DANFORTH, Maine — A group of six seniors bid fond farewell to their classmates and school Friday as part of East Grand’s graduation ceremony.
Held inside the school’s gymnasium, the evening was filled with plenty of smiles and cheers as the close-knit group reminisced about their time at East Grand.
Salutatorian Stephen Rowe said he would fondly remember the memories created at East Grand for the rest of his life.
“Throughout all my years at East Grand I’ve enjoyed every year,” Rowe said. “That being said, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it without the classmates and friends that made the school experience more fun and exciting. Running through the rain during class yard sales, drawing funny characters on the white board after class, having interesting conversations at the lunch table. Those are the things that make school a truly worthy experience. If you don’t have fun during school, you’ll regret it throughout the rest of your life, and I wouldn’t recommend that.”
Valedictorian Eve Griffiths thanked the many teachers, bus drivers and office staff who helped guide the class through their years.
“My best memories of high school would be working as a teacher’s assistant throughout my years here as well as helping with the summer school program,” Griffiths said. “The example these teachers provided has formed each one of us. Personally they have helped me decide to pursue my degree in secondary education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. I am extremely grateful for all of the teachers that have taught me here at East Grand. The variety of teaching styles I have been able to observe will help me in my future classroom.”
She encouraged her classmates to take the lessons they have learned at East Grand and apply them to whatever career path they chose.
“Each of us are starting our own new chapters in life,” she said. “Education in any form will be the deciding factor on how we are propelled throughout life. Learning and educating ourselves in all different ways is what will make us the people we are. Learning is not just strictly picking up a book and starting to read. Learning can be as simple as starting a new hobby, getting a new pet, cooking something new or maybe you will decide to take an underwater basket weaving class. Nevertheless, we are all learning constantly and advancing our ways throughout life. Let’s make it purposeful.”
DANFORTH, Maine — June 3, 2022 — Salutatorian Stephen Rowe is all smiles after receiving his diploma Friday at East Grand School. (Photo courtesy of East Grand School)
DANFORTH, Maine — June 3, 2022 — Gabriel O’Brien smiles after receiving his diploma from East Grand School. (Photo courtesy of East Grand School)
