By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
NEW SWEDEN, Maine — The 2013 graduating eighth-grade class at New Sweden Consolidated School were treated with a visit from the school’s retired secretary Kitty Doar, who gave the commencement speech at their graduation ceremony on June 7.
Doar, who had been the secretary at the New Sweden school for over 30 years, fought back tears as she addressed the 10 graduates that she had witnessed grow up.
“These are some very caring and compassionate kids,” Doar commented about the students, pointing out they were the 63rd class to graduate from New Sweden School.
The 2013 graduating eighth-grade class of New Sweden Consolidated School are, from left, front row, Laura Brigley, Kristyn Maley, Preston Rothlauf, Johnna Grant and Kendra Furber; back row, Nicolas Alfaro, Cody Moutinho, Shane Furber, Brent Moncier and Lance Lagasse.
Doar spoke about the traditions of the school such as the St. Lucia celebration at Christmastime. She offered advice to the students as they continue their school careers, telling them to remain true to who they are and not change to try to fit in. Doar also suggested they always listen to their parents, do their best and never chew gum in public.
“And take a cooking class,” she warned, “because you will always be hungry.”
The former school secretary concluded her speech by advising the graduates that their parents had lots of reasons to be proud of them.
“Tonight they are very proud. It’s a good night to ask for money,” Doar joked.
The students had dedicated their yearbook to Doar and they gave her a copy. They also presented gifts to their teacher, Ernie Easter, and their principal, Laurie Spooner.
Lance Lagasse was the class salutatorian and was also given the Secretary of State’s Eighth-Grade Citizenship Award, which recognizes Maine students for their civic awareness, scholastic achievements and community service. Lagasse is active in school, plays violin, is in the band, chorus and show choir, and has raised money for several charitable organizations.
Nicolas Alfaro was the class valedictorian, who addressed the audience and spoke about the importance of his classmates continuing to rely on each other as they continue through life,
Kendra Furber was the honor essayist, thanking friends and family for their support over the years and telling her fellow graduates to stay in touch and dream big.
After a slideshow featuring photographs of the graduates through the years, Spooner, with Easter’s help, handed out diplomas to the students, who then turned the tassels on their caps to officially become high school freshmen.
