BIDDEFORD — Leadership is one of the most valuable skills Grace Laverriere learned during the four years she attended Biddeford High School. Laverriere is one 168 seniors who will graduate on Friday night at Waterhouse Field.

Last week, a poised and reflective Laverriere, the BHS senior class president and 11th in her class, discussed her time at the high school and her plans for the future.

“My high school experience has been really rewarding,” she said. “I really enjoyed my time at Biddeford High School.”

Laverriere definitely made the most of her time there. In addition to maintaining high grades (with a 3.99 GPA), she has mentored underclassmen, participated in student government (was class president for three years), has been involved in the Interact Club, and worked on both the year book and school newspaper. She’s earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Maine Principal’s Association Principal’s Award. She also worked in the school administration office and was an intern at the Journal Tribune during her senior where she wrote numerous stories, many appearing on the front page.

In addition to the knowledge she acquired through her classes, Laverriere said she’s learned a lot at BHS such as how to collaborate with others, organizational skills and public speaking — she was the voice on the loud speaker every morning making announcements.

However, “by far,” the skill she developed most in high school, she said, “is how far I’ve grown into my leadership skills.” She credits that development with many of her extracurricular activities, particularly her tenure as class president.

During her time in high school, both through classes and extracurricular activities she made a lot of good connections, she said, with teachers and others, and that is one of things she’ll miss the most upon graduation.

“What I’ll miss the most are the connections I’ve made with different people … interacting with them on a daily basis,” Laverriere said.

In addition, she said she comes from a large extended family, which is very important to her, and she said she’ll miss them when she goes away to college. In the fall, Laverriere will attend Suffolk University in Boston where she plans to study journalism.

One of the best things she likes about journalism, Laverriere said, is “I really like how I get to meet different people. … and letting people know the incredible things they’ve been doing.”

She said though there is much she’ll miss about Biddeford and her high school experience, she’s more than ready for the next step of her life’s journey.

“I’m excited to go out and learn more and gain more cultural experience and be in a new place,”  Laverriere said.

And, she said, she wants to share what she’s learned when she returns home.

“I just hope I’ll make my community proud,” Laverriere said.

Biddeford High School graduation will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, June 7 at Waterhouse Field (at the BHS Tiger Gym in case of rain). There are 168 graduates. The Valedictorain is  Olivia Whitaker and Salutatorian is Alyssa Landry .

— Managing Editor Dina Mendros can be contacted at 780-9014 or dmendros@journaltribune.com

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