Class Presidents & Advisor Messages

To the Class of 2010:

I took over as your advisor during your tenth grade year as a replacement for someone who had moved. How lucky I was. Working with you and your class officers has been a pleasure. I've enjoyed it.

You have had several unique things happen during your tenure. We received laptops for the high school, set up an advisory program and acquired a new principal. You handled all these and other challenges with your usual calm and quiet confidence.

Academically, you have some serious scholars, artistically you made some great music and stage productions, athletically you had some big wins and some disappointing losses and socially you made lots of friends and treated each other well. Not a bad performance.

In short, I have watched you mature. Cool.

Take care and don't take it all too seriously,

Robert Bond

To the class of 2011,

Congratulations! You have grown and accomplished much in the last four years here at Gorham High School, and soon you will be striking out on your own. New challenges can be frightening, but I have no doubt that you will confront them with the same courage and determination you have shown here at GHS. Recall your first steps through the doors of GHS. It might not seem like such a great challenge at first because you have been doing it mostly without a thought since. After a moment of reflection though, you can see yourself standing in the lobby of GHS nervously wondering what the day would hold and what the next four years would be like. With your first day under your belt you went on to new and greater challenges even if in hindsight they now seem small. You gave a speech in front of the class. You learned to talk to your teachers and ask for help. You signed up for a tough class. You tried out for the school play. You persevered when you didn't get the part, make the team, or get the grade. You said something when others were silent. You took a leadership role. In the end you did more than you thought you could.

It has been a great pleasure for me to work with you and your class officers, and it is my sincere hope that you will continue to meet the challenges, great and small, that confront you. Lastly, if anybody ever offers you the opportunity to dress up like a rockstar and sing with the band, take it.

Sincerely,

Darren Panagakos

So...2011 is finally here, and we're finally experiencing what it's like to be "big bad seniors" at Gorham High School. Senioritis is rampant and most of us have more trouble getting up in the morning than ever before, even though now some of us can do it at 9:00. We have trouble doing homework worse than ever before, even if it's a two question physics worksheet that we could in any other year finish in a good 2-3 seconds. We're stressed (or absolutely not) about our future college lives, struggling to finish those supplement essays, or those evil scholarship essays. And most unfortunately, although we're having a B.A. senior year, many of us have had quite enough of Gorham High School.

This isn't a horrible thing though, because we've been able to have an almost infinite amount of good times over the last 12ish years. From Wackadoo Zoo to The Music Man, from Mrs. Baker to Ms. Herlihy, we've been incredibly blessed to have such an amazing school career. We've never had any infamous class vandals or Facebook trolls (with some exceptions), no noticeable class divisions, and only a limited amount of "drama," most of which existing solely on Facebook. We've been a pretty tightknit group for as long as I can remember, even when we got to high school and found out that it was okay to be friends with older and younger people. The most noticeable difference from us and other classes, however, isn't really describable at all. We've just always been a much more mellow group of people; we've always just had fun, and never gone to extremes to get attention. Congrats Class of 2011!

Eben Benson

Dear Class of 2012,

Although I have only been your advisor for this year, I have come to know your class as motivated, fun, caring, and respectful. However, I already knew that to be true because I had many of you in my class during your sophomore year! Your class officers and Mrs. Smith have worked so hard since you were freshmen to ensure that you will have a great senior week and memorable graduation...I hope you enjoy it!

As you prepare to leave GHS, I want you to know that I am proud of your effort and commitment to get to this point in your school career. For some of you it has been a piece of cake, but I know that most of you have had to overcome many obstacles along the way...and it hasn't been easy. Whether those obstacles were in school or outside school, you managed to do what it takes in order to walk across that stage at Merrill Auditorium in a few days. That's determination - and that's what you're going to need out there in the "big world" to be successful. Nothing is going to be easy or go the way you think it's going to, but you have proven that you can handle it through the hard work and focus it took to graduate!

My best wishes to you, Class of 2012,

Stacey Mulrey

To the Class of 2012,

I feel lucky to have known all of you during your time here at Gorham High School. You have often made me laugh but you have never made me cry, thank you for that. Seriously, you are all really cool individuals and I am cooler for having spent time with you. So what big words of wisdom do I have for you as you head out into the world?

1. Find a job you love. This comes from loving what you do rather than how much money you make.

2. Judge how successful your life is by the positive change you affect. Spend your time making the world a better place and you will be successful.

3. Always be kind to others. I tell my children that every night when I tuck them in. At the end of the day it is what people will remember about you.

4. Martin Luther King, Jr. said "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Silence is the most powerful tool for evil on the face of the earth. Do not be afraid to stand up for your beliefs and let your voice be heard. You may find that you change the world in the process.

5. I will end this as I end my class. Stay out of the gully and don't bite your friends.

When you come back from the "real world" stop by and say hi.

Amy Smith

There's a rule in life. You're either growing or you're dying. A tree is either growing, or it's dying. So does a business, so does a class, so does a person. The Gorham High School Class of 2012 is growing. In the fourth grade, two separate schools were joined to make one class. It was an awkward time at first. In a town so spread out, one would not figure that a class joined so late would bond so closely and smoothly. One would be wrong. The class of 2012 did just that. Lifelong friendships were formed and through the economic necessities may carry many of us away from Gorham, these friendships will endure.

