enlarge Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer

Seniors perform with their undergraduate band mates in the Deering Concert Band one more time during Deering High’s graduation at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

enlarge Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer

Deering High School graduates celebrate during commencement ceremonies at the Cumberland County Civic Center. The class included students who were born in more than 30 countries, a reflection of Portland’s diverse immigrant community.

PORTLAND — The top students in Deering High School's class of 2009 urged fellow graduates at Wednesday's commencement ceremony to change the world through purposeful acts of kindness.

Heather Muzzy, the valedictorian, and Natalie Mitchell, the salutatorian, were among the 272 Deering High students who received diplomas during a late-morning celebration at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

"We all have the ability to make a difference," Muzzy said. "We must be the hope, the change and the goodness that we wish to see in the world."

Mitchell called on her classmates to recognize the domino effect of doing something considerate for others.

"Remember the importance of service to others," Mitchell said. "A small act of kindness can have an impact on the world."

Beach balls and bubbles floated above the graduates at various times during the 90-minute ceremony. Girls wore white caps and gowns while boys wore purple, reflecting the school colors.

Student musicians and singers performed several selections, including "In My Life," by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Interim Superintendent Jeanne Whynot-Vickers and Principal Ken Kunin presented diplomas and congratulated each graduate.

Because Maine's largest city has a significant immigrant population, the class included students who were born in more than 30 countries, Kunin said.

"Always work to understand your view of the world and to accept that others view the world through a different lens," Kunin advised the graduates. "There is more that binds us than separates us."

Kunin asked for a moment of silence for deceased students, staff members and others who were important to the class. They included Zoe Sarnacki, a former class member who was killed last month, Nan Urban, a longtime Deering social worker who died in March, and Tom Curran, a longtime English teacher who died in January.

Whynot-Vickers pointed out some accomplishments of the class, such as raising money to help renovate an auditorium and starting a yearly fundraiser for the American Red Cross.

A Portland native, Whynot-Vickers told the graduates they are fortunate to have grown up in a relatively small community where they can expect to see friends and acquaintances at the supermarket or a football game. "You will always be a part of Portland and you can always come back," she said.

Whynot-Vickers encouraged the graduates to stay in touch with family, friends and former teachers using new technology that makes it easier than ever before, such as personal Web pages and online chat forums.

She noted that the students are graduating in "scary times," calling to mind the economic recession, environmental challenges and global conflicts that dominate the news.

"You and your classmates can make a difference in this world," she said.

Staff Writer Kelley Bouchard can be contacted at 791-6328 or at:

kbouchard@pressherald.com