Carrabec High School graduates listen to the salutatorian address Friday during commencement ceremonies in North Anson. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Graduates share in the moment Sunday morning during the Skowhegan Area High School and Bloomfield Academy graduation ceremony in Skowhegan. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduates Kiera Clark, center, and Delani Harrington laugh Sunday afternoon as they prepare to receive their diplomas with Marcus Hampton, left, during the Skowhegan Area High School and Bloomfield Academy graduation ceremony in Skowhegan. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduates turn their tassels and hold their diplomas in the air Sunday afternoon during the Skowhegan Area High School and Bloomfield Academy graduation ceremony in Skowhegan. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduate Madison Brow displays her diploma for her family Sunday afternoon as she crosses the platform with classmates at the close of the Skowhegan Area High School and Bloomfield Academy graduation ceremony in Skowhegan. Brow had 10 family members in attendance. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduates celebrate and greet family members and friends Sunday afternoon at the close of the Skowhegan Area High School and Bloomfield Academy graduation ceremony in Skowhegan. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduate Madison Brow, center left, celebrates with her family members Sunday afternoon as they take photographs following the Skowhegan Area High School and Bloomfield Academy graduation ceremony in Skowhegan. Brow had 10 family members in attendance. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduates celebrate Sunday afternoon at the close of the Skowhegan Area High School and Bloomfield Academy graduation ceremony in Skowhegan. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Colby College graduates show their excitement Sunday after receiving their diplomas during commencement at Colby College in Waterville. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

New Colby College graduates are congratulated Sunday during the recessional at the Waterville college. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Colby graduate Jame’nard Etienne Exavier, center, of Haiti stands for photos Sunday with his mother Lorvely Laurent, left, of Haiti, and his aunt Dr. Dre’anne Laurent Charles of New Jersey during commencement at Colby College in Waterville. The women are holding the Haitian flag. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Isabel Wilkerson, bottom left, is applauded after delivering the address Sunday during commencement at Colby College in Waterville. Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize winning author. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Friends and family cheer as graduates were presented with their diplomas Sunday during commencement at Colby College in Waterville. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Colby College graduate Caleb Kern of Falmouth, left, is embraced by his girlfriend Georgia Goodman after Kern received his BA in Spanish during commencement at Colby College in Waterville. Kern’s mother Lisen Kern and brother Wyatt Kern are shown at the right. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Colby College graduates walk Sunday morning through archways adorned with balloons or lights at the close of the graduation ceremony on Mayflower Hill in Waterville. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

A new graduate reveals her excitement Sunday morning before receiving her diploma during commencement exercises at Colby College in Waterville Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Friends and family of graduates watch commencement Sunday from the stairway that overlooked the platform and graduates at Colby College in Waterville. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduates of Kents Hill School in Readfield toss their caps into the air Saturday at the close of the school’s 198th commencement ceremony. Jessica Lowell/Kennebec Journal

Charlotte Precourt, one four student speakers at Kents Hill School’s 198th commencement, urged her fellow graduates to work to be the change they wish to see. Jessica Lowell/Kennebec Journal

Thomas College graduate Rajhan Munnings prepares for commencement ceremonies Saturday at Thomas College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Thomas College graduates gather at the Larry Mahaney Gymnasium before commencement ceremonies Saturday at the college in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Thomas College graduate Katie Poland, center, is reflected in the doorway Saturday as she emerges from the Ayotte Auditorium for commencement ceremonies at Thomas College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Thomas College graduates listen Saturday as Gregory W. Powell delivers the commencement address at Thomas College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Thomas College graduates listen Saturday as Gregory W. Powell delivers the commencement address at Thomas College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Family and friends cheer Saturday as the graduating class of 2022 enters the Alfond Athletic Center at Thomas College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Seniors celebrate Sunday afternoon before marching into the graduation ceremony at Winthrop High School. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Seniors dance Sunday afternoon before marching into the graduation ceremony at Winthrop High School. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Xavier Hodge scans the parking lot Sunday afternoon for classmates before marching into the graduation ceremony at Winthrop High School. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Salutatorian Sarah Ayan Adam receives applause Sunday afternoon following her graduation address at Winthrop High School. Adam plans to enroll at Harvard University in the fall. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Graduate Charles Ernesto kisses his daughter, Jhope, after the University of Maine at Augusta graduation Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center. Ernesto, who studied cybersecurity, was one of the first to receive a master’s degree from UMA. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Kristin Whittemore, center, talks Saturday about asking to be able to walk in the University of Maine at Augusta graduation with her daughters, Emily Whittemore, left, and Ashley Whittemore. The last two UMA graduations were held virtually, so Kristin and Ashley Whittemore didn’t get to walk in 2020 and Emily couldn’t either in 2021. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Dr. Anthony James Jr., Ph.D., the 2021-22 diversity, equity and inclusion consultant at UMA and a professor of Family Science and Social Work at Miami University of Ohio, gives the commencement address Saturday during the University of Maine at Augusta graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Graduate Hannah Atwood, center, who studied radiologic technology, gets a group hug Saturday from Mikayla Willette, from left, Bailey Atwood and Liberty Chestnut after the Kennebec Valley Community College graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Graduates march out Saturday as the Kennebec Valley Community College graduation concludes at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Stephanie Gerard, right, hugs respiratory therapy instructor Danielle Schryver after getting her degree Saturday during Kennebec Valley Community College graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Graduates in the electrical lineworker technology certificate program wore yellow hardhats instead of mortar boards Saturday during the Kennebec Valley Community College graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Lindsey Caverly of Waterville waves Saturday as she walks across the stage to accept her mental health associate degree during Kennebec Valley Community College graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Alyssa Letendre, Richmond High School valedictorian, urged classmates to take action against gun violence during her graduation speech Saturday. Jessica Lowell/Kennebec Journal

