Delivering five pieces of sage advice from the “old school,” keynote speaker and popular teacher Stephen Truncellito received a standing ovation from the Scarborough High School class of 2016 during graduation ceremonies Sunday.

Truncellito, who teaches social studies at Scarborough High, followed student speakers Elliot Youth, the valedictorian, and Sarah Linehan, the salutatorian, who all addressed a packed house of family and friends at the Portland Expo.

Truncellito told the graduates to not let the past define them; “to know thyself;” to never complain; to understand that some opportunities only come once and that, therefore, they must be seized; and most importantly, to “enjoy the ride and the view along the way.”

“Graduation is just the beginning, not the end, and only you have control over the future,” he told the graduates, adding, “Be who you are, cultivate a healthy self-respect and trust your instincts.”

Truncellito then warned the graduates that it’s important to learn to agree to disagree and to “suck it up and walk it off” when things get tough. In addition, he urged them not to “simply rush to your destination. Put down the phone and look around you. Be present and engaged.”

He added, “Life moves pretty fast and if you don’t stop and look around you may miss it.” Ultimately, Truncellito said, “The only thing that matters is to live life on your own terms. Go forth and be brave.”

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In her speech, Linehan told her fellow graduates that it’s time to embrace their “unique, dynamic destiny” and she urged them to be both “adventurous and ambitious” while not being afraid to be themselves.

Youth had a similar message and encouraged the graduating class to “embrace your talents and passions. The world out there is what you make of it (so) take risks and always be bold.”

David Creech, the principal at Scarborough High, told the graduates that their legacy would remain a special part of the school’s history, and said that in life it’s important to make the best of every situation.

He also told the graduates to be “more concerned with your character than your reputation” and to “surround yourselves with people who make you a better person.”

In closing his remarks, Creech told the class, “I wish you the best life has to offer.”

During his welcoming speech, Seth Jackson, the senior class president, told his fellow graduates, “We are a very special class (that has) braved many storms and achieved many triumphs.”

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He added that as a group the graduates “have the potential to start something big.”

In addition to the speeches, the graduation ceremony also included special performances by the school band and senior chorus, as well as the issuing of diplomas to about 260 new graduates.

The Scarborough High School class of 2016 held its graduation ceremony at the Portland Expo Sunday where about 260 students received their diplomas.

Eager for graduation to get under way, from left, are Scarborough High grads James Z. Remington III, Colby Regan and Josh Reed.

Just prior to marching these Scarborough High grads are all smiles. From left are Lucille Braeuer, Honore Bosse and Olivia Booth-Howe.

Waiting near the end of the line of Scarborough High graduates waiting to march into the Portland Expo Sunday are Laura Volan, left, and Catelyn Venegoni-Ranger.

The digital sign at the Portland Expo congratulating the Scarborough High School class of 2016.

At the Senior Send Off event last week, Scarborough High grads were offered congratulations and high fives from students and teachers at Wentworth School and Scarborough Middle.


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