Every member of this class had the potential to play a major role in the future to come. I have no doubt that in some way we will all play a role and not settle for second best when the best is within our grasp. There is no comparison, at least in my eyes, between any graduating class past, present, and future. We are a unique class graduating during a unique time. The economic and social adversities of the era and of this area could have put a strain on the class of 2012. It has not. I am proud to graduate among these fine men and women. Had I been born a different year, and joined another class, I would have missed knowing some of the finest people I will ever meet. I hope that none of us will lose sight of just how great this experience has been. One might ask, is the Class of 2012 the last great class? Maybe.

We are faced with the undeniable fact that we must move on, like it or not. Many will go on to college or join the workforce or military. I know that wherever we go we are, and always will be the class of 2012. This class was born to greatness. Greatness that cannot be measured by wealth, popularity or looks of any of the false qualities that our society gives value to. True greatness comes from and is measured from within. It is a greatness that I see everyday in my classmates and it is that greatness that is growing and will continue to grow.

It's been a pleasure knowing each of you.

Sincerely, your friend, Troy A. Lawrence

To the graduating seniors,

What does one tell graduating high school seniors today? I am sure you will receive plenty of advice and praise for a job well done and for the futures you are planning. Yet, two things come to my mind. First, education is not terminal. Your education will continue long after you leave GHS, in thousands of formal and informal ways. One of my favorite sayings is: "Learning never ends until you have soil in your ears." Be open to that.

Second, life has a way of taking its own path once in a while, and all of you will experience this, as you have somewhat already. Five "Code of Conduct" beliefs are found on the hallways and classroom walls throughout GHS: courage, compassion, honesty, respect and responsibility. Consider them as ways to handle the bumps that will continuously arise.

• Shauna Dunn

Dear Class of 2013:

What rhymes with "thirteen?" Green, machine, lean, mean, clean...Though we tried repeatedly during your freshman year, we were never able to come up with a Class of 2013 motto. At the time it was a little disappointing. As I began to write this farewell, however, it struck me that no motto could speak for your class as a whole. You are diverse, talented, goal-oriented individuals. In my advisory group alone are: a future doctor, an engineer, a soldier, an elementary school teacher, an automotive specialist, a law enforcement officer, a politician/high school history teacher, and a possible ambassador to China. You are painters, performers, leaders and prospective parents with promising futures ahead of you.

Beyond that, you are caring young adults who donate your time and efforts to help others. Some of you have logged as many as 200+ hours of community service. For that, you should be very proud.

You have been fortunate to have the consistent efforts of Riley, Max, Meaghan, and Cassie, your class officers. As sophomores, they promised to dedicate themselves to fundraising and class activities. Mrs. Dunn and I can assure you that they have honored their promise, earning funds for your class selling "Ram" seat pillows and hot chocolate. Each of them spent hours at soccer games, or in the "Snack Shack" doing so. They initiated the "Gorham Idol" competition, did multiple car washes, bottle drives and numerous other activities. They have worked tirelessly on your behalf.

It has been my pleasure to serve as one of your class advisors. I still remember your first day as freshmen. I have enjoyed watching you grow and begin to plan your lives after high school. To my "advisees," thank you for your patience. I hope there's always someone around to give you a snack. I will miss meeting with you.

Riley, you have been an amazing class president. You have more energy and enthusiasm than everyone I've ever met. You always managed to get things done, even if you had to run the length of the school to do it. Remember that you promised your classmates a graduation that they would "always remember." I believe that you will keep your word.

Thank you, gracias, merci,

Deborah Roy

Class of 2013,

What a senior year it has been. We have all come so very far in the last four years, and this year has been the icing on the cake. We have come closer together as a class, sharing in the victories, and the losses. We have been there for each other whenever we needed it. I am grateful we have been able to share so many moments together over the last four years.

It's been an honor being your president for the last three years. I want to thank you all for making everything we have done possible. I couldn't have accomplished anything without help. Max, Meaghan, and Cassie have all done so much, at times receiving little recognition. We have enjoyed doing it all, and are proud of all that has come out of the last three years. From standing out by the roadside trying to get cars to stop for a car wash, to knocking on doors for bottle drives, or selling seat cushions at sporting events, even sitting in the Snack Shack in the mornings selling hot chocolate, and helping out with a blood drive. We have stood together cheering for sports, we laughed and cried during drama productions, and we supported each other when we lost our dear friend Tim Stickney. We have endured through long block days, stressful exams, and crazy schedules. Though many challenges have been put before us, both inside the classroom and out, we have stayed together and grown stronger as a class. We have had a long journey together, and that journey has now come to a new fork in the road where we will all go in many different directions.

Class of 2013, we will be remembered. We have changed this school in so many ways. Whether on a sports team, in a drama, in a painting or mural, or in a club, each one of us has done something to change this school. We have been the best class to pass through these halls in many years. We are the Class of 2013, and our legacy will live on for many years to come.

Best wishes to you all, 

Riley Shane Perkins

To the Class of 2014,

It has been my honor serving as your advisor this year! To me, your class feels more like family than just students, as I have watched many of you grow from little tikes into young women and men. I could write all the clichés about how fast the time has gone...yadda, yadda...and they are all true!

Having witnessed your transformation from elementary school through high school, I know that this journey has been different for all of you. Some of you have excelled, while some of you have struggled academically and personally to get to this point. I am proud of all of you, regardless of how you got here.

Remember the fortitude it took you to get through middle school and high school - remember how you needed to keep the vision of walking across the stage at Merrill Auditorium in your mind just to get through the day or week sometimes. For that's the gritty determination you'll need beyond Gorham High School. You'll often need to focus on a greater goal or an image of yourself in the future in order to persevere through difficult situations that are bound to arise. And I'm confident you can do it.

