U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who grew up in Caribou, delivered the commencement address at Presque Isle High School on Friday evening. The following is the text of her address as prepared for delivery.
Senator Susan M. Collins
Presque Isle High School commencement address
June 10, 2011
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Graduation is a significant event, but one filled with mixed emotions. There is pride in the accomplishments that led to this moment and eager anticipation of future success. At the same time, there is anxiety about doing well, about measuring up.
Having grown up in Caribou, I know the feeling of anxiety you may be experiencing as you take this step into adulthood. Can you, coming from a small city in Northern Maine, be successful? Will you measure up?
Well, let me tell you, coming from a small city in Northern Maine isn’t a big detriment – it’s a great advantage. You have grown up in a community that works hard and works together, a community that has created one of the best high schools in the state.
Your ranking as one of just nine high-performing high schools in the state by the University of Southern Maine is testament to this community’s commitment to education. When Redbook Magazine named you a National School of Excellence, you brought even more distinction to our state.
The people of The County have a knack for turning what others see as negatives into something positive. Our long, cold winters aren’t a problem, but rather an opportunity to become a destination for World Cup Biathlon competitions.
The people of Aroostook cherish tradition, but also look to the future. This region is leading the way in the development of new, clean alternative energy sources.
The UMaine Presque Isle motto – “North of Ordinary” – sums up the special qualities of the County and of rural Maine.
The fact is, Maine produces extraordinary people. Instead of giving you one last lecture, I’d like to tell you some of their stories. I hope they will encourage you to pursue your own dream.
A few months ago, you welcomed home John Cariani. John got his start in theater on your high school stage. He went on to Broadway and a Tony Award nomination, and a recurring role on TV’s “Law and Order.” Of course, he is best known as the author of the hugely successful play, “Almost, Maine,” one of the most-produced plays of our time. His affection for Northern Maine shines through his play.
Jessica McClintock grew up here in Presque Isle and learned to sew sitting on her grandmother’s lap. She became a teacher, and then, as a young mother, experienced tragedy when her husband was killed in a traffic accident. She responded by pursuing her dream of a career in fashion. Today, her company is a global success and is consistently ranked as one of the best workplaces for women.
Mary Akeley Smith also grew up here – her mother was the town librarian back in the 30s and 40s. Although she and her husband started with nothing, they achieved great success. Her generous gifts to both Northern Maine Community College and the Turner Library were made to help young people here reach their goals.
Westmanland, population 70, is the hometown of Gregory Johnson. After graduating from the University of Maine, he joined the Navy and began his military career landing jets on aircraft carriers. He rose to become the Commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and a four-star Admiral. He is a great leader and a great patriot.
Dick Collins – no relation – grew up in St. Agatha. He met his future wife, Anne, at the University of Maine. Their success has taken them around the world, but they have never forgotten their roots. The Collins Center for the Performing Arts on campus is evidence of their success, generosity, and love for our state.
Let me cross over into Piscataquis County for another story well worth telling. Parkman is a small town on the other side of Mt. Katahdin. Victor McKusick was born there in 1922, grew up on a small dairy farm, and went to a one-room school.
At age 15, he became seriously ill. After 10 weeks in a hospital, he was cured and set his sights on becoming a doctor.
Victor achieved that goal with spectacular success. He was on the faculty at Johns Hopkins, one of the most prestigious medical schools in the world, and had a promising career in the established field of cardiology.
Then, in 1957, he made a dramatic shift to the new and uncertain field of genetics. His colleagues were alarmed, but he felt genetics was going somewhere.
Genetic medicine did go somewhere, with Victor McKusick leading the way. He is known, in fact, as “the father of genetic medicine.”
A fascinating footnote to Victor McKusick’s work in genetics is that he was an identical twin. His brother also grew up to be a person of uncommon accomplishments and service to others. The difference is that Vincent McKusick became a lawyer – and a Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Court, the highest judicial position in our state.
While DNA must get some credit, the potential of these two brothers would not have been realized without the caring parents and nurturing community they were blessed with growing up. You have had the same blessings here in Presque Isle.
In case you are thinking that success means becoming a business leader, an acclaimed playwright, a military commander, or a world-renowned scientist, let me tell you one more story.
The Northern Maine Museum of Science on the UMaine Presque Isle campus has an outstanding natural history collection. The vast array of preserved plants, insects, shells, animals, and tree samples were donated to the museum by Leroy Newton.
Leroy Newton wasn’t wealthy or well-known. He was a mailman, right here in Presque Isle. The collection he left behind is not only huge, it is also thoroughly documented in the best traditions of science.
These remarkable lives are case studies in the power of dreams combined with hard work, persistence, and a belief in one’s self. They tell the story of vision and passion pursued with energy, talent, and determination. They are about succeeding in life and making a difference.
You are well on your way to writing your own stories. This class has distinguished itself through community service. The Special Olympics, the Humane Society, Catholic Charities, Martha & Mary's Soup Kitchen, the Community Service Initiative, and the Maine Winter Sports Center represent but a few of your efforts to give back, to make a difference.
Wherever the future takes you, I urge you to keep giving back, to Presque Isle, to Aroostook County, and to Maine.
This is a time for celebration and for giving thanks. The adults in your lives – at school, in your towns, and in your homes – have dedicated themselves to giving you a great education.
Whether you are off to college, the military or the workforce, everyone will know the strength of the Presque Isle High School community through you, whatever your destination may be. For those of you choosing to leave Maine for a time, I hope that you will return to Maine one day. We need your talent, your energy, your commitment.
I have used the word “success” many times this evening. Defined by your professional life, success can take many forms. So, let me leave you with a deeper definition from a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It concludes with these lines:
To appreciate beauty and to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
That is to have succeeded.
Class of 2011, I wish you great success. Congratulations and good luck.