BIDDEFORD — Hundreds cheered loudly from the stands ”“ some holding signs and banners, and many wearing orange ”“ as the 195 seniors of Biddeford High School’s Class of 2015 received their diplomas at Waterhouse Field Friday night.

It was a night to embrace traditions, both old and new, Senior Class President Hannah Morin-Roy told the crowd, pointing out that the Class of 2015 was the school’s first class to graduate on a Friday night. It was also the first to partake in the “expensive but worth it” tradition of setting off fireworks at the end of the ceremony, she said.

“Make it a priority to start new traditions … leave a legacy in your community and leave one here in Biddeford,” said Morin-Roy.

In her speech, Student Council President Carissa Gelinas thanked the city for showing her class what it means to have pride. “The reputation of being a Tiger was special and unlike any other,” she said.

Ryan Minzy, a social science teacher at BHS, served as the ceremony’s guest speaker, and for the most part used his time at the podium to discuss Biddeford as a community.

He prompted the students to think for a few seconds about the “best place in Biddeford,” before saying, “For me, the best place in Biddeford is Main Street,” where cultures, languages and customs blend together.

Minzy spoke of Biddeford’s immigrant-rich, working-class history, which has turned it into a “social whirlpool,” as he called it, that is both beautiful and gritty at once.

“I honestly believe that a place shapes you. … Biddeford shaped you and will always be with you,” he said.

In keeping with what’s customary for a graduation speech, Minzy did offer the Class of 2015 a few bullet points of advice: “Go outside once in a while … don’t buy anything unless you really need it … beware of bullies (because) the world is full of bullies.”

The class’s valedictorian, Rou Mei Lin, and salutatorian, Sean Black, also spoke at the ceremony.

Black garnered laughs from the crowd as he quoted former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis saying, “I’m pissed off for greatness because if you ain’t pissed off for greatness, that means you’re okay with being mediocre.”

As colloquially spoken and “violent” as Lewis’ words may be, Black said they serve to instill a valuable lesson. “Make greatness personal,” he said. “Everyone is capable of achieving their version of greatness.”

Lin spoke about her freshman year as she addressed the crowd, recounting coming to Biddeford from China and knowing nobody on her first day at BHS. “We are a class full of potential, and we can do anything that we want,” she added.

Before the ceremony, the students lined up under the field’s home bleachers, where their emotions were of a bittersweet variety.

“It’s really surreal,” said Emma Neill. “It’s hard to beleive but also a dream come true at the same time.” When asked what she will miss most about high school, Neill, who plans to study art education in college, answered with “my friends and my teachers.”

“I really enjoyed high school,” said Shelby Gale, who plans to study business management at St. Joseph’s College. “I think what I’ll miss most about high school is sports, playing lacrosse, Friday night football games and just the environment. I love Biddeford. It’s a great place to grow up in.”

— Staff Writer Angelo J. Verzoni can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or [email protected].