I wish nothing but personal success for each of you - whatever that is for you. I am going to miss your faces, voices, laughs, and the spirit to the halls of GHS, and to me.

Best wishes, my seniors!

Stacey Anderson

I remember the first day of freshman year. We walked into school hesitantly and crowded the lobby, clinging to our groups of friends for fear of being left alone in such an unknown environment. I remember how small I felt as I looked up at the seniors. They walked with a gait of seniority, knowing that this was their year. We were all so nervous. We worried about first impressions and made sure not to get trampled in the hallways as we searched aimlessly for our classes. I remember Mr. Record telling us how fast the next four years would go by, and I remember not believing him.

Sometimes I question if I really am a senior. I look back and remember being an underclassman so vividly. I made my four year plan but was unable to imagine myself in my fourth year. Yet, here we are; kings and queens of the school; the top of the totem pole. We have all come such a long way, pressing on through the adversity and the obstacles that life has put in front of us. We have progressed and reinvented ourselves in preparation for the next steps of our lives. I look back at pictures and memories from years past and laugh at how young we once were. I find myself wondering if we will look back in another four years and think the same thing.

As the time until graduation has ticked down and senioritis has kicked in, it has started to hit me that one part of our lives is coming to an end. Many of us have been on this journey since kindergarten, and many more of us have joined along the way. Next year we will leave the nest and head down our own paths. We will meet new people, we will experience new things, and maybe we will even feel small again. Once again we will have an opportunity to make a fresh start, and we will make decisions that no one else can make for us.

As our days together keep getting less and less, I think about the impressions that we have made on GHS. Although we will be leaving at the end of this school year, we will all leave our mark. Today we only have a little time to make our final impressions, and tomorrow we will have less. Yet, I am excited because I know that we, the class of 2014, will give something for GHS to remember us by. We will make one hell of a last impression.

Francesco Pappalardo

Dear Class of 2015,

I would like to begin by offering you all my sincere congratulations. It has been my absolute pleasure to serve as your advisor for the last four years. Having gotten to know most of you through class, sports, and even lunch duty, I can say that I have been in awe of your collective talent, resolve and generosity. Your accomplishments and contributions, both small and large, have left GHS a better place. 

The path to graduation is not the same for every student. Many of you have overcome challenges in the classroom and in your personal lives to make it to this point. At times, graduation probably seemed a distant reality. The impressive piece is that you have all persevered, picked each other up, and forged ahead. Remember these challenges and triumphs, continue to learn from them, and the world will be yours.

Be kind, be yourself, and be engaged. Best of luck.

James Welsch

In 2011, we walked into GHS nervous and unsure of what would befall us. Over the course of our four years here we have learned a great deal of content, experienced amazing things, and made lasting friendships. All of which will last beyond our school years. That is the goal of high school or any other academic institution you may attend, to develop relationships with the people around you and to learn from them, so that it will have a lasting effect on you. The effect of those relationships won't be temporary or a simple passing of a phase of some sort, but a lasting effect that will allow you to grow as an individual. Successful and accomplished individuals are not just born. They develop after substantial amounts of effort through strenuous tasks and learning from the achievements and failure of others.

We, as the Class of 2015, have certainly shown that we are a successful class and that we are able to learn from our previous mistakes. We have also shown that we are a hardworking class. An example of this is when we were faced with the task of raising sufficient funds for our graduation. We overcame this task with effort and unity.

We, as the Class of 2015, will go down in Gorham history as one of the most successful classes Gorham High School has seen. Our success can only be attributed to the efforts of our entire class.

Thank you, Class of 2015, for the unity and the effort you have shown thus far. Many of you will be very successful in your lives because you are a group of individuals who care more about the group than about petty selfish gains. I want also to thank you all for the amazing four years of high school and especially for the last two years. It was truly a pleasure.

As you are about to leave high school and begin your pursuit for a career, remember all the things that allow you to be where you are today. Remember not only your own effort, but also the effort of those around you who allowed you to reach your potential.

I wish you the best of luck and satisfaction in your achievements.

Thank you.

Muhammad Khan

To the Class of 2016:

I have known you since your first year here at Gorham High School. How lucky I have been to see you grow from a teeming mass of timid, awkward students to an inspired crowd of young adults, facing a world filled with possibility. Oh yes indeed, how lucky I have been.

As you prepare to leave these hallowed halls, ponder for a moment on these wise words:

"Now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for your being here." - Neil Gaiman

We started senior year by gathering in the parking lot to show how this was our year to own the school. Funny to think four years ago we gathered in the lobby to scared to wander off. Now we walk through the halls like we own the place. Great things happened here while we were putting in our time, we won multiple athletic championships, performed acclaimed shows and added murals to make our school better. We remember painful Euro test, Rocky Myers' kickball, and Mr. Adams' fire in the park. All things that have made an impact on our time here.

This school year has flown by as they always seem to do. However, this time is very different for us, as we will not be returning in the fall as the class of 2016. Where we go from here spans the globe, with no two of us on the same course. Some of us have spent our entire lives in the Gorham Schools, every year the same faces plus a few new kids and minus the ones that moved away. This is to be no more, we now split as the beginning of the rest of our lives are created with every new step. A few of the ever so familiar faces may never cross our paths again. However, each and every one of us has left our mark on someone else and on Gorham High School. To our friends we will be remembered forever and to our school we will be hailed as legends and every student to walk the same halls we have will feel our presence. Go forth Class of 2016 and leave your mark on the rest of the world.

