HOULTON, Maine — After two years of modified graduation ceremonies, it was a return to normalcy for the graduating Class of 2022 at Houlton Middle-High School Thursday evening.
For the first time since 2019, graduates were able to march side-by-side, give hugs to their classmates and shake the hand of the district superintendent when receiving their diplomas.
Those simple, yet meaningful elements of a commencement ceremony are something the previous two graduating classes at Houlton Middle-High School were not able to have because of COVID-19.
That fact was not lost on the 67 seniors who proudly marched into the Millar Civic Center, showing off beaming smiles that no longer needed to be concealed by face coverings.
The previous two graduation ceremonies for the school were held outside at the Houlton International Airport, with guests required to stay inside their vehicles for much of the event. On Thursday evening, students were joined by hundreds of family and friends at the Civic Center for the school’s 123rd bestowing of diplomas.
Shouts of encouragement and jubilation were prevalent as students received their diplomas.
Class Marshal Zoe Austin led the group of seniors into the arena, as the chords of “Pomp and Circumstance” were performed.
Valedictorian Breanne Barton explained that failures in life were every bit as important as successes because it was only through failing that one can improve.
“The pursuit of perfection pushes us to improve and achieve success almost daily,” she said. “Perfection is an admirable goal if we realize that the bar is a moving, mutable target that encourages growth and success. Perfection, unfortunately though, is a misleading image that often frustrates us and disappoints us.”
She encouraged her classmates to strive for perfection, celebrate successes and embrace failures.
“Realize that perfection is fleeting, but growth and improvement are permanent,” she said. “Do not let the fear of failure prevent you from tomorrow’s exciting opportunities. And as you leave here, follow my dad’s sage advice, ‘Fail hard.’”
Salutatorian Collin Moody spoke on the importance of being grateful and how little moments of gratitude can go a long way into making the world a better place.
“As you all leave here tonight, I encourage you to be grateful for what you have and express that gratitude every single day,” he said. “Be grateful for what lies ahead of you in this uncertain journey. So may you make your meal a feast, change your denial to acceptance and turn that stranger into a friend.”
Isabella Ardell, first honor essayist, introduced the guest speaker for the evening — Heather Mitchell, a high school science teacher and the senior class adviser. Each year, the senior class chooses a person who has touched the lives of students in the classroom.
Mitchell gave a humorous recap of some of the many events over the years, noting how blessed she was to have been a part of it all.
“I have known most of you since you were in sixth grade, and I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to watch you grow into young adults,” Mitchell said. “You, the Class of 2022, are a cohesive group. You may not all hang out together, but from the outside looking in there is not one of you who would not support a classmate who needed help.”
Mitchell added that it was “OK” to not know exactly what the future holds in store, or to veer entirely off course onto a different path, as life is full of many twists and turns.
“You don’t have to know everything right now,” she said. “Feel free to make mistakes. Learn from them and grow.”
Elena Ardell, second honor essayist, recited the class ode before the conferring of diplomas.
HOULTON, Maine — June 2, 2022 — Getting ready for Houlton’s graduation ceremony Thursday are twins Isabella (left) and Elena Ardell. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — June 2, 2022 — Chloe Donahue-Johnson signs a stuffed dog prior to the start of Houlton’s graduation ceremony Thursday evening at the Millar Civic Center. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — June 2, 2022 — Taking a photo are Houlton graduates from left, Skylie Bartlett, Olivia Henderson and Samantha Johnson. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — June 2, 2022 — Heather Mitchell (right) fixes the cap of Abby Cole prior to Thursday evening’s Houlton graduation ceremony. Mitchell served as the guest speaker for the ceremony. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — June 2, 2022 — Houlton Class Marshal Zoe Austin leads the Class of 2022 into the Millar Civic Center Thursday evening for graduation. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
