Sanford High School's 130th Commencement on Wednesday night at Alumni Stadium started with some drizzling rain but eventually cleared up into a beautiful night for celebration.
For the 2023 graduates, the weather shift was symbolic of the strength and perseverance over the past four years to get to graduation.
The graduates lined up on opposite ends of the football field on the track and marched their way to their seats while the SHS band played "Pomp and Circumstances" by Elgar. The high school chorus followed by singing "Live Out Loud," composed by music teacher Matthew Laberge, then the band concluded the introduction by playing "Moonlit Dreams," written by Joshua Hinkel.
Principal Matt Petermann started the ceremony with some opening remarks before introducing Social Studies teacher Brody Ford to deliver the Charge to the Graduates.
"You have the freedom to forge your own path, live with passion, live with courage, and follow your heart," Brody said in his speech. "And wherever you find yourself in life, have fun with it."
Following his speech, Hannah Baker delivered her Salutatory Address. Baker said her high school experience was about exploring avenues and becoming oneself, about finding people and growing up. She mentioned that one of the points of growing up was finding out that your interests evolve.
(Hannah Baker)
"This is what it means to be a high schooler – to be everchanging. It's time that we take what we have learned from our family, friends, teachers, peers, and from our own experiences, and start figuring out what it means to be a person in a broader sense," Baker said. "But what it means to be a person in our world and continue to grow new ideas, shape our passions, and do what interests us. Congratulations again to the class of 2023."
During her Valedictorian speech, Samantha Phillips said the graduation ceremony does not signify the beginning or an end. Instead, it was a celebration of achievements concurrently with the continuation of each student's path as they moved forward.
(Samantha Phillips)
"Regardless of your starting point or the nature of your path, your deliberate turns along the road of life have led you to an intersection of commencement," Phillips said. "I applaud each of you for taking the exits and offramps that have led you to this significant intersection. And I admire the character that I have seen in you these past four years."
Following her speech, Principal Petermann gave out four prestigious awards to some deserving students. Lily Ouellette received the Alumni Cup, which the Sanford Alumni Association awards, and given to a senior with the highest verified total hours of school and community service. Kora Eckelmann won the Tribune Cup for character, leadership, and superior physical and mental achievement. Alex Sevigny was awarded the Campbell Cup, which is given to a boy with the most marked improvement in athletics, scholarship, and character. Anna Cote took home the Sanford High School Achievement Cup, which is awarded to a student for outstanding achievement in significant activities at the school.
At the conclusion of the commencement, the Class of 2023 danced on the football field to a few songs before throwing their caps in celebration.
You can watch the commencement ceremony on WSSRTV's YoutTube page here.