OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Old Orchard Beach High School Principal John Suttie called graduation “the best day of the year.” And judging from the smiles on graduates’ faces on Sunday, he wasn’t alone in that sentiment.

The graduating class was small ”“ 52 students donned the cap and gown ”“ but the ceremony was big on pomp and emotion. What began as an appropriately formal proceeding came to resemble a party at the end, with fresh graduates rushing to the stands to share the moment with their loved ones.

Throw in some choice musical numbers from the high school’s band and chorus, including a medley from the animated film “Frozen,” and the stage was set for a grand send-off.

Salutatorian Alyssa Hinkle, recognizing that the Class of 2015 stood at the threshold of adulthood, reminded graduates that while the memories of high school will always be with them, there’s always the future to consider.

“These are supposed to be the best years of our lives, but we have so much more to look forward to,” said Hinkle. “Beyond high school, we will continue to move forward to our bright futures.”

Those futures will be as diverse as the graduates themselves.

Austin Charles, for one, will be entering straight into the workforce, relying on his intuition to carry him through ”“ as it has done to this point. He called the experience of graduating “amazing.”

“The whole class, including myself, have been through a lot,” said Charles. “We overcame a lot to get here, but we finally made it.”

Richie Descoteaux, meanwhile, will attempt to the fulfill the desires of his entrepreneurial spirit, pursuing a career in the culinary arts with an eye toward opening his own business.

Other graduates, such as Katelyn Irish, will be continuing their education. Irish will be attending the University of New England in the fall, with the goal of achieving a career in osteopathic medicine.

“I’m really excited to go out in the world,” she said.

Addressing her fellow graduates from her place at the podium, valedictorian Emilie Chard extolled the virtues of happiness and positivity, linking them to success in life. Maintaining an upbeat attitude can he difficult, she said, “but it is possible. I’ve realized how important it is to have a positive attitude and mindset.

“We stayed positive enough to finally reach the end of the road,” she said. “Be yourself; be positive. There will always be people who cheer you on, and they’re the only ones that matter.”

Andrew Gillis, the class’ honor essayist, relayed a personal anecdote. He and a group of friends wanted to experience Christmas in New York City this past holiday season, and wound up in the Big Apple in the midst of fervent protests. While attempting to extricate himself from the height of the frenzy, he got stuck in a revolving door, and was forced to await rescue while tourists snapped his photo.

He likened that feeling ”“ wanting to escape, but being resigned to waiting ”“ to the high school experience.

“Am I scarred by it? Maybe a little,” said Gillis. “Am I scarred by high school? Well, who isn’t?”

It was Suttie who capped things off before the handing of diplomas, and he did so by dispensing some practical advice. Suttie warned the graduates not to use the credit cards they’ll soon be receiving in the mail, and advised them never to make the easy choice.

He also emphasized the importance of the next several years.

“The decisions you make in the next six years will affect the quality of your life for the next 50 years after that,” he said.

There was also a message of comfort in his words.

“You will always have a home here,” he said, “and you will always be loved.”

— Jeff Lagasse is Assistant Editor at the Journal Tribune. he can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 319, or by email at [email protected].