WCS’s 151st Commencement

Michael Damiano holds his bouquet made out of $2 bills.

With lots of good-natured teasing, some tears, many laughs and a look back, the Waterville Class of 2025 became alumni in the District’s 151st graduation ceremony.

All 58 graduates wore a purple gown and a white rose; the rose was in memory

of Owen Fortnam, a Class of 2025 student who died in an accident as a sixth grader.

In the front row a chair, empty aside from Owen’s sixth grade photo and a graduation cap with wings, halo and his name, paid tribute to their classmate.

His family attended the ceremony.

Principal Andre Paradis welcomed everyone in the auditorium as he introduced

administrators, Board of Education members and teachers.

Paradis said the night before he felt what Saturday’s parents were feeling as he watched his sixth and youngest child graduate from High School.

Paradis told the story of Olympic British sprinter Derek Redmond.

In a semifinal race at the 1992 Olympics, Redmond tore a hamstring, but made it to the finish line with help from his dad, who can out of the stands to assist his son.

Paradis said the Class of 2025 shows that heart and will to keep going. “What do you do after you fall?’’ Paradis said. “Do you get back up?’’

He advised the students to see who walks the track with them when there are hard times.

Eagle Scout Dante Ruia led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Senior Ensemble sang the Alma Mater.

Senior Class President Nathan Jones introduced the class, saying they have shared many laughs and tough times.

He said as sixth graders it was hard to understand when Owen passed away.

“Where was Owen with his funny remarks and sweet personality,’’ Jones said about the hardship they all went through as sixth graders. ...