• Taylor Perkins

Dear Class of 2017,

It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as your class advisor these past four years. I've had the good fortune of watching you enter the hallowed halls of Gorham High School as timid, unsure 9th graders and leave as mature, responsible and independent young adults. The legacy of your class within our school and community will be one of intelligent students, positive role models, excellent artists, competitive athletes, talented musicians, creative thespians, as well as many other wonderful attributes. To me, your legacy will also include sincere, kind, compassionate and accepting young people who will share these wonderful traits with a world that so desperately needs positive change. I hope you leave here with a longing to make the world a better place for all people, surround yourself with happiness and positivity, and forge forward with the idea that you will always continue a desire to learn new things. I wish you well, and hope that you will always look back on your years at GHS fondly and with a smile.

Sincerely, 

Neile Nelson

Class of 2017,

Today, as you turn your tassel and walk out of these oddly colored green doors for the last time, think back to the first time you walked through them. Think back to who you were just four short years ago. Think back to the ambitious dreams, nervous anticipation, and excitement that ran through you as you pushed open those pine tree green doors. Now look at who you are today. Look at all that you have become and all you are going to become as we head our separate ways.

Today we all begin a new journey. For the last 13 years we have gone along this crazy ride together, but today we are parting ways. All I have for you is one piece of advice: remember your roots. Remember all of the teachers who pushed you to succeed, your friends who you spent countless nights driving down Main Street with, your family who supported you through everything, and the little freshman who is still somewhere inside of you. It is because of them that you are who you are today. It is because of the memories that this building created for us and because of the beauty in life that we discovered here. We all carry a little part of GHS inside of us and I hope none of you ever forget it - I know I never will. 

As you walk through those emerald green doors for the last time today, remember them. As they close, thousands of new doors are opening, but no doors will ever be quite the same as the oddly colored green ones we have here at jolly GHS.

Thank you guys, for the memories. I wish you all the success in the world and I can't wait to see what you will achieve. Make GHS proud.

Sincerely, Emma Smith

Dear Class of 2018,

It has been my great honor to be your class advisor for the last four years. It is hard to imagine you were once ninth graders who panicked at the very real challenge of getting from Mrs. Roy's room out to the portables in five minutes. Yet, here we are. I am so proud of the people you have become: kind, ambitious, engaged students, workers, and community members. In our work together, I have had the pleasure of watching you pursue your passions. You are creative artists, competitive athletes, dedicated students, problem solvers, skilled workers, community organizers, and out-of-the-box thinkers.

 I have great faith in your ability to persevere and shine in the world because you have demonstrated again and again how to not only succeed, but also how to fail and learn from those disappointments and keep going. You are finding your way in a world that certainly has more questions than answers and those lessons will serve you well. I wish you happiness, curiosity, and great adventure along your path and hope you find ways to make the world a bit better as you go. Know that we belong to each other at Gorham High School, no matter how far you venture. I am sending you big love on your journey.

With gratitude,

Kerry Herlihy

Class of 2018,

On June 10th when we walk out of Merrill Auditorium with our diplomas in hand and huge smiles on our faces, we will be spending one of our last times together with the people we grew up with, with the people who have defined nearly every aspect of our lives. Since we entered high school, 1,461 days have gone by, and in those days we have gone on to do some pretty impressive things. We have won state championships, put on countless performances and concerts in MPAC, persevered through hours of writing essays and studying for tests, and for some of us probably began to discover the type of person we hope to be in this world. We have made memories that will last a lifetime, and more importantly made friends who will stick with us forever. We have done so much, yet the period that constitutes our high school experience only makes up a little over 5% of our lives. What we have accomplished and who we have become in these four years is something that should always be remembered, but we also have the ability to go on and do so much more in our lives. Going by the average statistics, 13% of us will own our own business, 17% will work for the government, and just over 10% of us will become intimately involved with nonprofit organizations.

We have the rest of our lives to reach for the stars, and while doing so always be passionate, always get excited about the little things, and never stop learning. As we leave Gorham High and begin the rest of our lives, there is one thing that should stay with us all: remember our roots. Don't forget where it all started. Inevitably our lives will take on their own identities, and although many of us will leave Gorham, we will always be the Class of 2018, graduates of GHS. No matter what part of the globe you choose to explore, know that there will always be this beautiful state up in the corner of the country which we can call home. I wish everyone the absolute best in their future endeavors,  and I can't wait to see what we will all go on to accomplish.

Sincerely, Aaron Farr

Dear Class of 2019,

What a ride it has been! We have been the class of changes from new schedules, new principals, new counselors, and a new grading system. In a few years, our school will look completely different from when we were here. The bathrooms that cannot close will be gone, the overflowing sinks in the locker rooms will be gone, and the cramped lunchroom will be gone.

I know how exhausted we have been from all these changes and we are now facing the biggest change of them all - jumping off from our GHS safety net into the unknown. I, like many of you, have spent many sleepless nights filled with the dread of not knowing where I will go or who I will become.

And now Class of 2019, I remind you that we have been given a marvelous gift. We have been given the gift of resilience. We have survived new schedules, new administration, and the infamous new grading system. We made the best of these situations. We excelled in athletics and the arts, crushed our academics, and developed passions through our activism. If we can thrive even when our school was changing, then we can be confident we can succeed in the changing world.

Class of 2019, we did it! In just a short amount of time we will be marching across Merrill stage. No longer will we be slaving over homework or walking to the portables in the pouring rain. Class of 2019, this is our time. Now go forth and change the world!

