enlarge Doug Jones/Staff Photographer

Chanel Marie Lewis, center, accompanies her classmates of Portland High on the triangle as they sing “Stand by Me,” the song they selected for their graduation held at Merrill Auditorium on Thursday morning.

Watch a video of Laura Cowie and Chanel Lewis singing Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" during the Portland High School graduation ceremony.

 

 

PORTLAND — Portland High School graduated 222 students on Thursday in a ceremony at Merrill Auditorium that showcased their potential to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

"After today, we will enter a world of new challenges unlike any we have yet to experience," said Brian Furey, valedictorian and president of the class of 2009. "There will be difficult times, but we must keep at it. Life can be tough, but we are the ones who must keep trying to find solutions to everyday problems."

Furey noted that because Maine's largest city has a significant immigrant population, his classmates represent more than 50 countries. "But I have found that the differences among students are not nearly as significant as the similarities," he said.

Salutatorian Mark Kinner described his classmates as competent community activists who are prepared to address a wide range of problems related to the economic recession, growing energy demands and global conflicts.

"Don't worry," Kinner said. "Have confidence in us."

The graduates were seated in chairs on the stage of the formal auditorium before an audience of family members and friends. Girls wore white caps and gowns and boys wore dark blue, reflecting the school's colors.

Interim Superintendent Jeanne Whynot-Vickers praised the class for helping to revive musical theater and promote energy conservation at the high school, in addition to other service projects.

Whynot-Vickers noted that she graduated from Portland High 40 years ago. She assured the class of 2009 that perseverance would bring results.

"The world is an uncertain place," she said. "Remember, you'll get out of your experience what you are willing to put into it."

Principal Mike Johnson presented diplomas to each member of the class, including his son Corey, who got a hug from his dad instead of a handshake.

Johnson also presented the school's prestigious Brown Medals, which recognize the academic achievements of the top five female students and the top five male students in each graduating class.

In addition to Furey and Kinner, the Brown Medal recipients were Audrey Seiz, Greer Chapman, Joseph Violette, Kristin O'Kelly, Nathaniel Jewett, Amorosa Romano, Eoin McCarron and Leyna Gomez.

Furey and Kinner also received commemorative watches.

Student singers and musicians performed, including class members Laura Cowie and Chanel Lewis, who sang Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time." The whole class sang "Stand By Me," by Ben E. King, and the school song, "The Blue and White."

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

kbouchard@pressherald.com