202 Scarborough graduates reflect investment in the future

Two hundred and two students graduated from Scarborough High School Sunday night and 170 of them will continue their education at institutions as near as the University of Southern Maine and as far away as Korea.

Scarborough’s Class of 2005 represents a large investment by the state and town with hopes that these graduating students will become leaders in business and government. In fact, according to retiring social studies teacher and guest speaker John Lewis, some $14.6 million has been spent in educating these students since kindergarten.

“It’s a sizable investment the town and state has put into you for your future,” he said.

A full crowd was on hand at Portland’s Merrill Auditorium to witness the event, which was filled with reflection, prediction and some lightheartedness by the evening’s speakers.

Valedictorian Kerry Jones’s speech reflected on the teachings of Star Wars’s Yoda and compared them to what the students have learned during their time at Scarborough High School.

Like Yoda, Jones said Scarborough teachers have prepared their students with advice and knowledge to help prepare them for college and life after high school.

She also had a few bits of advice for graduates and told them not forget their inner child, not to stop because of skepticism, and not to be persuaded by appearances.

“We need to judge people … by depth of compassion, talent and civility,” Jones said.

She also told the students to be aware of the consequences of their actions and the damage done to the planet by not recycling and wasting electricity.

Lewis was the presenter of the faculty address and gave a lighthearted address reflecting on the differences between students and parents.

However, he also noted that in a time of negative role models and media sensationalism, there are many positive role models and many need look no further than their parents.

“We live in a society long on rights and short on responsibility,” Lewis said. “Being a parent is not easy, there are risks, there are sacrifices. You parents must feel good about yourselves because you have raised some outstanding men and women.”

Lewis congratulated the students on graduating and said not every student who enters high school completes it.

“Graduating does mark a degree of commitment, of achievement,” he said.

Salutatorian Helen Mattsson said graduation is a time to reflect and examine what has influenced them. She told the audience that there were five major values that have been taught to students by parents, teachers and the community that embody a sense of Scarborough. These values are dedication to work and community, enthusiasm of Scarborough residents, generosity, vision and character.

“We must carry on this tradition of teaching values,” she said.

High school Principal Andrew Dolloff remarked that educators in Scarborough have done their best to prepare the students for their future and said he and the staff have had fun with the class of 2005.

“It has been a pleasure working with these young people the last four years,” he said.