Sincerely,

Olivia Paruk 

Dear Class of 2019,

It has been a pleasure working with you for the past four years. When I see a class through all four years, I look back and am always amazed at how much students change, both physically and personally. Whether I have gotten to know you through class, sports, or even in the halls and lunch duty, I see these changes and I feel a great sense of pride. You have each taken your own path to get to this point. You have followed your interests and passions, you have studied hard (and sometimes crammed), you have made friends, you have helped in our community, and you have made a lasting impression on your school. I hope that you look back upon your time at GHS and take pride in the people you have become and the difference you made while you were here. I wish you the best of luck as you move forward. Please know that you can always come home. Reach out to former teachers and mentors in times of need, but also just to keep them updated on your lives. You will not be forgotten when you are gone.

A special thanks to your class officers, past and present, Olivia, Kyren, Isaac, Caroline, Fatima, Maggie, and Nicco. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your class.

Congratulations to the GHS Class of 2019!

Work hard, be nice,

Matthew Murray

Class of 2020,

Throughout the last four years we have made countless memories that will last the rest of our lives. We have met new people, and have turned them into our close friends. We have developed new interests, and pursued them. We have struggled through many obstacles, but we have persevered and become stronger and smarter because of them. In 2016, we entered jolly GHS thinking that we would be spending four painstakingly long years before finally leaving for the real world. Yet, somehow our time here is already at its end. Realize how much you have grown since first entering high school. Be proud of the achievements that you have earned here, and be passionate about your ideas, and stand up for what you believe in. Take your first steps into this new world confidently, and know that if you work hard, you will succeed. It is my genuine belief that we will be the group of people who will change the world for the better.

• Westley Brinegar

Dear Class of 2020,

It's hard to believe we're here, at the end of one journey and the beginning of the next. You have grown and accomplished much in the last four years here at Gorham High School. We are sure you will receive plenty of advice and praise for a job well done and for the futures you are planning. We hope that you look back upon your time at GHS and take pride in the people you have become and the difference you have made while you were here.

The Class of 2020 is resilient, hardworking, creative, and compassionate. You have come together in times of tragedy. Your cheers echo throughout the halls in time of celebration. You have adopted classrooms, been unified athletes, and interacted with the community to make a difference in countless ways. You have been superstars on the stage, on and off the playing field, and in career and technical programs. In the Class of 2020, there are future teachers, electricians, lawyers, HVAC technicians, CNAs, doctors, illustrators, actors, dancers, dreamers and doers.

The Class of 2020 leaves behind a legacy in the battle for the golden microphone. The Lip Sync Battle is a new tradition for Gorham High School thanks to you! A special thanks to your class officers, past and present, Sam Orlando, Jacob Polchies, Nolan McCullough, Noah Jalbert, Westley Brinegar, Connor Donnelly, and Abby O'Brien. We really appreciate your dedication to GHS and your class.

As your advisors, we've stood side by side with you to sell baked goods, hand out pies in the freezing cold, distribute candy grams, and spray paint T-shirts. Every minute of it was memorable and worth it. We have enjoyed getting to know so many of you. We wish nothing but success for each of you. On whatever terms you define and in whatever form you determine, be your best you!

To the Class of 2020, congratulations! You did it!!

• Jessica Soule and Kate Riker

COVID-19 (short for Coronavirus disease 2019) is a member of a family of viruses that cause respiratory illness in humans. The name "corona" comes from the many crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. The description fits both its physical attributes as well as its commanding influence, like the crown-wearing kings and queens of history. Who would have thought a microscopic organism could rule the whole world and cause such turmoil? I remember thinking last March in 2020 when we closed for two weeks that it was a nice break from school. Then that break extended through April vacation. I honestly thought we were going back after that. But we didn't. Surely this couldn't last all the way through our senior year, could it? That's what I kept telling myself, as I'm sure many of you were as well. 

I can look back to freshman, sophomore, and part of junior year and remember watching the seniors celebrate their last year of high school with their breakfast in the parking lot, senior section in the stands, and leading the cheer at pep rallies. I remember feeling excited that one day that would be us, the Class of 2021. But here we are today, wearing masks, sitting 6 feet apart, avoiding social gatherings, and seeing only half of our peers at school at any one time. Many of you know me as the type of person who looks at a glass being half full, to see the silver lining in any situation, I often encourage you as well to look on the bright side of life. But class, we have experienced loss, a huge loss of our hopes and dreams of how we would end our high school careers. It is appropriate for us to mourn the 40% of our high school lives that were taken away from us. 

Once we graduate, however, we cannot dwell on the past. This part of our lives is complete and we must move on to our future paths. Do not allow this year to become a weight attached to your shoulders where you lament on the "should have been's" or the "if only's." Yes, recognize the loss, mourn, then allow yourself permission to move forward.

I remember the first day of school this year in English. Ms. Herlihy asked our class how we were feeling. Almost all of us said we were grateful and excited to be sitting in a classroom in the same room with our peers and teacher. Think back to freshman year. None of us would have said that. Although COVID-19 has taken much away, it has given us the rare opportunity to live life stripped down to its barest bones. We now notice the little things, such as being grateful for having some sense of normalcy, being in school, and graduating together. So when the world returns to its original state, reflect often on your expanded gratitude and remember the little things. Think back to this senior year as a year of extreme loss yet a gain of valuable perspective.

We learned how to persevere. We learned how to value the small moments that make us happy. And we somehow learned an unimaginable skill of being separated but staying united. I am glad to be a graduate of the Class of 2021, and I am so proud of the resiliency of our class. Cheers to tomorrow.

