Richard encourages PIHS grads
to ‘continue to dream’
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Dr. Scott Richard, a 1991 graduate of Presque Isle High School, is a dreamer. As a child he dreamed of becoming a physician – and despite rejection and challenges along the way – he achieved that dream.
The alumnus shared his journey with the 145 PIHS graduates, their family and friends at the June 11 commencement exercises.
“As a senior at PIHS, I often wondered what life would hold for me after graduation. These thoughts often came at the expense of concentrating during certain classes, and my mind would wander,” he said. “I am ashamed to admit it, but most of this day dreaming came at the expense of my senior English class work, probably because it was the first period of the day and nothing to do with an apathy for the English language.
“During these lapses in concentration, I would stare at a poster on the back wall of the classroom which contained the words to Langston Hughes’ poem, ‘A Dream Deferred,’” said Richard. “For some unknown reason I memorized this poem and remember it to this day: ‘What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or does it fester like a sore and run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or does it crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or, does it just explode?’”
Richard told the PIHS seniors that wanting to be a physician became “a singular focus of my dreams.”
“I chose a college in order to prepare myself for a career in medicine. My coursework at this college was laden with scientific classes. Nothing was going to keep my from my dream of becoming a doctor … until I was rejected from every medical school I applied to,” he said. “As you can imagine, this was a crushing blow to my ego. For the first time in four years, I thought of Langston Hughes’ poem and wondered how my deferred dream was going to end up.
“At that time, I thought maybe festering like a sore. When I reapplied the next year, and was again rejected, rotten meat came to mind. I seriously thought of abandoning my dream at this point,” said Richard. “Rejection hurts, and nothing could have prepared me for another round of failure. Fortunately my family, friends, and some of my former high school teachers encouraged me to reapply. My dream, although deferred, finally came to fruition two years later than I had hoped.”
Richard completed his undergraduate work in biology and chemistry at Bates College in Lewiston, and in 2001, graduated from Albany Medical College in Albany, N.Y., followed by an internship in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology. A board certified obstetric gynecologist, Richard practices at Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburg.
Encouraging the seniors to “continue to dream,” Richard cautioned them that “life outside of the walls of PIHS will be difficult and you will be met with many obstacles along the way.”
“Through the establishments of dreams, you will have a purpose in life that will help you overcome these obstacles. Your dreams will be very individualized, and they will help define who you are as a person. My one plea to you today is never abandon your dreams,” he said. “There will be several occasions when your dreams will be delayed due to obstacles along the way. Do not let these obstacles become impenetrable barriers to the accomplishment of your dreams. Look at them as temporary setbacks, and then return to a course which will allow you to accomplish that which you strive for.
“My dream was delayed two years, which at the time caused great stress in my life. But as the sands of time pass, I realize that during these two years, several life altering opportunities were presented to me that allowed growth as a person that simply would not have been possible if I had matriculated directly into medical school,” said Richard. “At the time it was difficult to realize this growth, but these experiences have shaped my interactions with friends, coworkers and patients. Although delaying your dreams can be difficult, positive results may come from this delay. Please remember to hold fast to your dreams. Do not let the rigors of life rob you from the chance to accomplish what you desire. Write your dreams down. Share them with family and friends. By verbalizing what you hope to accomplish, others can now support you in your attempts to achieve those goals. Routinely take survey of your life and ask yourself, ‘What have I done recently to accomplish my dreams?’ If you cannot think of an answer, then I encourage you to double your efforts.”
In addition to Richard’s words of wisdom, graduates were also treated to a top 10 list of memories by class speakers Kelsey Park and Justin Lewin. Memories included field trips, Winter Carnival and prom. Despite their comedic delivery, Park and Lewin also had advice for their peers.
“We encourage you to strive to succeed, but don’t forget to make some memories. Experience!” said Lewin. “The reality is that you will face trials. Sure, they may be different than anything you have ever encountered before, but the good news is that you already know you are strong enough to withstand the tough times. Build upon what you’ve already learned and don’t be afraid to keep on learning. We are all going to make mistakes, but it is how we rebound from these mistakes that define our character.”
“Work hard, keep sight of your goals, and achieve, but remember that some of the simplest instances can make the most pronounced memories,” Park said. “Continue ahead and live. Don’t forget, but rather build from the past and create some new memories. You deserve it.”
Prior to the conferring of diplomas, the top five academic achievers at PIHS were also recognized. They are: Kelsey Park, 96.5294 GPA; Laurel Curtis, 95.5; Lorraine Hughes, 94.5091; Samantha Sanborn, 94.4808; and Madelyn Carson, 94.4327.
Musical selections at this year’s commencement included “Roots and Wings” by trumpeters Josh Jones and Adam Scott, “Always There” by Madelyn Carson, “We Are Going” by the PIHS chorus, and “My Wish” by Kori Kinney.
Staff photos
Scott Mitchell Johnson
DR. SCOTT RICHARD, a member of Presque Isle High School’s Class of 1991, served as the keynote speaker at this year’s PIHS commencement exercises. Here, Richard poses with his mother, Lucy Richard, who is chair of the SAD 1 board of directors.
ASHLEE WOOD, right, a senior at Presque Isle High School, shares a laugh with English teacher Mary Trainer, commencement committee member, before being called on stage to receive her high school diploma.
THIS YEAR’S GRADUATION CEREMONY was bittersweet for Eric Waddell, principal at Presque Isle High School, as it was his last as principal. Waddell, who started with SAD 1 in 1990 as an English teacher at PIHS, is leaving to become the new curriculum director of SAD 35 in Eliot. Prior to being named principal in 2001, Waddell also served as athletic director and assistant principal at PIHS.
JULIE SHARP places her hand over her heart during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which was performed by the Presque Isle High School Concert Band.
JACOB BONVILLE was one of 145 Presque Isle High School seniors who received their diploma June 11. Here, Bonville receives congratulations from SAD 1 Superintendent Gehrig Johnson.
DELIVERING HUMOROUS REMARKS during commencement exercises were class speakers, Kelsey Park and Justin Lewin.
LORRAINE HUGHES and Jeremiah Harris were among the 145 Presque Isle High School seniors that graduated June 11.
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL – Presque Isle High School graduates Morgan Meyer, left, and Italia Corriveau make sure every hair is in place before walking into the June 11 commencement exercises.
JENNA STEPHENSON turns her tassel before marching out of Presque Isle High School for the last time.
LIANA CAO, left, helps Kyle Gilson with his stole prior to the June 11 commencement exercises at Presque Isle High School.
ADAM SCOTT, left, and Josh Jones, members of Presque Isle High School’s Class of 2010, perform “Roots and Wings” on the trumpet before the processional at the recent PIHS graduation ceremony.
