Memorable Evening Highlighted by Inspiring Student Addresses, Principal Recognition, Over $290,000 in Community Scholarships, & Students Receiving Diplomas
DYER BROOK, Maine — On Friday, June 12th, 2026, the Southern Aroostook Community Gymnasium was filled with proud families, friends, and faculty to celebrate the graduation of 21 seniors from the Southern Aroostook Community School (SACS) Class of 2026. The ceremony highlighted the close-knit bonds of the graduating class, their diverse achievements, and an astonishing $290,000+ in scholarship awards provided by the local community to support their next steps.
Superintendent/High School Principal Jon Porter commended the 21 graduates for their hard work and resilience, acknowledging the unique and individual paths each student took to reach the graduation stage. Porter also celebrated the bright futures ahead for the Class of 2026, honoring the graduates as they prepare to transition into the workforce, higher education, and the armed services.
The evening featured powerful addresses from five class members, who shared messages of gratitude, faith, resilience, and community.
Senior Class President Hannah McGary commenced the evening by welcoming the audience and setting a tone of deep appreciation.
"Today, we celebrate all of the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the Class of 2026," McGary said. "Before we get on with the ceremony, I’d like to take a moment to thank our families for all their support, and the amazing teachers and staff here at SA. We couldn’t do it without you all."
Annie Harthorne, who plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, delivered a speech centered on faith, gratitude, and the grounding nature of family. She shared a touching reflection on her family's nightly tradition of sharing supper together as a safe harbor from the stresses of life.
"Sometimes as we look to our future we get caught up in the career path we chose, the money we will make, or the places we will travel," noted Harthorne. "These things can all be exciting and important, but what is more important is the place we call home and the people we find there... If we make it a priority to be together, we won’t face ups or downs alone."
Isabella Martinez reflected on her journey since transferring to SACS at the start of her sophomore year, highlighting the vital life lessons she learned about personal growth, setting boundaries, and trusting in faith.
"I learned that just because things are hard sometimes, that doesn’t mean it’ll be hard forever," Martinez encouraged her peers. "Life isn’t hard in and of itself; it’s only certain things that happen in life that are hard... Work hard to find what it is you need in order to have fewer hard times as life goes on."
Ashlyn York gave a bittersweet parting speech, looking back on 13 years of growing up alongside her classmates like siblings and emphasizing the profound, lasting impact they each had on her life.
"Never seeing some of you again is paining me more than I thought it would," York shared. "But I hope you don’t ever feel like no one is cheering you on. If nothing else, please, everyone, remember that I am somewhere out there rooting for every step you take; proud of the person you’ve become, and eagerly anticipating your journey to finding yourself."
Closing out the student addresses,Daniel Kuindersma spoke to the nine-year bond shared by the class, urging his fellow graduates to reject shortcuts and instead "fall in love with the process of getting better."
"Our futures aren't about finding the quickest, easiest path. They are about having the grit to build a foundation... brick by brick," said Kuindersma. "Because once you prove you can push through the hard parts of one chapter, you know you have the tools to conquer whatever comes next."
The graduates were also presented with more than $290,000 in scholarships funded by local businesses, civic organizations, alumni, and memorial funds. The administration, faculty, and the Class of 2026 extend their heartfelt thanks to every donor and community member who worked tirelessly to raise these funds, ensuring the graduates are strongly supported as they step into their futures.
The evening concluded with the graduates receiving their diplomas. Thank you to all of the people that made this night a memorable one for our graduates, their families, and the school community.