The atmosphere at the Cumberland County Civic Center in downtown Portland was charged Friday with both the excitement of the graduating seniors as well as the electricity from the evening’s fierce thundershowers.

As rain pounded the metal roof and thunder shook the walls, 386 green-and-white-gowned students, each holding a yellow rose, marched in to the familiar strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” and took their seats under the glaring lights.

Class President Leah Scrutchfield opened the ceremony by welcoming the crowd. Addressing her fellow students, Scrutchfield encouraged them to “live every day as if it is your last” and to “incorporate your passion into your life.”

Following Scrutchfield, history teacher Kevin Cooper amused the audience with his delivery of the graduation address. He described the class reunions the graduates could look forward to and humorously referred to his own impending twentieth reunion.

“Graduates, I know what you are thinking right now, and, yes, I am that old,” he said.

Cooper concluded by advising the graduates, “It is on you to make sure your life is fulfilling…Continue to evaluate where you are and where you are headed and point yourself in the right direction.”

Bonny Eagle Principal Sheila Jepson followed Cooper at the podium, personalizing the text of Dr. Seuss’ classic, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

As part of her speech, Jepson incorporated all the post-secondary schools the graduates planned to attend, beginning with in-state universities and colleges and branching out to schools located across the nation. She also listed area businesses where other graduates had found jobs.

Superintendent Suzanne Lukas spoke next, acknowledging not only the graduates, but “the special time for parents,” as well.

As the graduates sat listening to the speeches, many of them volleyed colorful inflatable beach balls across the aisle and between the rows. Others celebrated by blowing streams of soap bubbles into the air above them.

Following the speakers, class Marshals Melissa Kenison and Amber Morin guided the rows of graduates to the front where they received their diplomas from Jepson and Lukas. Members of the audience, when they weren’t fanning themselves with their programs to take the edge off the heat, responded with cheers and the ubiquitous horn-in-a-can.

During the proceedings, the Bonny Eagle Select Chorus, under the direction of Peg Walker, sang “Give Me Wings,” by David Sprunger. The Bonny Eagle Band, directed by Don Liedke, played Edward Elgar’s well known piece, “Pomp and Circumstance,” for both processional and recessional.

When the ceremony concluded, the Civic Center swarmed with the new graduates searching frantically for their families and friends, wiping away a few tears, and hugging and receiving hugs. Some of them couldn’t wait to shed their caps and gowns, while others kept them on long enough to pose for pictures.

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