Central Aroostook High School in Mars Hill honored 17 members of the Class of 2026 during graduation ceremonies on June 5.
Hannah Shaw was the class valedictorian, Harleigh Allen was salutatorian and Isabelle Anthony was class president.
All three addressed their fellow graduates.
Success is not about having every step planned, Shaw said. It’s about continuing to learn, adapt and grow, no matter where life leads. The Central Aroostook community has always supported its students and graduates will carry part of the community with them wherever they go.
“What gives me confidence as we begin this next chapter is knowing where we came from,” Shaw said. “This community celebrates our successes, encourages us through challenges, and reminds us that we always have a place to call home. No matter where our journeys lead us, we will always carry a piece of this community with us.”
Allen encouraged classmates never to give up on becoming the person they are striving to be.
“Be the best version of yourself you can possibly be,” Allen said. “Stay positive, help others whenever you can, and always be kind — not only to others, but also to yourself.”
It’s the people in life that matter, Anthony said.
“So as we walk out of here, let’s take two things with us: gratitude for everyone who’s helped us to be here tonight, and the freedom to not have it all planned out,” she said. “Because the next thing isn’t everything. The people are.”
Community sponsors and organizations contributed to give out $383,375 in scholarships to the class.
