By Suzanne Hodgson

Staff Writer

Kennebunk High School class of 2010 graduating seniors marched through the gym in rows of two under a skull and crossbones flag.

A rainy afternoon left hundreds of family, friends and school staff packed into the high school gym Sunday to watch the students receive high school diplomas.

Principal Peter Dawson started the ceremony by recounting accomplishments of the graduating class and advising students to live worthy lives and remember the way back home.

Speeches by Alisha Keezer and Katie Shorey spoke of help the class received from staff and parents and how now they had the tools to succeed.

Valedictorian Kristina Michaud compared the life of the high school student to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, at the apex of which is self-realization.

“I challenge the class of 2010 to climb to the top of your own pyramid to self-realization,” Michaud said.

Michaud also quoted Wayne Gretzky: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take,” she said before challenging her class to take a shot. 

The class elected band teacher Bruce Lewia their guest speaker, who lead the crowd in a special version of “Sweet Caroline.”

Before the ceremony and speeches and before classmates were alumni instead of students, the high school was full of smiles, hugs and tears. 

“It’s not really hitting me yet,” said Danielle Rafferty. “There’s been so much built up with the two other ceremonies.”

“It’s the third time I put this thing on!” Shorey exclaimed, holding out her billowing white robe.

The two graduating students said watching the senior class slideshow of pictures from the past four years on Friday was an emotional experience but they were ready to move on.

In the fall, Rafferty is heading to the University of Pennsylvania, and Shorey will attend Boston College.

Almost all of the 203 graduates and six exchange students participating in the ceremony had some plan for life after high school, be it jobs, continuing education or the army.

Jillian Doody is graduating early to join the military and said she was excited to be “moving on and getting out of here.”

Brian Bergeron was less excited about graduation.

“I’m pretty neutral about the whole thing. Everyone expects you to graduate, it’s not really an accomplishment,” he said.

Michael Tahan had a different perspective.

“Figuratively this has been the best times of my life,” Tahan said, but he does admit he’s excited to be done with homework for the summer before heading off to Elon University in North Carolina.

Doody and Deirdre McNamara decided to celebrate the occasion by having an artist at the Old Orchard Beach Pier spray paint their names on top of their caps.

Other graduates were able to express themselves through their dress even through the plain white and blue robes. Laura Hurst wore a sailor suit underneath her robe and was able to pull out the big blue ribbon through her gown.

The entire class added yet another personal touch during the graduation ceremony when they walked under a Jolly Roger flag as they entered the high school gym for the last time as students.

“This class has an obsession with pirates,” said Sharon Philbrick, a parent and committee member for Project Graduation, the senior class trip directly after graduation.

This year students went whitewater rafting, fishing and hiking in Millinocket.

Staff Writer Suzanne Hodgson can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 233.