Lisbon class of 2024 takes flight

LISBON — Families, friends and faculty filled Lisbon High School’s gymnasium on Sunday to celebrate the Class of 2024.

Soon-to-be graduates’ names adorned the school’s gymnasium wall, as 69 seniors sat together to hear words of wisdom and encouragement from their peers and teachers.

Graduating seniors hold roses Sunday during commencement at Lisbon High School. Marla Hoffman/Sun Journal

Valedictorian Andrew Broadbent called on his peers to not let high school define the rest of their lives.

“Whatever you may choose to do, whether it be joining the military, entering the workforce, going to college or trade school, or anything else you may choose to do after today, give it your all,” Broadbent said.

Gabriella Turner and the Lisbon High School Rock Band performed Green Day’s “Good Riddance.”

Turner, who is the senior class treasurer, later announced that the Class of 2024 had successfully raised $32,342 in the past four years.

Gabriella Turner, center, and the Lisbon High School Rock Band perform Green Day’s “Good Riddance” during Sunday’s graduation ceremony at Lisbon High School. Turner, the senior class treasurer, also gave a speech titled “Growth.” Marla Hoffman/Sun Journal

Class adviser and keynote speaker, Nicole Sautter, urged the graduates to hold space for uncertainty.

“Believe that you are destined to do great things in this world and understand that it is okay if you have no idea what that is yet,” she said.

Encouraging graduates to cultivate growth in their lives, Sautter reminded them that growth was about “evolving, adapting and striving to become the best version of yourself. It requires patience, and the willingness to accept the challenges that are inevitable as you confront the unknown.”

Corey George holds up his roses Sunday as he and friends get ready to march into the gym with fellow graduates at Lisbon High School. Marla Hoffman/Sun Journal

Superintendent Richard Green had a different kind of advice for the graduates.

“Don’t speed on the 196 through Lisbon-Lisbon Falls,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what your plans are for the future, take advantage of the every opportunity you have. Work as hard as you play. Don’t sweat the little things. Life is too short, so eat the cake. Calories don’t count when you’re camping. Always make sure that your family and your health are your top priority and the sooner that you realize your parents are smarter than you, the better off you will be.”