• Emily Paruk

Dear Class of 2021,

It has been an absolute honor to work with you over the last four years. Between the two of us we've likely taught each of you at least once. You have so much to be proud of from your time at Gorham High School and we have thoroughly enjoyed watching all of the athletic events, plays, musicals, and more.

You will forever stand apart as the class that managed the adversity of a worldwide pandemic during your senior year of high school. As much as it has taken some of the traditional events away, we have watched you come together with resilience and pride to finish strong as the Class of 2021. You have helped each other, supported each other, and risen above the challenges of this last year. We could not be more proud of you. As you begin new adventures and pursue new learning opportunities, please know that we wish you the very best. We believe in you, we are here for you, and we hope that you will always keep Gorham close to your heart. 

A special thanks to your class officers past and present, Emily, Alice, Sierra, Sophie, Richie, Robbie, and Ava. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your class.

Congratulations GHS Class of 2021!

With much appreciation and best wishes,

Sarah Drury and Rebecca Manson

Dear Class of 2022,

It's hard to believe that we're here. The end of high school came too fast, and somehow we're already graduating. We have all matured and grown more than I think we ever imagined. I'm proud of all that we have achieved.

Often in our lives, we race from one activity to the next. We push ourselves to stay involved, be social, and excel in our classes. High school goes by in a blur - one year blending into the next. In the midst of our busy schedules, we usually forget to stop and pause for a moment. To look at how far we've come. To look at all we've accomplished.

I am incredibly proud of us and all the hard work we've put into making it this far. Our high school experience was nothing close to what we pictured; nevertheless, we handled it with grace, poise, and strength. I am proud of us for making it through those days when we wanted to sleep through classes. Those days when our motivation felt nonexistent. We made it through those days and many more.

If someone told me sophomore year that my final years of high school would be interrupted by a global pandemic, I would have laughed at them - and maybe Googled what a pandemic means. Every class tells themselves that they have learned resilience from the events they faced in high school, but our generation is uniquely special. Thirty years from now, I don't think any of us will forget what we experienced; we made it through the unthinkable. While we may be wishing to finally stop hearing about COVID, at some point I believe we will look back on this time with admiration.

Class of 2022, my message to you is to take a moment every so often and congratulate yourself. It isn't easy navigating our world in this day and age. However, the lessons we have learned and the experiences we hold from these last four years are enough to last a lifetime. They will carry us through whatever we may face next. Be kind to yourself, and proud of how far you've made it. There's so much further to go.

It has been my honor to serve as your class president.

Thank you,

Katherine Dupuis

Dear Class of 2022,

Wow! We can't fathom how we are here, in the spring of your senior year, about to watch you walk across that stage and begin the next chapter of your lives. It has been one of our greatest pleasures to be your class advisors. You have shown us what it means to be kind, inquisitive, resilient, and inclusive. As students, athletes, musicians, artists, workers, actors, and volunteers you have paved the way for those classes behind you. You have remained involved in Gorham High School and all that our wonderful community has to offer, despite having to maneuver the world during a pandemic.

Of course, successful fundraising could not have been possible without your awesomely creative class officers. From the many bake sales, the badminton tournaments, the amazing races, and the epic Mr. GHS showcase, your officers have devoted many hours in order to make the end of your senior year worthwhile. They even took the opportunity to sell awesome GHS masks when needed. What impresses us most are the initiatives they took to give back to the community from a successful jelly drive to an elementary pen pal program. Your officers cared not only about your class but also about the community. You chose wisely.

As advisors (and moms), we have had the pleasure of getting to know you and watching you grow into the fine, upstanding people you are today. You worked hard over the past four years and it shows. We are confident that you are going to make your mark in this world in so many spectacular ways. We are proud and excited about your future. Thank you for the honor of helping and joining you along the way.

With our appreciation and best wishes,

Neile Nelson & Lucinda Stein

Dear Class of 2023,

It feels like just yesterday was our first day as freshmen at GHS. These past four years have been some of the best of my life and looking back it's hard to believe that we have already graduated. While it feels like high school came and went faster than we could have imagined, every day I am impressed by how much we have grown. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made over these past four years and I'm excited to see what the future holds for us.

It's easy to be distracted by our busy lives and take for granted the time we have spent here. So much time has been spent working in classes and focusing on our extracurriculars that when the day comes and we graduate, we wonder "how is it already over." Staying busy has led to us all being successful students and well-rounded members of our community but it makes it hard for us to slow down and remember to cherish the time we have had together.

It's not hard to say that these past four years have not been easy by any means. Going through high school during a global pandemic and coming out the other side more mature, kind, and curious is something that we should all be proud of for the rest of our lives. The adversity we have faced and the challenges we have overcome should not and will not be overlooked. While rewarding, it is easy to say that high school is not easy; growing up never is. However, watching this class develop together as not just students but as individuals was a privilege and I will always thank you for that.

My message to you is to take what you have learned here and apply it to the outside world. You have come far in these four years and you will continue to grow as you go out into the world. Use the skills you have been taught and the values you hold close to and make a positive impact on the world. Every one of us has something to give and I am confident that we are all smart enough, kind enough, and brave enough to give it to others. I do not expect our lives to become easy now that we have graduated but I do expect us to be better prepared for adversity. You have accomplished something incredible and it is up to you to go forward and use it to make the world a better place.

I cannot overstate how much of an honor and privilege it has been to serve this class as your class president.

