GORHAM – Even the balconies at Merrill Auditorium were packed with family and friends as 202 Gorham High School graduates paraded across the stage to receive diplomas in commencement exercises on Sunday.

The women wore white caps and gowns; the men maroon.

“You look tremendous today,” Principal Christopher Record said in his opening remarks in the ceremony. “Really tremendous.”

Besides laudatory comments, the graduates heard some advice to take with them. Record and other speakers urged the Gorham High School class of 2013 to make good choices, welcome adventure, work and sacrifice.

Record urged the students to take advantage of their opportunities, love their families, live with vigor and “make good choices”

“I will miss you all, thank you, and good luck,” Record said.

Riley Shane Perkins, class president, predicted the accomplishments of his classmates would be extraordinary, and said amazing things wouldn’t happen unless they tried. Perkins said the class had helped make Gorham one of the best schools and towns in the state.

“We need to be members of a class that makes things happen,” Perkins said.

Tyler Verrill, class salutatorian, said he and his classmates were looking back with “bittersweet fondness” as they leave their high school days behind. Verrill thanked faculty, family and friends.

He said the class’ future hadn’t been written yet.

“In this room today we have the future of America,” Verrill told his classmates. “You should live for the moment.”

Verrill bid his classmates goodbye. “Good luck class of 2013, I’m so proud of you.”

Following a performance by the school’s chamber singers, Michael Lubelczyk, valedictorian, addressed the packed auditorium. He advised his classmates to be honest and to live for others.

Lubelczyk urged fellow graduates make a commitment to a life of learning. He cited historical figures as models who had accomplished extraordinary achievements.

“We can make a difference in our community,” Lubelczyk said. “We can welcome adventure and embrace the unknown.”

“I wish each of you well on your journey,” Lubelczyk said.

Local business owner Shawn Moody, who is a 1978 Gorham High School graduate and a 2010 gubernatorial candidate, delivered the keynote address and congratulated the graduates. He reminisced a bit about his days at Gorham High School and his early days as a youthful businessman starting out in town.

Reflecting on his own experiences as examples for the graduates, Moody cited his beginnings, along with the difficulties he encountered on the road to his success in the auto collision repair business. Moody said a work ethic coupled with sacrifice were key attributes for success.

Moody credited several Gorham individuals as providing encouragement and extending hands during his early struggles.

To the class of 2013, Moody said its members have lived through the terrorists’ attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the banking crisis.

“You are going to develop the resolve to persevere,” Moody said.

He cautioned the graduates not to wait for their ship to sail in.

“Jump in the water and swim out to it,” Moody said.

The class performed a moving rendition of its class song, “On Top of the World,” by Imagine Dragons.

After the traditional turning of tassels, a class adviser, Deborah Roy, praised the class for its contributions, caring and willingness to help like after tsunamis and earthquakes. Roy formally presented the class to the audience.

Class officers are Maxwell McNally, vice president; Meaghan Gilbert, secretary; and Cassaundra Martel, treasurer, in addition to Perkins, president.

Opening the ceremony, Ray Cornils played “Pomp and Circumstance” on the Kotzschmar organ, Gorham Police Department Color Guard presented the colors, and Gorham High School Chamber Singers sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Lydia Story and Jason Meuse were class marshals.

In closing remarks, Record said he was proud of each graduate and urged them to keep each other safe as they celebrated their achievements.

“It’s been an honor to serve as your principal,” Record said.

Newly graduated members of the Gorham High School class of 2013 celebrate outside the Merrill Auditorium in Portland after commencement ceremonies on Sunday.
Class marshal Lydia Story leads the Gorham High School class of 2013 to the stage at the Merrill Auditorium.