Bonny Eagle High School graduates were urged to have character, listen, laugh and believe in themselves as they go to school, to jobs or to serve in the military during commencement ceremonies June 6.

A loud cheer greeted Bonny Eagle graduates as they marched into the Cumberland County Civic Center. They wore the school colors – young men wore green robes and caps while the young women white. Each graduate carried a yellow rose, a school tradition.

Principal Robert Strong and School Administrative District 6 Superintendent Suzanne Lukas handed diplomas to the 241 graduates with class president Lindsay Bradeen receiving the first. Lukas told graduating seniors to enjoy the spotlight. “I wish you success and a good life,” Lukas said.

Bradeen in her address reminisced about the years she and classmates shared beginning in elementary school years. She noted the fond memories like football games. “We sit here united as one,” Bradeen said.

With futures before them, Bradeen urged her classmates to take each day one step at a time. “Listen to your heart,” Bradeen said. “We are ready for a whole new adventure.

Bradeen and fellow graduates Dan Byrne, Stephen Hilton and Gretchen Sjulander sang the national anthem and the finale, “The Lonesome Road,” by James Taylor.

“Never let your fears make your decisions,” Strong said as he urged the graduates adhere to be proactive, set goals, think win-win, listen to people sincerely, synergize and laugh.

Rep. Don Marean, R-Hollis, presented a legislative sentiment to class salutatorian Rachel Porter and Sen. Bill Diamond, D- Cumberland, presented a legislative sentiment to valedictorian Amy Richardson.

In her address, Richardson thanked teachers and parents of classmates and urged fellow graduates to continue to learn after high school, pursue happiness and laugh.

Richardson hoped classmates would “embrace the unknown” and advocated travel. She said they should experience a foreign country. She said they should take advantage of opportunities and warned classmates not to fall into a pattern of comfort and complacency. “Believe in yourself,” Richardson said. “Celebrate your achievements and the lives you impacted.”

Lukas commented on the individuality of each graduate. “Your walk across the stage ends a journey particular to each,” she said.

Lukas added that character couldn’t be faked and that there are not shortcuts to competence “Commitment is a function of both your heart and mind,” Lukas said.

Creative writing teacher George Weaver was chosen to give the faculty address. “The future deserves our best,” Weaver encouraged the graduates.

Before the ceremony, three seniors commented about the meaning of graduation. “It’s the beginning of the rest of ours lives. It’s when play ends and work begins,” said Cori Chambers, who wants to be a certified nurses assistant.

Zack Mowatt will be continuing his education at Southern Maine Community College. “It’s a new beginning,” he said.

Excitement and anticipation ran through the backstage gathering as seniors greeted one another with hugs and goodbyes. “It’s finally here,” said Dana Jackson, who will be going to the University of Southern Maine, said about graduation.

Lindsay Bradeen, president of the Bonny Eagle High School class of 2008 urges graduating seniors to at commencement ceremonies held June 6 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.