MDI and EHS Class of 2017

Dear MDI and Ellsworth Class of 2017

Congratulations on graduating! Take a moment and breathe! You have succeeded in graduating high school, and that’s no small accomplishment! Please take a moment sometime to thank your teachers and family. I know, you’re probably thinking why, but without them, you wouldn’t be where you are now. You may not believe me, but you will years down the road.

As you get ready to go on with the next phase in your life, whether it be to college, in the job market, in service to our country or something else, I want you to know how lucky you are to have grown up in the Bar Harbor or Ellsworth area. Again, you may not believe me,  but you have grown up in communities that care. They care about you, your education, and while you may be anxious to move away, think about coming back. Maine is a great place to raise a family. You can succeed here with hard work, and we need your energy, ideas and ambitions, as we grow older!

To the athletes that I have had the privilege of broadcasting games over the past 4 years a special thank you. I have watched you grow up, coming into high school as young teens, and leaving as young men and women! You have represented yourselves, your schools, your family and communities with dignity and honor. Whether you have won, or lost, you have played your hardest, played with good sportsmanship, and answered all my questions, whether you won or lost. It has been my honor broadcasting the football, soccer, baseball, basketball, and  softball games.

Please celebrate responsibly this weekend. I hope you attend the Project Graduation events. If you don’t, please be careful this weekend. A parent’s worst nightmare is a phone call between 11 PM and 5 AM! Don’t let a weekend full of joy and celebration turn into one of tragedy! This should be a weekend of fun and celebration, not one of sadness and tears.

Best of luck in the future! If you see me in the future, please stop and say hello! Keep in touch! We want to follow your progress in life and chronicle the good things here on the WDEA website.  Again, congratulations to you and your family! May this be the first of many celebrations in your life!