Wiscasset High School 2012 Valedictorian Emma Gorwin urged her classmates to "Take the road less traveled, and that will make all the difference."

"When opportunity presents itself, seize it, because you don't know when it may come around again," she said during her speech, June 7. "Laugh more, takes risks, be a leader and have something to be passion rate. As we make this transition into the next part of our lives, my hope is that we can be thankful for where life has brought us and enter the next phase with confidence, inspiration."

Senior Class Marshals Carolyn Footer and James Andretta led their class in the traditional processional for their graduation ceremony to "Pomp and Circumstance," played by Lois Kwantz.

Thirty-two seniors were presented their diplomas by Superintendent Greg Potter and School Board Chairwoman Hilary Holm, with Wiscasset High School Principal Deborah Taylor assisting.

The graduation ceremony began with a welcome to the family and friends of the graduates by Class Presidents Ben Sutter and Caleb Bryant. Their welcome was followed with a song from seniors Carolyn Footer and Abigail Foster, who sang "Forever Young." The second musical performance was a piano solo by Emma Corwin.

"Life is built on the many choices we make," Senior Jordan Jones told his classmates. "Continue to make the positive choices that led you to this point and make many more positive choices in the continuation of your lives and happiness will follow."

Jones brought humor to his speech and laughter from the audience, when he said, "I know personally that I have made a choice in my life that, in hindsight, I would have done differently. For instance, I wish somebody would have told me that we were supposed to wear clothes underneath these gowns."

Senior Abigail Foster chose to speak on a day in the life of a Wiscasset High School student. She spoke about Principal Taylor's unique laugh.

"Walking through the halls of the school you could hear things like Flan (Tim Flanagan) going on one of his little, or sometimes large, 'Flanna rants,' spouting out words like 'jeezum' or 'you dirty little stinker.' Across the hall Mrs.Turcotte's class is chowing down on some food, because it's Friday and she brought something in for them. Over in the other wing of school, you could hear a whistle coming from Mr. Cook's class, or just Mr. Speed whistling.

"Don't get me wrong, tons of learning definitely takes place in these halls," Foster said. "I'm sure you've heard these lovely sounds before, but I just wanted to give you one last reminder and memory to take with you, of the great things that can happen in this school."

Taylor gave her first commencement speech as principal of the high school. She chose to use quotes that reflected on the outstanding qualities of each graduate.

"To the ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2012, I thank you for the many lessons you've taught me over these past four years," Taylor said. "I hope you continue honing your various qualities and character traits. They have made you an amazing group. More so, my sincere hope is that you have been paying attention to each other – to what you have been offering each other by way of lessons in kindness, honesty, creativity, courage, leadership, humor and humility – and that you take these lessons with you as you launch into the next phase of your life."

Taylor also recognized the faculty members of the Wiscasset High School staff who have supported and guided the graduating class for the past four years. "I especially want to recognize a number of our staff who are leaving us at the end of this year: Gretchen Johnson, Joanie Leigh, Kathy Puff and Chip Schwehm."

Maine Sen. Chris Johnson was invited to the podium to present a Legislative Sentiment to Schwehm for his achieving national recognition; Schwehm received an award sponsored by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association that is presented in recognition for a teacher's outstanding contribution to their profession and their students.

In addition to teaching technology at Wiscasset High School, he is also the advisor and creator of the very popular Open Mic program, which allows students to get together informally to sing and play instruments.

After the diplomas were handed out, several of the seniors tossed their caps in the air, before beginning the recessional to exit the gymnasium. They then said their goodbyes to family and friends before entering the bus for a trip to the Big Adventure Center in Bethel to enjoy laser tag, rock climbing, water slides, a video arcade and more.