WASHBURN, Maine — Many of their events had been canceled and their education quickly made remote because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, Washburn District High School’s graduation on Friday was a reasonably conventional one for its six graduating seniors.
Washburn District High School Valedictorian Paul Tardie III speaks at Washburn High’s Class of 2020 graduation on Friday, June 5. (Staff Photo/David Marino Jr.)
The school would be able to conduct a “fairly traditional” ceremony because of its small class size, administrative assistant Crystal Hobbs had said. Graduates each invited six guests, though faculty was kept to a minimum to avoid going over the 50-person limit mandated by Gov. Janet Mills’ civil state of emergency.
Each of the students walked across the stage to take their diplomas from a table. There was no handshaking, but each student elbow-bumped Assistant Principal Ron Ericson and Principal Larry Worcester — employing what has now become a standard greeting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Washburn District High School student Keegan Goodine holds a certificate of special recognition at Washburn District High School’s graduation on Friday, June 5. David Marino Jr. | The Star-Herald
The graduates entered into the ceremony wearing facemasks but removed them once they got on stage. Most of the audience did not wear facemasks, though faculty members did so when not speaking.
In his introduction and valedictorian speech class president Paul Tardie III sardonically reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic and the many years he spent in school with his classmates. He admitted the last few months had not been easy, with several of the school’s senior events being canceled.
Yet, he struck a resilient tone and had faith in his class’s opportunity to emerge from the pandemic to change the world.
“Disease and pandemic will strike again, but I know that we are strong,” Tardie III said. “We will get by and be able to create a stronger future.”
He had gotten to know many of the fellow graduates in this small district well and had high hopes for all of them as they graduated to new horizons. He provided memories of several students.
Colby Hewitt was a “class clown” that could get serious when needed. Noah McLaughlin was a “good friend” who worked harder than he gave himself credit for. Keegan Goodine could take the lead if necessary.
Ultimately, Tardie III said students should find their passions and follow them if they want to get the most out of life.
“Find a passion and someone you can share it with,” Tardie III said. “It doesn’t have to be your job, but it could be if you want.”
After Tardie III’s speech, several students received academic and athletic awards, along with scholarships.
Noah McLaughlin, left, and Paul Tardie III, right, sit on stage during Washburn District High School’s graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5. David Marino Jr. | The Star-Herald
Washburn Boys Basketball Coach Mike Hartford — who spoke remotely — presented Colby Hewitt with the outstanding senior athlete award.
Hewitt played soccer, cross country, basketball, baseball and volleyball during his time at Washburn. Hewitt had worked hard to improve his skills on the basketball court, becoming an asset to his team in the process,Hartford said.
Now that Washburn’s seniors have graduated, many will go on to new and exciting paths, from college to the military.
Two students will attend Northern Maine Community College: Mason Bartlett, who will major in liberal arts, and Goodine, who will study automotive technology.
Tardie III will study secondary education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Emily Driscoll — the salutatorian of the 2020 class — will also attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where she hopes to get a business degree.
Hewitt is already enlisted in the United States National Guard, and will soon be leaving for boot camp. McLaughlin will be working after graduation.
Washburn District High School graduating senior Mason Bartlett stands at his graduation on Friday, June 5. (Staff Photo/David Marino Jr.)
Colby Hewitt holds a trophy he received for his athletic accomplishments at the Washburn District High School graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5. (Staff Photo/David Marino Jr.)