Thank you, 

Samuel Larkin

Dear Class of 2023,

It has been a pleasure working with you for the past four years. When I see a class through all four years, I look back and am always amazed at how much students change, both physically and personally. Whether I have gotten to know you through class, sports, or even in the halls and lunch duty, I see these changes and I feel a great sense of pride. You have each taken your own path to get to this point. You have followed your interests and passions, you have studied hard (hopefully?), you have made friends, you have helped in our community, and you have made a lasting impression on your school. I hope that you look back upon your time at GHS and take pride in the people you have become and the difference you made while you were here. I wish you the best of luck as you move forward. Please know that you can always come home. Reach out to former teachers and mentors in times of need, but also just to keep them updated on your lives. You will not be forgotten when you are gone.

A special thanks to your class officers, past and present, Sam, Erin, Kevin, Klarha, and Brady. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to your class.

Congratulations to the GHS Class of 2023!

Work hard, be nice,

Matthew Murray

Dear Class of 2024,

First of all, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to each and every member of the class of 2024. We did it. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of this immensely supportive, successful, and inspiring group of students and I look forward to seeing what the future holds. With such an impressive spread of talent, from academics, to athletics, to the art, music, and theater programs, to our skilled camera crews and our Voc. students, it is evident that we will not only leave a lasting impact on GHS, but our ripple will continue onto our upcoming ventures as well.

Over the last four years, we have faced serious adversity, overcome strenuous hardship, and grown in ways we might never have expected. I am extremely proud of the strength and perseverance we have displayed through seemingly impossible circumstances and our ability to become better people because of them. As I reflect on our past experiences, my mind is drawn to fond memories of our class supporting one another; packed student sections in the gym and standing ovations in the auditorium. Through all the stress and all the pressure and all the frustration that comes with being a high school student, there wasn't a moment when our dedication to each other faltered. And that's what makes this class so undeniably special.

And now, after countless hours of hard work, dozens of sleepless nights, and too many days that seemed to never end, let's take a minute top breathe. Before jumping into the future, we need to appreciate the present. Be proud. Be joyful. And be excited for what you have achieved. It's extremely important that we recognize this huge accomplishment for ourselves. We'll forget the failed tests and crushing overtime defeats, but we won't forget the lessons we have learned throughout our journey; compassion goes a long way, hard work will always triumph, and unity will move mountains. High school has molded us into the strong, intelligent, and courageous individuals we have become, and it is now our time to shine our light on the rest of the world.

Alas, GHS Class of 2024, my message to you: Do what makes you happy, with the people that make you happy, in the place that makes you happy. Whatever your future endeavors consist of, make them count. Embrace life's challenges and face adversity head on. Minimize the time you spend comparing your success to that of others and be sure to celebrate even the smallest of victories. Love yourself and those around you, and above all, be kind.

Thank you for the opportunity you all have given me to be your class president.

With utmost gratitude,

Julia Wareham

Dear Class of 2024,

It's hard to believe we're here, at the end of one journey and the beginning of the next. You have grown and accomplished much in the last four years here at Gorham High School, including surviving a global pandemic! We hope that you look back upon your time at GHS and take pride in the people you have become and the difference you have made while you were here.

The class of 2024 has proven to be resilient, hardworking, creative and compassionate. You have come together in times of tragedy, but also your cheers have filled the hallways during times of celebration. You have adopted classrooms, been unified athletes, and interacted with the community to make a difference in countless ways. You have been superstars on the stage, on and off the playing field, and in career and technology programs. In the class of 2024, there are future teachers, electricians, lawyers, HVAC technicians, healthcare workers, illustrators, actors, dancers, but most importantly dreamers and doers!

As your advisors, we've stood side by side with you to sell Sea Bags, hand out pies in the freezing cold, play Ramily Feud, and decorate T-shirts in the heat of the summer! Special thanks to those who have served as class officers over the last four years: Ellie Gay, Caroline Morrell, Moortada Beshir, Abby Fecteau, Chloe Blanchard, and Julia Wareham. Your dedication to the class has been proven time and time again, and we are indebted to you for your efforts!

To the class of 2024, CONGRATULATIONS! You did it! If you have the choice to be amazing or mediocre, always choose amazing!

• Jessica Means and Kate Riker

Dear Class of 2025,

With high school wrapping up, I find myself grappling with an array of emotions. On one hand, I'm excited for what's to come and to start a new chapter in my life; on the other hand, it's sad to have my time here with all of you become a part of the past. Depending on your experience, and where you may find yourself going in the following years, you may align with how I'm feeling or you may not. Regardless, we all have one thing in common: our time spent together at Gorham High School has come to an end.

Over the past four years, it's been incredible to witness everyone grow, not only as individuals but as a community. I know our senior year didn't start off the way we had hoped, but we didn't let that stop us from making the most of our last year here. That in itself is a testament to our resilience and character as a class. I'm really proud of the success our class has achieved at this school. Whether it was athletics, arts, academics, or even showing up when it was hard for you to do so, we all have something to look back on and proudly remember. Because of this, I have no doubts that once you step off that stage with your diploma, you'll be ready for whatever may come your way.

As we prepare to embark on new adventures, whether it be college, careers, or other pursuits, utilize the lessons you learned inside and outside of the classroom and try to maintain the meaningful connections of friendships you may have formed. The future is full of the unknown, and that may be scary, but the future is also full of possibilities and that's exciting. Your time here at Gorham High School will always be a piece of you, so take the best parts and use them in your next chapter.

Finally, I wanted to thank you. Thank you for the memories that I'll remember forever, for the mess that was the dirt parking lot, for the amazing cafeteria cookies we only had freshman year, and even for the soccer games where I inhaled a deadly amount of baby powder. Thank you to the people who helped us at our worst and celebrated us at our best. The support from teachers, families, and friends has been something so incredibly special words cannot begin to dignify it.

