THORNDIKE — Valedictorian Anna Piotti questioned whether she was worthy of her role at the Mount View High School graduation Sunday.
“I’m no wiser, no more knowledgeable, no more experienced than you,” she said during her speech. “I’m a Waldo County girl, remember?”
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More than 100 seniors sat in caps and gowns in the crowded school gymnasium. Around them, all seats and bleachers were filled with family, friends and faculty. Even more people stood at the baseline, spilled into the hallway and into the nearby auditorium, where video of the event was projected onto a movie screen.
The ceremony was coolly efficient.
After a brief welcome from Class President Tyler McCormick, Piotti delivered a speech that focused more on community than academics. She said friends and their families can provide more learning than the classroom. They teach the values of love, happiness and selflessness, she said.
The rural, argircultural setting of Waldo county provides lessons, too, she said. Chickens, for instance, can offer inspiration.
“They go everywhere with fearlessness and confidence,” she said. “Maybe I’ll leave high school and be a chicken.”
Piotti said many of the seniors will go on to live in exciting places, but they should stay mindful of their past.
“Cherish your roots here in Waldo County, even as you reach for the stars in your new life,” she said.
Next, Salutatorian Wendy Gibbs, of Brooks, stepped to the mic wearing a green ballcap with a graduation tassel dangling from its side. In her speech, Gibbs asked the class of 2012 to picture themselves in the midst of a softball game — seventh inning, bases loaded, two outs and staring down a pitcher from the batting box. Softball, she said, is a ready-made metaphor for life: hard work and practice and can bring rewards in either setting.
“You don’t know what the pitcher is going to pitch at you; nevertheless, you better be ready to swing,” she said.
With the speeches delivered, it was time for business.
First, Principal Cheri Towle recognized four seniors — three boys and a girl — for their intent to join the military. All four branches of service were represented: Dalton Childress, Air Force; Theodore Lawrence, Marine Corps; Michael Murray, Army; and Morgan Nickerson, Navy.
Second, Towle presented more than 40 students with almost 60 community scholarships. In all, the students were awarded $56,000 in scholarships.
Last, Towle handed out diplomas to 105 seniors, nine of whom were National Honor Society students. One, Courtney Alden, was a National Technical Honor Society student.
Mount View High School serves the residents of Brooks, Freedom, Jackson, Knox, Liberty, Monroe, Montville, Thorndike, Troy, Unity and Waldo.
Ben McCanna — 861-9239
bmccanna@centralmaine.com
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