FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Proud family members, relatives and friends packed into Lawrence A. Gardner Gym for the graduation of the Fort Fairfield Class of 2023.
There were 30 seniors who accepted their diplomas on the elevated stage on Sunday, June 11.
“Yes, the Class of 2023 is the class that has been affected by COVID-19 all four years of high school,” Salutatorian Marissa Giberson said. “And yet, we have managed just fine.”
Each student has the potential for greatness with every member of the class having something they are passionate about, which is key for their potential, Giberson said after quoting Robert F. Kennedy.
“We are all so incredibly different from one another and profoundly independent,” said Valedictorian Rose Reischl. “In fact, our class radiates independence.”
Salutatorian Marissa Giberson (right) during her speech at the the class of 2023 graduation ceremony held in the Lawrence A. Gardner Gym at the Fort Fairfield Middle High School on June 11. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
Senior Emma Kilcollins accepts her diploma from mother and director of guidance Mandy Kilcollins (right) during the graduation ceremony held in the Lawrence A. Gardner Gym at Fort Fairfield Middle High School on June 11. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
It was the first year for Principal Tanya Staples to announce the names of each of the 30 students who received their diplomas from Superintendent Tim Doak.
“Someone once told me the two best things for the human body are sweat and tears,” Doak said. “You got to use both because it helps clear your mind.”
Doak gave the graduating class a few pieces of advice: be competitive, make good choices, be approachable and practice good self-care and exercise.
“Please remember the struggles and changes we went through but most importantly remember that every person on this stage beat all the odds,” said Emma Kilcollins during her final speech as class president.
No teenager should have to face the challenges they did during the COVID-19 pandemic with 2022 being the only year of normal high school for the Class of 2023, Kilcollins said.
Forty-nine scholarships were awarded to graduating students on Friday, June 9, at the senior banquet, a couple days prior to the graduation ceremony.
Superintendent Tim Doak (right) gives words of encouragement and advice to the graduating class of 2023 during the graduation ceremony held in the Lawrence A. Gardner Gym at Fort Fairfield Middle High School on June 11. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
Valedictorian Rose Reischl (left) during her speech at the class of 2023 graduation ceremony held in the Lawrence A. Gardner Gym at the Fort Fairfield Middle High School on June 11. (Paul Bagnall | The Star-Herald)
