“Take time to unplug from technology,” advised Superintendent of Schools Eileen King during her speech to the graduates of Boothbay Region High School the afternoon of June 7. “Don't lose sight of the serenity around you.”

King praised this “special class” and mentioned the talents of the many individuals displayed at the Baccalaureate service on June 2.

“I am touched by the talent and the tremendous diversity of this class. Your daily presence in our lives has been a special gift,” King said.

King concluded her speech by telling the 54 graduates to thank the community and teachers and to, “tell your parents that you love them …. Good luck and we love you.”

The standing room only gymnasium crowd stood as class marshal Daniel Murray lead his classmates to the stage to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the Seahawk Symphonic Band.

Class salutatorian Arden McSwain welcomed everyone and expressed, on behalf of her classmates, the appreciation they have for the community, the teachers and their families.

“We'll always appreciate the lessons that you have taught us,” McSwain said. “We couldn't have done it without you.”

In his Honor Essay, Evan Stevens spoke about “keeping our spirit of childhood” even though graduation day had come.

“We will face many challenges in the years ahead, but there's no need to be serious about everyone of them,” Stevens said.

“Don't take the job that pays the most money. Take the job that makes you smile every morning. Never forget to tell your parents you love them. Never forget to run through the fields barefoot. And never forget to use your imagination,” said Stevens to his classmates. “Today, you have a choice of celebration or sadness.

“Listen to your 5-year-old self and celebrate! You're only young once … but you can be free spirited forever,” Stevens said.

Valedictorian Hannah Elder's farewell address theme centered on “13,” as in 2013, being a lucky number, despite the number being considered unlucky by many.

“It has been lucky for us. We have been lucky to be blessed with the support of our parents and teachers who helped us succeed. We have also helped each other achieve our goals,” Elder said.

She urged he classmates to “show the world how great you are …. Be a '13, be lucky, be special. Live well, laugh often … Congratulations to the class of 2013.”

Teacher Allan Crocker introduced each graduate before they walked across the stage to receive their diploma from Superintendent King and BRHS Principal Dan Welch.

There were not any embarrassing moments during the awarding of the diplomas, but there were a few memorable moments.

Stephanie Bryer lost her cap as she gave Principal Welch a hug.

Jessie Vander surely wore the highest high heels among the female graduates.

Tyler Holbrook gave the most animated handshake to Principal Welch.

Kade Smith and Kameron Markee were the only graduates to prompt the audience, with Smith pumping his hands up and down prompting more applause and Markee giving the victory sign with his index and middle fingers.

And the rain held off as the class of 2013 departed the gym as graduates of Boothbay Region High School.

Click here for photos of the event.