Sat, 06/10/2023 - 08:25 am

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register

FRITZ FREUDENBERGER/Boothbay Register

KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register

The Boothbay Region High School Class of 2023 cares, said BRHS principal Dr. Tricia Campbell during her welcome address at the Graduation Exercises on Friday afternoon, June 9 at BRHS.

“This class has never had the traditional high school experience,” said Campbell, alluding to the years of COVID-19. “They have sought to help others,” rather than worrying about themselves.

“They are an extraordinary group – they have a great sense of humor, creativity, they care about their families and school, and they are leaders,” said Campbell. “The Class of 2023, you are unique ... and are called to greatness.”

Following the march onto the gym stage as “Pomp and Circumstance” was played by the BRHS Wind Symphony, the 40 graduates heard speeches from class salutatorian Grace Campbell, honor essayist and class marshal Gryffin Kristan and class valedictorian Rachel Barter.

Campell, in her welcome address, talked about her years with her classmates, the support of the school faculty, and the legacy of her family at BRHS. She also talked about the importance of the Beatles’ song, “In My Life,” in relation to her own life.

“What the chorus of The Beatles’ “In My Life” means to me now is that though we’re all moving on in different directions, we will always have a shared history as people from the Boothbay Region, as the Class of 2023, and as Seahawks,” said Campbell.

Kristan spoke of high school and how it changed over the years. “Yes we have grown up. But we aren't done, not growing, because no one is. No one ever is done learning, done experiencing, done changing. We have gained an education not just in academia but in life, school to me isn’t being told the right answers, it's being given the opportunity to discover new ideas and become more.”

Barter provided a lot of humor in her farewell address. After thanking her teachers and parents, and expressing her love for her classmates, she ended her speech by having some fun with teacher Mark Gorey and his apparent dislike of cliches.

After the BRHS Chorus, accompanied by pianist Dr. Mary Miller, sang “You Will Be Found,” Superintendent of Schools Robert Kahler spoke to the class about making choices and how mere “seconds” could make a difference in one’s life. He also asked the class to help others and not be afraid to ask for help.

Class advisor Allan Crocker announced the names of each graduate as they stepped up beside his podium and each walked across the stage to receive their diploma from Campbell and Guidance Director Leanne Burnham. Cheers from the packed gymnasium rang out for each graduate.