Serving as your class president has truly been something to remember, and an incredible honor. To the Class of 2025 - it's been a pleasure to take on high school with you.

Wishing you luck wherever you're off to,

Thomas J. Nagle

To the Class of 2025,

As you stand on the precipice of a new chapter, we, your advisors and the entire school community, want to extend our heartfelt congratulations.

These past four years have been a whirlwind of growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories. We feel grateful to have gotten to know you as you've explored careers through field trips, job shadows, ELOs, made post-secondary decisions, requested many, many schedule changes and navigated growth and mental health. You've persevered through the complexities of adolescence, embraced new challenges, and celebrated countless triumphs. From popcorn-less study sessions in the library to volleyball and basketball state championships, from traveling to Greece and LA through performances of Mamma Mia and Little Shop of Horrors, you've woven a rich tapestry of experiences that will forever be etched in your hearts.

You've grown into remarkable individuals, each with unique talents, passions, and dreams. You've learned the value of perseverance, the power of collaboration, and the importance of embracing your individuality. You've honed your critical thinking skills, developed strong communication abilities, and cultivated a sense of empathy and compassion. You are future teachers, diplomats, counselors, truck drivers, veterinarians, HVAC technicians, police officers, video producers, cosmetologists, data analysts, and so much more.

The world awaits you with open arms, eager to witness the impact you will make. Embrace the unknown with courage and curiosity. Never lose sight of your values, and always strive for excellence in all you do.

A special thanks to your class officers, past and present: Sarah, Alison, Ellery, Mina, Vanessa and TJ. Thank you for the volleyball tournaments, cozy fundraiser, and bake sales. This class was lucky to have you as dedicated leaders and hard workers.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! We are immensely proud of you and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

With our appreciation,

Samantha Teixeira and Eliza Kenigsberg

Dear Class of 2026,

In my first class as a freshman, I was greeted with a number written on the whiteboard. 700. This number seemed extravagant and hopelessly long; yet, it was meant to sum up the number of days in our high school careers. Today, this number seems unfairly short. It is now, at the end of our GHS lives, that I can fully acknowledge how inadequately that number represented our next four years. It forgot to tell of the neon face paint that we would cake on our faces at sports games, only to leave them later stained. Discounted, our fears of being the next fender bender in the GHS parking lot. Disregarded, our treks through the snow, wind, rain, and ice just to reach our classes in the portables. Looked past the fight of our lives to make it onto the library pass. Most importantly, however, it overlooked the growth into the people that we have become. 

As our present turns to our past, we can take one last breath before our futures. It is time for us to be thankful for the people who have surrounded us. Appreciative towards the staff who have sanctioned our flourish. Grateful for all the opportunities we have been given. Whether your future entails college, technical school, careers, or other pursuits, walk into it with confidence. Confidence in the connections you will make, the challenges you will overcome, and the life you will come to create.

Finally, above all else, I want to say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be your class president and letting me realize that our lives at GHS were so much more than the number of days we spent there. I am proud that my life will always stem back here: to Gorham High School.

A thank you to all previous officers:

• Brodie Berlinger (senior treasurer)

• Eli Castles (freshman vice president, junior treasurer)

• Logan Chhoeung (freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior secretary)

• Laurel Emerson (sophomore president)

• Max Duplisea (freshman president)

• Tessa McNally (sophomore treasurer, junior treasurer, senior vice president)

All my luck to wherever you end up,

Stella Moores

Dear Class of 2026,

It's hard to believe that graduation is already here. The past four years have flown by, and in that time, you have accomplished so much. As individuals and as a class, you have grown academically, socially, and personally, and it has been a privilege to witness that growth firsthand. Each of you in your own way has garnered the perseverance and skills necessary to move forward to the world of work, military service or further studies at colleges near and far. 

You have pushed through midterms and finals (multiple times), risen to the challenge of demanding coursework, competed fiercely in athletics, and created truly impressive music and art. We have loved watching you shine, in-concert and on stage; your performances in The Crucible, Little Shop of Horrors, This is a Test, Our Town, and Something Rotten were truly exceptional and far exceeded expectations. Being able to support you at your events has been a gift to us because you have brought us so much joy!

This class is full of energy, creativity, and big ideas. The friendships you've built and the kindness that you show one another are genuinely inspiring. We hope that you carry those relationships with you and continue to support and uplift each other long after graduation. And please don't forget your teachers; we want updates, bragging rights, and proof that we taught you something, be it Chemistry or Spanish, or something about life. We all want to hear about the amazing things happening in your lives.

You have also introduced us to a whole new world, from Twitch, TikTok and viral memes came some new vocabulary these last few years. We adults have done our best to decipher and define the following standout favorites: 6-7, aura, unc, rizz, brain rot, skibidi, and sigma. We're still working on a few of those!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our class officers, past and present: Stella, Tessa, Logan, Brodie, Eli, and Laurel. Your leadership, dedication, and hard work made a lasting impact on your class. From senior shirt day to countless fundraisers of the past 4 years such as spring flings, car washes, blanket sales, and more, you ensured that your class could enjoy a memorable senior year and senior trip. We are equally grateful to your families and friends who supported those efforts along the way.

As you move forward into the next chapter, we hope that you continue to work hard, act with integrity, and stay true to yourselves. We are incredibly proud of you and wish you nothing but success and happiness in the years ahead.

• Donna Walsh and Marissa Thiele