With several high school graduations slated for tonight and this weekend, the Journal Tribune has shared the stories of some local seniors who have overcome obstacles and are now readying to face the world of challenges still ahead. As well, profiles of the top students in the Class of 2014 are being printed, along with roundups of those exceptional young people’s contributions during their high school careers.
The graduation ceremonies will be published as well in the coming weeks, and all of it will be compiled into a special, pullout section that will be inserted into the paper at the end of the month.
We hope our readers take the time to read about these impressive young people.
Today, it’s common to hear that youth are not what they once were ”“ too entitled or not ambitious enough ”“ but flipping through the pages of these soon-to-be graduates shows that’s just not the case.
So far, we’ve featured Shawna Meserve, who graduates from Bonny Eagle High School tonight. The track athlete, who is third in her class, has balanced part-time jobs, while also volunteering at her church and maintaining her high marks in school.
She plans to study both medicine and forensics at Colby College this fall, with the hopes of becoming a medical examiner.
Kimberly Foster, who graduates from Old Orchard Beach High School Sunday, has had to deal with diabetes since the age of 5, and despite the physical strain it causes, she maintains her health by checking her blood sugar about five or six times a day, wearing an insulin pump and watching her diet. The experience has inspired her to help other children with diabetes, and after earning a degree in health sciences at Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, she plans to become a certified diabetes educator and wants to work with children.
Danny McGrath, who will also graduate tonight from Sanford High School, is earning a degree that he may not have earned without the support and belief of officials at the school. McGrath is a special needs student, and he could have pursued a certificate that outlined his attendance at school, instead of a diploma. But officials at Sanford High School believed he had the work ethic and ability to earn his high school diploma, and they were right.
The young man has an interest in computers, a skill that he used to benefit a local nonprofit. He has spent time refurbishing laptops for Grahamtastic Connection, which dispenses the computers for use by children who have extended stays in hospitals or must visit them frequently.
These young people have shown that hard work, intelligence and determination are not things of the past, and we hope you’ll stay tuned to read more about what the Class of 2014 has accomplished and their plans for a bright future ahead.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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