MADISON — They marched to “Pomp and Circumstance” Friday night in royal blue and soild white, those 62 graduates of the class of 2012 at Madison Area Memorial High school.

Their motto was “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” Their class flower was the lily.

The musical selection, sung in harmony by seven students with an electric piano accompaniment, was the classic Journey song “Don’t Stop Believing.”

The gymnasium at the high school was filled with friends and family, many snapping pictures and standing to get a proud glimpse of their graduating senior.

In his welcome to the class of 2012, class President Alex Helderman told graduates not to be afraid to try new things. It will pay off, he said.

“Be an active person,” Helderman said. “This means do what you love and try new things, whether it’s a hobby, a career interest or a sport. You know what you love, so do it every day and make it a part of who you are.”

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Helderman said he tried doing all that this past year and became a stronger person, made connections and learned new skills, because of it.

“The things you learn and strengths you earn are yours for a lifetime,” he said. “This is what it means to be an active person.”

Senior class speaker Matt McClintock, the class valedictorian and a state record-holding cross-country runner, said the class’s years at Madison High School have been a growing experience for all of them.

He said “running in circles” was something he was good at, but it wasn’t until he met track coaches Bob and Brandon Hagopian that he realized that there was more to it than just looking good.

“Bob taught me how to be a runner; Brandon taught me how to be a competitor,” McClintock said. “Bob taught me how to focus; Brandon taught me how to let it all out on the track, but the one thing and probably the most valuable thing they taught me is to always strive to be the absolute best I can be in everything.

“I believe that is a lesson that every one of us must learn at some time.”

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McClintock, who lives in Athens, told his classmates not to settle for something when they know they can do something more, something better.

“I implore each to strive to be the best that we can be,” he said.

High School Principal Stephan Ouellette presented the 2012 academic recognition awards, followed by the presentation of diplomas by Ouellette, Troy Emery, the chairman of the school board, and Todd LeRoy, superintendent of schools.

The farewell to the class of 2012 was delivered by Brian Dougeneck.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com


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