Seniors stand Sunday morning as the graduation ceremony begins at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Senior Allie Young is recognized Sunday morning for academic achievement during the graduation ceremony at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Hall-Dale High School graduation ushers Jackson Leach and Dorothy Ives lead the class of 2022 into the graduation ceremony at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Senior Isaac Andrews is greeted Sunday morning with fist pumps as he and classmates assemble to march into the graduation ceremony at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Senior Samuel Thibeault prepares Sunday morning for the graduation march at Hall-Dale High School in Farmingdale. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Senior Liam Burgess is pinned Sunday afternoon before the graduation ceremony at Monmouth Academy. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Olivia Degen, left, a junior, and Sophia Johnson, a sophomore, prepare to serve as ushers Sunday afternoon before the graduation ceremony at Monmouth Academy. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Class valedictorian Yuran Choi, 18, right, shares the platform with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, during the graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield. Collins was the commencement speaker, while Choi delivered the valedictory speech. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduates of Maine Central Institute gather Sunday afternoon before the start of commencement exercises in Pittsfield. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Maine Central Institute graduates during the processional Sunday afternoon at the school’s commencement exercises in Pittsfield. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Maine Central Institute graduates during the processional Sunday afternoon at the school’s commencement exercises in Pittsfield. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Maranacook Community High School seniors are sent down the aisle Tuesday to march into graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Alex Trafton gives his parents, Stephen and Jennifer Trafton, roses Tuesday during the Maranacook Community High School graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

A Maranacook Community High School senior and a teacher hug Tuesday during graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

A Maranacook Community High School senior celebrates receiving his diploma Tuesday during graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Winslow High School’s Class of 2022 takes their seats during commencement ceremonies Wednesday at the rink at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Winslow High School graduates wait for commencement ceremonies to begin in the halls of rink Wednesday at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Winslow High School graduate Madison Louder checks her phone Wednesday as she is reflected in the glass in the courtyard at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

The Winslow High School Class of 2022 waits for commencement ceremonies to begin Wednesday in the courtyard at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Winslow High School graduate Cal Beckwith reads the program Wednesday while waiting for commencement ceremonies to begin at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Winslow High School graduate Cal Beckwith looks out the window Wednesday as he waits for commencement ceremonies to begin at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Winslow High School graduates are reflected in the glass surrounding the rink at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center as parents, family and friends take pictures at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Winslow High School graduates are reflected in the glass surrounding the rink at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center as parents, family and friends take pictures at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

The Winslow High School Class of 2022 on Wednesday enters the rink at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby College in Waterville for commencement ceremonies. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Winslow High School’s Class of 2022 takes their seats Wednesday during commencement ceremonies at the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby College in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

About 100 friends and family members turned out Wednesday night for the Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education graduation, held outside Waterville Senior High School. Amy Calder/Morning Sentinel

Karen Smith, of Waterville, sits with fellow classmates before graduating Wednesday night from Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education. Amy Calder/Morning Sentinel

Karen Smith, 54, of Waterville graduated Wednesday night with a high school diploma from Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education after giving a moving speech about fulfilling her late mother’s dream that she would return to school. Amy Calder/Morning Sentinel

Samantha Golden reads the second honor essay Friday at the start of the Erskine Academy graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

