Mt. Blue graduates 152: ‘Look mom! I did it!’

FARMINGTON – On Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. the Mt. Blue High School class of 2015 took their first running leap into the adult world, diplomas in hand.

One hundred and fifty-two students shuffled in the halls, nervous and excited but ready. They straightened their many colored cords, smoothed their robes, twisted the tassels on their decorated hats. They hugged one another sporadically and often.

“I’m going to miss the English department. And Mr. T. He’s so awesome,” class vice president, Rachel Mitchell said as she fiddled with her baton. All while speaking she kept an eye on Sean Minear, Culinary Arts teacher, who was giving the students last minute instructions.

“Do you guys feel like you’re in the right place?” another staff member asked the students. Rachel Mitchell nodded, confident that there was nowhere else she should be in that moment.

Abdullah Bostaji, an exchange student from Jordan noted, “I’m really sad that it’s all coming to an end. Everybody is so nice here.” Bostaji will return to Jordan next week, but not without new, steadfast connections and a home here in Farmington. “I’m also really, really nervous. My Mom flew all the way here from Jordan to see me graduate.” Bostaji’s family, both biological and not, joined other families and friends waiting in the gymnasium after last minute hugs and aspiring tears.

The whole crowd, it seemed, began to get teary-eyed as the students filed into the gymnasium and found their seats. Their hats bobbed in anticipation, some adorned with a glittery, “Class of 2015” while others were simply covered in duct tape. One hat, in neon pink lettering, stated “Look mom! I did it!”

There were many words for the graduates to leave with, some sung a capella style or with acoustic guitar. Others performed in a slam poem and some simply offered. Principal Bruce Mochamer thanked the students for everything they have taught him.

“It is not easy being a young adult. I learned who you are, what you are, what your lives are like. This whole time I thought it was us teaching you, but it was actually you teaching me,” he said.

The class speakers continued to share wisdom through speeches about the lessons they have learned.

“I finally know that I’m ready to be present, now,” class president, Victoria Newbill spoke in a slam poem about learning to appreciate the moment and not just “racing in this thing called life, trying to get ahead.”

Anthony Franchetti spoke about learning from those before him. “The lessons of the past can serve as a map for our journeys forward,” he stated.

Peyton Smith and Sarah Cummings also performed a slam poem, partially toasting to the future and partially questioning the famous quotes that so commonly ascend upon us at graduations. Mostly creating their own, “Years from now when all our dreams have come true, we will look back on these years and our time here and realize: we had nothing to fear.”

Brave, smart and capable, the MBHS class of 2015 certainly did not seem to possess a fear as they flipped their tassels and tossed confetti high into the air of their now old high school gymnasium.