WESTBROOK — Westbrook High School students recently got a glimpse into their futures, while alumni met versions of their former selves.

A panel of alumni, including New England Patriots player Trevor Bates, spoke at an all-school assembly on Tuesday afternoon. The aspirations assembly was meant to inspire students and show them what success beyond high school looks like.

“I think it’s great for them to have role models because high school can be a confusing time and you don’t always know what your career path will be,” Nicole Sturgis, WHS’s aspirations coordinator, said. “It’s great to see people who have gone on to be successful.”

Aside from Bates, who graduated in 2011, the panel also included physical therapist Megan Woodbrey, class of 2008; new Mainer and college student Gradi Lapika, class of 2015; WHS teacher Leah Douglass, class of 2008; firefighter Wayne Devoe, class of 2009; and sales representative Matt Brooks, class of 2009.

Sturgis said one goal of the assembly was to show students that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. The alumni all took different paths after high school, with some going to four-year colleges or community college and others working abroad or working towards receiving certificates and licenses.

“We want (the students) to know that we’re here for them no matter what their dreams are,” Sturgis said.

The alumni were interviewed on stage by a group of students about what high school was like for them, how they found success, and what advice they have for students. At the start of the assembly, Latin teacher Patrick Colgan reminded students the alumni were in their seats not too long ago.

“It is our hope that you will see yourself in some of these graduates,” he said.

The alumni gave a wide array of advice about how to stay focused in school and how to make the most of opportunities.

“Try all the things that you’re interested in and try to find your passion,” Douglass said. “You have so many opportunities in high school that you won’t have later on and use as many resources as possible.”

Devoe, who works for the Gorham Fire Department, echoed this.

“Take a shot at something you’re not comfortable with,” he said. “Take a step outside that comfort zone because you never know where you’ll find your career path.”

The students were most interested in Bates’ career path and wanted to know how he went from playing football at WHS to being on a winning Superbowl NFL team. Bates spoke candidly with students about the adversity he’s overcome, “some of it self-inflicted,” and how it took him awhile to realize partying and drinking weren’t going to bring him success.

“It took some time to realize the opportunity I had,” he said. “I had kind of an epiphany that I was wasting my talents.”

Bates told students that academics should be their top priority, even if athletics are their main interest. He also told them to pursue what they’re passionate about, even if they’re uncertain of what that may be.

“Work hard in everything you do,” Bates said. “Everyone has a gift or talent they’re supposed to use, but it can be hard to find. Just keep pushing and working hard.”

Sturgis said it’s important for students to see people like Bates and the other panelists because it lets them know that their dreams are possible too. Freshman Theo Burns, a football player, said hearing Bates speak made him more aware of what he can accomplish.

“It’s motivating because someone from Westbrook, you look up to them,” Burns said. “Knowing that someone from Westbrook can be a football player, and I want to be a football player.”

WHS Principal Kelli Deveaux said Burns’ reaction to hearing from Bates is what the aspirations assembly was all about. 

“We want them to be both inspired and also encouraged,” she said. “I also want them to walk away proud of Westbrook High School and realize this is a place successful people come from.”

Kate Gardner can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @katevgardner.

A panel of Westbrook High School alumni, including New England Patriots player Trevor Bates (center), spoke to students on Tuesday about finding success after high school.