On Sunday, June 9, the Gorham High School (GHS) class of 2019 filled the streets in front of Merrill Auditorium cheering and laughing as they stood with their families for the first time as high school graduates.

Donning maroon, white, and black caps and gowns, the graduates had earlier marched into the auditorium with excitement and nerves, eagerly awaiting their diplomas and other commencement exercises. Junior marshals Abigail O’Brien and Samuel Orlando led the seniors in to the sound of Merrill Auditorium’s Kotzschmar organ. Following the procession in, the Gorham Police performed the presentation of colors and the GHS Chamber Singers sang the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Gorham High’s principal, Brian Jandreau, started the ceremony with a few words, then introduced class president Olivia Paruk, who talked about the importance of having a community wherever one goes in life. She mentioned some of her personal adversities and how having a tight-knit community within GHS and among her friends allowed her to make it through senior year.

Simon Roussel, salutatorian, touched on how he worked to find balance throughout high school; a difficult task for a busy student. He also talked about how it is important not to base decisions on what others will think, but rather on what one’s passions and aspirations are.

Next to speak was valedictorian Libby Mitchell. Using a metaphor about butterflies, Mitchell illustrated the years the graduates had spent learning and developing into the people and personalities they are today. She also took a moment to recognize one of her teachers, Mrs. Neile Nelson, and Emma Tirrell, her volleyball coach, who are both important members of her community.

This year’s keynote speaker was Nicholas Reynolds, a graduate of the GHS class of 2010 and one of the creators of the Boston Strong campaign in 2013, which originated in response to the Boston Marathon bombing. Reynolds talked briefly about how the idea came to be and how he and his friends did not expect an idea sparked from a feeling of helplessness to raise over $1 million dollars. He then segued into addressing the graduates on their ability to help their communities, as he did his Boston community. He stressed the impact that a small idea could have, even if one does not think much of it in the beginning.

Once the graduates were presented with their diplomas, the class sat down, only for GHS teacher Mr. Welsch to interrupt with: “Mr. Jandreau, we have one more name on the list.” Jandreau took his place at the podium and announced that GHS was giving an honorary diploma to Angelo Sotiropoulos, owner of Gorham House of Pizza, and a well-known and loved member of Gorham’s community. Jandreau explained that Sotiropoulos had never received his high school diploma because he had to leave school at a young age to work for his family. However, he had come to care dearly for many students at GHS and came to students’ aid when needed. Tears flowed throughout the audience as a surprised and honored Sotiropoulos took the stage and turned to thank the audience.

The class rose again to sing its class song, “Life is a Highway,” by Rascal Flatts, and the ceremony concluded with the turning of the tassel. Following the recessional, graduates, friends, and families took to the street to take pictures and be together for this special moment.

Many members of the class took part in Project Graduation at 33 Elmwood and Saint Joseph’s College, an all-night event which included bowling, laser tag, swimming, an escape room, and more.

Next year, members of the class of 2019 will be attending 2- and 4-year colleges, joining various military branches, taking a gap year, or working.