricker College), Sherwood; Steve Perry, Budreau; Dunehew/Hayden, Christopher Burnham; Neil F. Wortman, Burtt; Winston Larsen, Ambrose; Wilda Wathen, Budreau; MELMAC, Bennett; Jenny McMannus, Krystle Gadaire; Terry/Barb Chalou, Zackari Bourgeois; Sid Bradley Memorial Cash Award, Burtt; Varsity Club, Burtt and White; Albert Wright, White; Jesse R. Pelfrey, Bourgeios; Earla Budreau, Budreau; Robert Stickney, White; Life By Design, Fuller; Aroostook Farm Fund, Fuller; Lawrence J. Hammond Sr. Cash Award, Budreau and White; NMCC Presidential, Budreau; County Federal Credit Union, Dayringer; Hayden Family, Ambrose, Bennett, Caleb Bomar, Budreau, Burtt, Dayringer, Fuller, Gadaire, Petrin, Sherwood, White and Young; Dr. Thomas V. Brennan Memorial, Petrin.
The Easton Junior-Senior High School Chorus, under the direction of Pamela Kinsey, sang the songs “Put a Little Sunshine in Your Life” and “Together Wherever You Go.” A slide presentation, put together by senior class members Caleb Bomar and Bryan Young and displaying both baby and current photographs of the graduates as well as their future plans, was also shown.
The presentation of diplomas was done by Gaylen Flewelling, chairman of the Easton Board of Education; Superintendent Frank Keenan and Principal Georgette Ireland. A candlelight ceremony followed and served as the conclusion for the graduation exercises.
The senior class officers are President Anna Sherwood, Vice President Krystle Gadaire, Secretary Kaitlin Bennett and Treasurer Lisa Dayringer. The class adviser is Bryan Wright.
Staff photos/Kevin Sjoberg
CHECKING OUT the program prior to the June 4 graduation ceremony are, from left, Taylor Burtt, Lisa Dayringer and Kaitlin Bennett.
LENDING A HAND – Sally Budreau helps her grandson, Luke Budreau, out with his cap and gown prior to the June 4 graduation ceremony at Easton High School.
LISA DAYRINGER marshals in her class during the processional at the graduation ceremony held June 4 in Easton. Dayringer, who also was the class valedictorian, picked up a $130,000 scholarship from Elmira College as well as several other scholarships which were presented during the evening.
PASSING THE FLAME – Krystle Gadaire lights her candle from classmate Corey White’s during the final portion of the June 4 graduation ceremony at Easton High School.
EASTON SENIOR Taylor Burtt shares a laugh with Michelle Osgood, an Easton alum, prior to the graduation ceremony held June 4 at Easton High School.
CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY – From left, Caleb Bomar, Bryan Young and Nicholas Ambrose are among the Easton seniors participating in the candlelight ceremony which capped the June 4 graduation ceremony.
