GORHAM – Commencement speakers urged 203 Gorham High School graduates Sunday to have courage and to “think long, think deeply.”

“Don’t let fear be your guide,” said Scott Caulfield, the faculty speaker, adding, “Leave people and places better than when you arrived.”

Gorham High School Principal Chris Record delivered the opening remarks to students, parents, family members and friends, who packed Merrill Auditorium in Portland for the commencement ceremony.

“You look great today. I’m thrilled to share this special day with you,” he said.

The day’s joy was tempered by a moment of silence to recognize three young men and a woman, all with close ties to Gorham High School, who died in May. They were Steve Delano, 18, a Scarborough High School senior who was killed in a car accident while traveling to the Gorham prom; Eric Benson of Westbrook, 24, who died after being attacked in Portland; Gary Nealey Jr., 26, a 2002 Gorham graduate who died from leukemia; and a Gorham algebra teacher, Dawn York, 38, a cancer victim.

Two of Benson’s siblings are Gorham High School students and a grandmother is a Gorham teacher.

Salutatorian Rachel Wilkinson said the 2010 class had gained the respect of the faculty and the community.

“We leave Gorham High School as leaders ready to take on life challenges,” Wilkinson said.

According to the Gorham Guidance Department, about 75 percent of this year’s Gorham graduates are continuing their education.

Valedictorian Emily Southard warned classmates about the dangers of self-pity and not to be afraid of falling, failure or life.

“Be brave and have fun,” Southard said. “Let’s make it a daring adventure.”

In his address, Colin Lubelczyk, class president, quoted baseball legend Babe Ruth as saying, “Yesterday’s home runs don’t win today’s games.”

Lubekczyk also thanked their teachers and parents.

Robert Bond, class adviser, offered a “heartfelt thank you” to parents as a teacher “responsible for educating your dreams.”

Record urged graduates to “make good choices. Live with vigor, determination and purpose.”

The senior chorus led jubilant graduates singing their class song, “Don’t Stop Believing,” as beach balls were batted about.

“What a great afternoon,” Record said in closing. “Class of 2010 – it’s been a distinct honor and pleasure.”

With a beach ball bouncing, Gorham seniors celebrate by singing the class song at graduation exercises Sunday at Merrill Auditorium. (Staff photo by Robert Lowell)