Wiscasset’s graduation was going to be new in two ways already. It’s the first year that seniors will graduate from Wiscasset Middle High School, not Wiscasset High School. And it’s Peg Armstrong’s first year as principal.

But in part because of Armstrong’s approach to her job, something else will also be different: A leading Maine politician will address the June 2 ceremony. U.S. Sen. Angus King, I - Maine, will speak.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to speak to Wiscasset Middle High School’s graduating class and to be able to congratulate them on such an important milestone,” King said in a statement the Wiscasset Newspaper requested from his office Friday.

“Graduation represents the culmination of years of hard work, not only for the students but for their parents and teachers as well, and I really look forward to recognizing and applauding them for their achievements,” King said.

King will be listed on the program as a keynote speaker, Armstrong states in an email response to questions Friday morning.

Armstrong mentioned King’s scheduled appearance to the School Committee on Thursday night.

King’s speech will be brief, according to Armstrong’s email.  “I have not been given any particulars on topics he will cover,” Armstrong writes.

In April, teacher Cynthia Turcotte told her King was interested in giving graduation speeches. Armstrong checked with Superintendent of Schools Heather Wilmot, who supported the idea, Armstrong continues.

“I spoke with several people at the school about having an outside speaker, which has not been the tradition. Because time was of the essence, I contacted Senator King's office and with a few brief emails and calls, confirmed that he would speak at our graduation.

“When it comes to graduation, I am not traditional. I don't need it to be the same every year. Just because we have this opportunity for an outside speaker this year does not necessarily mean that I will always want there to be an outside speaker,” Armstrong writes. “Senator King is a long-standing politician in Maine who has demonstrated a commitment to education, fighting the opioid problem, supporting small business and being proactive in issues related to the environment, among other things.

“He is a role model as a humble and active leader. Having a former governor and current senator seemed like a great way to honor our graduates,” Armstrong adds.

In a separate response to questions, Superintendent Wilmot writes: “I am pleased that Senator Angus King will be a keynote speaker at graduation. Senator King has been a supporter of public schools in Maine; most notably for his advocacy for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) which provided students access to laptops.  To date, this initiative continues to positively impact students’ access to technology in Wiscasset and Maine.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to hear him address our students and their families.”

Thursday night’s graduation and this weekend’s alumni banquet are exciting opportunities to celebrate Wiscasset Middle High’s senior class, Wilmot adds.

Reached by email over the weekend, Turcotte explained that she passed along the idea after a friend of hers who works for the King administration asked if Wiscasset had a commencement speaker yet.

“We're very excited to have such a prominent speaker this year,” Turcotte writes in Sunday’s email.