The Boothbay Region High School Class of 2014 graduated June 6. Fifty-two students received their high school diplomas and said so long to teachers, friends and others as they enjoyed Class Day, Graduation, the Grand March and Alumni Ball during their final day as BRHS students. Here we present the graduation addresses by salutatorian Robert Campbell, Jude Alamo and valedictorian Sophia Thayer, as well as some of our favorite photos. More photos of the events appear online at www.boothbayregister.com.

Welcome Address

 By Robert Campbell

Good afternoon! My name is Robert Campbell. Welcome family, friends and faculty to the graduation of Boothbay Region High School's class of 2014.

We are here to congratulate my fellow students in this graduating class for their hard work and perseverance throughout high school, but each individual I see in this crowd deserves equal congratulations. You, as parents and other role models, have fostered the growth of the good-natured students sitting behind me. We have been told a hundred times in Mrs. Hersom's biology classes that we inherit certain traits. I don't know if you can genetically inherit a strong work ethic, a pleasant smile, or just a generally positive outlook on life, but each and every member of this class embodies these characteristics. We owe that to our families and the community members who have influenced all of us over our thirteen years of schooling.

The Boothbay region is a unique community in its extreme friendliness and support for one another. And I believe that this small class of 52 distinctly exceeds the regular kindness of a Boothbay class. There are the same general groups of people that there have been in years past, with the guys that hang out and compare trucks in the small mall parking lot and, well, the people who don't. No matter how different we are, when grouped together as a class, we never fail to work cooperatively and enjoy ourselves. I am proud, as all 52 of us should be, to be a member of such a remarkable group of students.

Our class is full of unique individuals. I'll be honest with you — I am a nerdy guy. Calculus class was regularly the highlight of my day this year. After spending so much time in school with my classmates, up to thirteen years with some of them, I can confidently say that each and every one of them will find something in which they can be just as nerdy, a subject or field that they will thrive in, something that is both challenging and satisfying.

We are still teenagers. We may not act as if we are grateful for the unwavering support of our parents and friends, but I can ensure you all that our thanks are never ending, as we will never forget this community, no matter how much we may want to leave it now. Once again, welcome, and thank you.

Honor Essay

By Jude Alamo

Good afternoon friends and family of the Class of 2014. Most of you know me, but for those of you who don't, my name is Jude Alamo. This class is a very special one, and I am proud to be part of such a united group of people. We are a team, very much like a special team known as the Avengers. When I look at these people sitting next to me I see several Captain Americas, Hulks, lronmans, Thors, Black Widows and Hawkeyes.

Just like the special abilities of each of these heroes are different, the people of this class are very different. There are those who embody the characteristics of Captain America; strong leaders who can direct us down the right path. There are also the Hulks; the athletes who spent long hours working hard at practice to represent our school at sporting events, while maintaining high academic achievement. Then there are the Ironmans; the creative and intellectual brainiacs of our class who naturally excel in all their scholastic endeavors. The Thors of the class have strong voices and can stick up for what they believe is right. They can "bring the hammer down" when necessary. There are also the secret agents of our class, who appear to be shy and quiet but when faced with a challenge they strike down their opponent with force; like Black Widow and Hawkeye.

The Avengers are strong. Not because of their individual strengths and abilities, but because of how they work together. Despite our different abilities, personalities, or beliefs, we found a way to come together as a class, just like the Avengers did to save the world. We came together for fundraisers, Homecoming and Winter Carnival activities, and sporting events. We were united by a common cause to raise money so that we could get the heck out of high school, and in the process shared laughs, stories, and experiences that formed the people sitting here before you.

Growing together as a class and as a team has allowed us to comfortably express our individuality. We have grown and prospered to become our own people and like my doppelganger Bruce Lee once said "Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it."

Farewell Address

 By Sophia Thayer

I am here to bid my class farewell — but first, let us take a selfie.

Jokes aside, we are a generation that has grown up with technology. As we grew, it grew. There were new networks, apps and games. With these came new distractions. Distractions from family, friends and schoolwork. Nevertheless, we are still here, sitting on this stage, despite the distractions. We sit here in front of all the people that deserve thanks. Friends, parents, grandparents, and, most of all, teachers. Also, the people that couldn't make it today: the creators of Wikipedia, Sparknotes and Yahoo.

Parents have been with us from the beginning — changing our diapers, giving us rides, buying us food, getting us through the endless college process, and of course, providing us with constant love and support. We truly could not have done this or made it here without you.

Teachers, we thank you also, for giving us the opportunity to learn and grow as students. Not only have we learned from you, we have learned how to learn from you. We thank you for the additional help, the extra credit, and for the time you have invested in us as students, and as people.

Next year we will all venture out into the world, whether it be to go to college, to work, or to travel. No matter what we choose to pursue, there will be a change. We will no longer run on a bell schedule, our parents will no longer be our wake-up call, and homemade meals will become bowls of Ramen. This may scare you; it scares me. I'm scared I won't be able to create such strong friendships as I have here in our close community. I'm scared I won't be able to do all my work on time. I'm scared I won't be able to pay all my bills. If you're scared like me, ponder this:

Graduation is only a concept. In real life, every day, you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. We have already accomplished many things. Today is just one more accomplishment; one more graduation. Once you accept that, you will no longer be scared.

Today we move on, but with the expansion of technology we will never be fully separated. Some may think a selfie represents a self-centered youth. However, it is really a representation of how our generation has embraced technology. With a selfie we celebrate ourselves and capture what we revere about our community. Technology will help us to preserve our memories when our old minds fail to do so. We will always be connected to each other and to this community by the experiences we have shared. Wherever you end up, remember the people and the community that raised you. And if you're ever scared, remember J. K. Rowling's words: "Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect."

Congratulations, Class of 2014. We made it!