By Gillian Graham and Molly Lovell

Staff Writers

 The accomplishments of hundreds of students took center stage Sunday during graduation ceremonies at Old Orchard Beach High School and Thornton Academy in Saco.

Laughter and cheers could be heard throughout Old Orchard Beach as the school’s 54 graduates were celebrated as a unique class of students.

The Old Orchard Beach High School graduation ceremony drew hundreds of family and friends who applauded graduates as they marched into the Seaside Pavilion wearing blue and white. Each student wore a handmade candy lei and a bracelet that honored Josh Bolduc, a classmate who died in 2008.

After a moment of remembrance for Bolduc and a performance by the school band, three honor speakers talked about their experiences during the past 13 years in school.

Honors essayist Maryanne LaFollette spoke of watching her 2-year-old niece taste a strawberry for the first time. She said her niece insisted on tasting the leaves instead of the ripe red fruit despite being shown the proper way.

“All of us at some point have pulled out the ‘2-year-old stick-it-to-the-man face’ and fallen on our faces,” LaFollette said.

Despite that, it is important to continue to learn from your mistakes, LaFollette said.

LaFollette also celebrated her graduating class as a group of unique individuals.

“There is nothing traditional about the class of 2011,” she said. “We’ve grown together, fought together and laughed together.”

Salutatorian Gillian Foss likened the lessons she has learned from her father, Lance, a professional chef, to the experiences of the class of 2011. She said working in the culinary field and coming together as a class are similar in that they require “just as much collaboration as independence.”

Foss’ speech took a more serious tone as she talked about how her classmates, teachers and community stood behind her and her family when her mother, Donna, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She said her classmates and teachers helped her as she tried to focus on school while her mother regained her health.

“A major piece of my heart will always belong to this class,” Foss said.

Valedictorian Taylor Mezoian said she and her classmates have been asked for years “where do you think you’re going?” Now, she said, graduates know where they are headed.

“Except for the fact that we really have no idea where life will take us,” she said. “The only thing we do know is we will be going somewhere. That’s the exciting part. It’s this journey we need to be looking forward to.” 

Thornton Academy graduates dressed in maroon and gold were urged to “enjoy their day in the spotlight” by Headmaster Carl Stasio, who will retire in 2012 after 16 years at the school. Associate Headmaster Rene Menard will succeed him.

The 284 graduates are members of the bicentennial class of 2011. Many took a moment to reflect on their part in the school’s 200-year history.

Rebekah Giacomantonio worked on the school’s bicentennial committee since sophomore year and said because of the experience she gained a newfound respect for the Thornton Academy community and its history.

The fourth-generation Thornton Academy graduate will study international relations and political science with a minor in sustainable living at New College of Florida.

Justin Francis said he’s waited for graduation day since school started, a wait that’s culminated in a variety of emotions.

“As this last week came I dreaded it – but it’s also a time to celebrate,” he said.

Francis plans to study athletic training at Southern Maine Community College and then transfer to either the University of Southern Maine or the University of New England.

Stasio said he hoped students would remember Thornton Academy as they journey past high school.

“You have been blessed by being part of a small, close community. 

Sometimes it probably feels too small, like everyone knows your business. But there’s strength in belonging, so take your sense of inclusion with you, even share it with others. It’s vital to be part of something that’s larger than you are,” he said.

In closing, Stasio quoted a song written by Bob Dylan and Rod Stewart: “I’ve modified the lyrics a little, but the meaning is there:

May the good Lord be with you

Down every road you roam.

And may sunshine and happiness 

Surround you when you’re far from home.

And may you grow to be proud, 

Dignified and true.

And do unto others, 

As you’d have done to you.

Be courageous and be brave

And in our hearts you’ll always stay

Forever young.”