SACO — High school graduation is tradition that takes place every year in thousands of schools across the country. But no matter how common-place this celebration is, for each graduate it is a special time, both nerve-wracking and exciting.
On Sunday, Thornton Academy’s Class of 2012 marched down the aisles of the William S. Linnell Gymnasium as the Thornton Academy Orchestra played “Pomp and Circumstance.” Senior Class President Amanda Robinson was on stage waving the baton as 326 graduates made their way through the packed gymnasium to join her.
Sunday’s event marked not only the end of the high school experience for the Class of 2012 ”“ it was also the last graduation over which Headmaster Carl Stasio Jr. presided, as he marked the end of 26 years at the helm of the Saco high school.
Because he is retiring and also leaving Thornton Academy behind, Stasio said he could relate to many of the feelings the seniors were experiencing.
“Transitioning to a new stage of life is exciting and joyful, but also a bit scary,” said Stasio. “Are you ready to leave the confines of this safe and nurturing environment?” he asked the seniors.
He finished his speech by saying, “Let’s walk off the stage with confidence and anticipation, because I’m ready, and so are you.”
Valedictorian Nichole Lynn Moore was one of two students who addressed her fellow gradates.
Moore stressed to her classmates that they shouldn’t be afraid to take risks in the future.
“The only way to grow ”¦ is through the risks we take,” she said. “Take risks,” said Moore, “because you never know where those risks will take you.”
Opportunity was the theme of a speech from senior Tyler Cadorette, who was chosen by his peers to make a statement.
Thornton Academy provided students with many opportunities, in areas like art, music, athletics and academics, he said. Cadorette urged his fellow students to use the knowledge and opportunities they acquired at Thornton Academy and set lofty goals.
Because of their high school experience, Cadorette said, he predicts he and his class will “have a positive impact” and “soar to amazing heights in the world outside of Thornton Academy.”
The seniors also choose a faculty member each year as their guest speaker, and on Sunday, Benjamin Grasso, who teaches English and history, was the student’s choice.
Grasso gave some practical and humorous advice to the seniors, like it’s okay to mix dark and light colors together when doing laundry if washing in cold water; be on time, or better yet be early, for job interviews, school work, restaurant reservations and dates; always have something handy to read in case you need to wait; and to call their parents a lot.
Then he offered some more philosophical advice, such as being tenacious, “be brave with your dreams,” and to not let others’ opinions stop them from believing in their abilities.
“Right now is when you start living the way you want to,” said Grasso. “Continue to challenge yourself, to conquer your goals, to set goals worth conquering.”
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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