OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Small school, big hearts, caring community. Many alluded to all three as 57 Old Orchard Beach High School seniors became graduates on a foggy, drizzly Sunday afternoon.

Undercover at the Seaside Pavilion, student speakers spoke of how well they knew each other. They spoke of teachers about to retire, of those who helped them along the way, of parents and grandparents, and the bonds of friendship that tie them all together.

With such a small class, it becomes a family, pointed out graduate Jenny Cobb, who introduced the speakers.

Before the ceremonies, students gathered together to prepare – to straighten their caps, to decide which way the tassel was supposed to go, to pose for photos and hug and chat.

They spoke of nerves and excitement and of their future plans.

Brandon Saucier, whose family owns the Ocean Walk Hotel, plans to study hospitality management at Southern Maine Community College to prepare him for his role in the family business.

Grace Letze will study anthropology and sociology at the University of Maine in Farmington; O’Brian Gentley plans to study auto repair; Chenoa Ingham is undecided but drawn to dog grooming; Elizabeth Harlan will take up earth and environmental studies at Unity College.

It’s a small school and in the country, Harlan pointed out.

“I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

Christian Card plans to study early childhood education at Biddeford Center of Technology.

Nick Watkins, whose mother Ruth said she is the first student with Down Syndrome to graduate from OOB High, had this to say about graduating Sunday: “Happy.”

The Old Orchard Beach High School Chorus sang “Star Spangled Banner.” The high school band played “Home” and “Opening Night on Broadway.”

Principal John Suttie touched on a couple of themes, including decision making.

“The decisions you make in the next six years can affect your life for the next 50 years,” Suttie said.

Nicholas LaCourse thanked family, faculty and friends for all they’d done to support the students.

“Parents and friends, we love you. From all of us, to all of you, thank you,” he said .

Mariah Bouthiller spoke of lessons learned – among them, to be kind to everyone, and that community is everything. “We are family here,” she said.

Valedictorian Erik Hogan spoke of hard work, balancing academics and athletics, and being inspired by loved ones along the way.

Hogan spoke of a special person in his life: his grandmother, Faith Hogan, who passed away a few years ago.

“She was the spark that ignited my ambitions,” he said. “She was my biggest fan.”

Salutatorian Joshua Kennie urged his fellow graduates to set goals in life. And he also spoke about community.

“I am truly proud to say I went to a small school – especially our small school,” he said.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].