The Erskine Academy Class of 2022 walks into their Friday graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Associate Headmaster Jamie Soule, left, shakes hands with students Friday before the Erskine Academy graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. It’s the school’s tradition that the administration and guidance staff walk down the line congratulating the seniors just before the ceremony. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Senior Robert McCafferty, left, chats Friday with Betsy Banner Hunt, one of the graduation coordinators, before the Erskine Academy graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. McCafferty is wearing a blue and red sash for the U.S. Marine Corps and he said he ships out Monday for Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Joseph Small hugs graduate Gabriella Berto-Small before the Erskine Academy graduation ceremony Friday at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

RayeAnne DeSoto, left, and Brett Palmer, seen Thursday in the Little Theater at Gardiner Area High School in Gardiner, both received national recognition recently. Palmer was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, becoming the first student from the school to earn the honor, according to school officials. Palmer was able to nominate DeSoto for the Distinguished Teacher award, which she won. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Brett Palmer, left, gets a hug Thursday from gifted and talented teacher RayeAnne DeSoto at Gardiner Area High School in Gardiner. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Brett Palmer wears the U.S. Presidential Scholar and other medals Thursday at Gardiner Area High School in Gardiner. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Graduates from Nokomis Regional High prepare for commencement ceremonies Friday in the entryway to the high school in Newport. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Graduates from Nokomis Regional High prepare for commencement ceremonies Friday in the entryway to the high school in Newport. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Kaitlyn Tucker walks through the sunlight Friday inside Nokomis Regional High before commencement ceremonies at the school in Newport. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Graduates from Nokomis Regional High prepare for commencement ceremonies Friday in the entryway to the school in Newport. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Graduates from Nokomis Regional High walk to the football field Friday for commencement ceremonies in Newport. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Graduates from Nokomis Regional High walk to the football field Friday for commencement ceremonies in Newport. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Senior Alayna Blier, left, poses for a selfie with teacher Jen Boudrea Saturday before the Gardiner Area High School graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Boudreau coaches the track team and last weekend they were both at the Class B state championship in Bar Harbor where Blier finished second in the 100 and 200 meter dashes and was on the third place 4×100 meter relay team. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Valedictorian Brett Palmer, left, and Juliana Montell lead the Gardiner Area high School Class of 2022 into the auditorium Saturday to start the graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

French teacher Emily Collins, left, uses a large safety pin to secure cords, medals and sash to the back of senior Sean Doyle’s graduation gown Saturday before Gardiner Area High School’s graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Gardiner Area High School seniors turn to face the American flag as their graduation was led off with a Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Valedictorian Brett Palmer, left, and Juliana Montell lead the Gardiner Area High School Class of 2022 into the auditorium Saturday to start the graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Guest speaker Adria Horn, Director for the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, speaks to the Gardiner Area High School Class of 2022 Saturday about resilience during the graduation ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Ava Goraj gives the Salutatorian address Saturday at the Gardiner Area High School graduation at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Principal Chad Kempton, left, fist bumps Valedictorian Brett Palmer Saturday after introducing him to address the Gardiner Area High School’s graduation audience at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Valedictorian Brett Palmer addresses Gardiner Area High School’s graduation audience Saturday at the Augusta Civic Center. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Cony High School seniors march Sunday afternoon into the Cony High School graduation ceremony in Augusta. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Cony High School senior Brianna Harriman puts her shoes on Sunday afternoon before marching into the Cony High School graduation ceremony in Augusta. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Cony High School teacher Gretchen Livingston attaches a tassel Sunday afternoon to senior Jimmy Zhang’s mortarboard before the Cony High School graduation ceremony in Augusta. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Cony High School senior Aidan Coulombe, center, adjusts his mortarboard Sunday afternoon before the Cony High School graduation ceremony in Augusta. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Cony High School senior Maddie Veilleaux peaks into the mirror Sunday afternoon after putting on her mortarboard and gown before the Cony High School graduation ceremony in Augusta. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Mount View graduates cheer as diplomas are presented Sunday during the school’s commencement exercises in Thorndike. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Mount View graduates are seated Sunday at the start of the school’s commencement exercises in Thorndike. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Mount View graduates assemble Sunday before the start off the school’s commencement exercises in Thorndike. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Photographers focus on the platform Sunday as Mount View graduates receive their diplomas during the school’s commencement exercises in Thorndike. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Mount View graduates carry their diplomas Sunday during the recessional portion of the school’s commencement exercises in Thorndike. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Graduates await their diplomas Sunday during the Mount View High School’s commencement exercises in Thorndike. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Mount View graduates await the start of the processional Sunday during the school’s commencement exercises in Thorndike. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Mount View senior class president Mia Raw, left front, and her classmates await the start of the precessional Sunday during the school’s commencement exercises in Thorndike. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel