DYER BROOK, Maine — In a bittersweet moment, the 30 Southern Aroostook Community School graduates clung to memories of longheld friendships while also yearning to break free during the Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Friday night.
Many were in school together since they were timid 4-year-olds, and because it is such a small community, they are more than classmates, they are like family, several speakers said.
As the graduates shared parting thoughts with classmates, they expressed the love they will always have for the friends they grew up with at the school.
“It feels surreal to say goodbye, a bit unfamiliar in the realization that we won’t be a part of each other’s everyday lives,” said Class President Rylee Webb.
Senior Ethan Collier shared how, when he first walked into the school, he clutched his mother’s leg, begging her not to leave, but he eventually warmed up to the school.
“From day one, you all welcomed me with open arms,” he said during the ceremony on Friday night in the school gymnasium. “You shared your laughter, your stories and kindness.”
Collier said that in a world that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent, he’s learned from each of his classmates the importance of caring for one another.
“You all showed me warmth when I faced challenges. You rallied around me showing me I was never alone,” he said. “You all have great compassion and empathy and inspired me to be a better friend. I will never forget this class. Each of you has touched my life in a profound way. Till we cross paths again, let us hold on to the memories we created together.”
The graduation keynote speaker, English teacher Bonnie Collier, said that the last time she stood in front of a graduating class was 54 years ago when she gave the second honor essay speech.
She shared that in March she had students write a farewell speech to their graduating class, and now they put the assignment back on her.
“It was amazing some of the speeches that they did,” she said. “We had a lot of tears in the classroom. This evening we get to celebrate you and only you. We get to celebrate your achievements, your perseverance and your future successes.”
The Class of 2025 is crossing onto a new shore lined with golden opportunities, Bonnie Collier said.
She shared five concepts to live by: Believe in yourself and the journey you have chosen; face and embrace life challenges; the future, like stars, is limitless; be kind, compassionate and empathetic; and never, never stop learning.
“Stay curious. The world needs some more Einsteins, Edisons, Salks, Marie Curies,” she said. “Embrace lifelong learning. You are never too old to learn a new idea.”
