As a longtime English teacher, Matt St. Peter knows the correct usage of the word literally.
He demonstrated that as he opened his commencement speech to the Waterville Class of 2022 Saturday morning. “You literally had a stoppage to your education and despite that you’re still here.’’
The 51 members of Waterville’s newest group of alumni celebrated during the school’s 148th annual commencement in the Junior-Senior High auditorium with friends and family filling the seats. While the day before had been in the 80s and humid, the weather as they walked into the school spit rain and wind to make it chilly.
Graduates led everyone in the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and the Alma Mater. Principal Nick Rauch gave the opening remarks, starting with recognizing the teachers in attendance.
Rauch outlined some of the successes this class had seen in music and sports achievements, and with academics. Valedictorian Eleonore Collins already has earned 45 college credits, he said, and Top 10 students Naya Leslie and Beau Sinardo each had about 42.
Overall, the WCS Class of 2022 has earned 756 college credits before graduating high school, he said, calling them a creative, competitive and loving group.
Senior Class president Paige Cornish welcomed everyone. She shared the five lessons of life as provided by Dr. Seuss, including don’t be afraid to be who you are.
Salutatorian Adam Roys shared with everyone what he called “the less recognized talents of this class.’’ Classmate Rocco Padula, Roys said, wastes more time in class than anyone. “And you still made Top 10,’’ Roys said.
After teasing classmate Logan Cavanaugh about being short, Roys said she was the nicest person he had ever met.
Roys had the audience laughing loudly as he provided some other insights to his classmates and their talents. (Note: If his speech is any indication, Roys has a talent as a future late-night television show host.)...
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