By Stephanie Grinnell
Staff Writer
Students marched to the same tune Sunday, as high school graduations took place throughout Maine, including Thornton Academy and Old Orchard Beach High School.
Thornton Academy’s graduation took place under the blazing sun at Dr. Paul S. Hill Jr. Stadium on the Saco campus. Students planning to join the military were recognized when they raised the flag before the pledge of allegiance and national anthem.
The class of 275 students was addressed by Valedictorian Teresa Scontras, who urged her fellow students to “enjoy the ride down the road that life will take you.” She said the simple phase was inspired by her 14-year-old sister when they were riding scooters near their home.
The original plan was to take a ride together but Scontras, who described her self as extremely competitive by nature, decided to take off and speed down a small incline to the bottom.
When her sister caught up, she asked if Scontras had even enjoyed the ride.
Scontras also requested her classmates take the time to inspire someone else.
“I challenge you to inspire people, instill hope within or gain the admiration of a single person,” Scontras said. “Be proud of who you are. Do not lose sight of yourselves. All of us can, and will, lead successful lives. It’s important to look forward, but still remember the past.”
Student Council President Kelly Foley joked in her speech it was “her chance to say whatever I want,” but reconsidered because the diplomas had yet to be handed out.
The student speeches were followed by music, scholarship awards, Headmaster Carl Stasio Jr’s address and Fine Arts Department Co-Chairman David Hanright’s address before diplomas were awarded.
Old Orchard Beach High School students enjoyed a more intimate graduation with the class of 54 students in attendance.     
The graduates took time to recognize students who died during the school year, including Joshua Bolduc, and Class Vice President Erin Madras said they all “impacted our school.”
Three students spoke to the gathered group of parents, siblings and staff.
Senior Erin Sullivan reminisced about kindergarten, when many in the class began their educational journey together.
“It’s amazing how a class of little tykes, then tweens, then teens can become so close,” she said.
Sullivan shared tales of several incidents when the class was younger, jokingly daring “any TA [Thornton Academy]  graduate to try” naming fellow classmates and related memories.
“Everyone nevermind me, just go your separate paths and do well,” she said.
    Salutatorian Cady Koenings spoke about the first graduating class of Old Orchard Beach High School, which consisted of six girls and three boys 122 years ago.
She said, “like the town, our class has a history.” Koenings said the class of 2008 was in sixth grade when the World Trade Center towers collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001 and were the first to use laptops in seventh grade.
“We’ve all played a part in who we are now,” she said. “One of the last pages of our history together was senior prank.”
The seniors spent a night camping on the high school grounds for the prank. Koenings said at the end of the evening, the entire class sang “Good Riddance” by Green Day, which she said was “cliché, I know, but it was the only song we all knew the words to.”
“Keep the memories close, they’re sure to come up again,” Koening said. “When the hugs and tears are over, we’ll move on.”
Valedictorian Brittany Johnson offered advice to her classmates.
“Whatever you do to make yourself happy and feel worthwhile makes others see you in a good light,” she said. “I don’t care what you do with your life just don’t look back and say you could have been anything.”
Johnson said the class of 2008 has been innovative and original.
“Use what you have to make what you don’t,” she said. “Always feel like the hero of your own life.”
She quoted the courage speech by the Cowardly Lion in “The Wizard of Oz,” and said all graduates will need a healthy dose of courage in the future.
The 54 students received their diplomas and turned their tassels before shaking the hands of the staff and retreating to graduation parties.
    Contact Stephanie Grinnell by calling 282-4337 ext. 213 or email news@inthecourier.com.