RICHMOND

Graduation was a celebration — steeped in reflection — for Richmond High School’s class of 2018 Saturday.

Salutatorian Destiny Anair connected her experience to the waterway that flows alongside the town.

“When I think of Richmond, I think of the Kennebec River. I like to think of members of this class as fish swimming in the Kennebec,” she said. “The fish in this river, my classmates, have each chosen their paths, where they will go from here. No matter where any of us end up, we will all remember where we started, in this river.”

For some in the graduating class, that path includes starting their careers. Nicholas Robichaud will be moving just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was born to start work as an auto technician. He said he would miss Richmond and was grateful to be celebrating the day with his classmates.

“I worked really hard this year to get here,” said Robichaud. “Being able to march all week felt great.

“I’m really happy to be here with these guys, graduating with them,” he added. “I’m going to miss it but I’ve got a long future ahead of me.”

As seniors were preparing to march before Saturday’s ceremony, Ian Chandler remarked how the community embraced his joy of filmmaking. He said he would miss showing classmates his movies, but future plans will channel his creative work — Chandler will be studying graphic design at Central Maine Community College.

“It’s kind of a different experience, you have to move on with adulthood,” said Chandler. “I’ll miss showing my passion for filmmaking with the high school.”

The graduating class of 36 also took the opportunity to thank family, friends and teachers who helped and supported them along their way in the tight-knit school community.

“On behalf of the class of 2018, I’d like to extend our appreciation to our teachers and administrators for their dedication,” said Anair. “To all our family and friends, thank you for all your support throughout our lives. Thank you for the lessons you all taught us, and thank you for teaching us to swim on our own.”

Principal Nicholas Gannon encouraged graduates to think about the impact the important people have had on their lives.

“Students, as you look out on your families, friends, teachers, and community members, take a moment to reflect upon the role they had in bringing you to this important day in your lives,” said Gannon.

Valedictorian Kieren Barnes likened the journey through high school to a bike ride to school. Barnes noted how those passing by never know how much weight someone is carrying, or how long they’ve been riding.

“It can get really hard to keep pedaling,” said Barnes. “But, one of my favorite things about riding is when I get past the crest of a hill and I can feel the shift of the earth as my legs ease and I’m able to drift.

“I’ll take a bunch of really deep breathes, and I did it, and I’m breathing,” Barnes added. “Sometimes it’s really hard, but I’m alive, and you are too. Keep pedaling.”

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