Setting sail: Pentucket graduates 204 seniors

WEST NEWBURY — "The act of saying 'I don't know what I want to be when I grow up' is awesome... brave, honest, inspiring," commencement speaker Steve Kidd told members of Pentucket Regional High School's graduating class yesterday.

Kidd, a 1993 Pentucket grad who is now a professional actor and playwright, gave an entertaining address focusing on the importance of taking risks and following a unique path in life.

"You are dangerous. You are powerful. You are vibrant...," he told the graduates. "Listen to your own self, decide on your own destination, and set your sails accordingly."

Kidd's was one of many memorable speeches during yesterday's commencement exercises.

Salutatorian Emily Funk told her classmates that graduating during these tough economic times means "we just have to learn to be more resourceful and creative in order to meet our goals." She urged them to "keep an open mind when making decisions... and explore the possibilities out there."

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them," added valedictorian Andrea Attenasio, quoting Henry David Thoreau. Now it is time, she said, "to build your foundation and make your dreams come true."

This year, the Pentucket Regional Scholarship Foundation gave $60,000 in awards to 53 graduates, including two new scholarships presented for the first time.

Pentucket teacher and head football coach Steve Hayden awarded Matthew Fiore the John A. "Gus" Hayden scholarship in memory of his father. Hayden said his dad strongly believed in "having a passion in whatever you do."

The Lt. Ken Fowler Memorial Scholarship, was given in memory of Fowler, a former West Newbury firefighter and member of the Class of 1988. Retired fire Chief Raymond "Rock" Dower and several members of the Fire Department presented the award to Corey Fisher.

A second scholarship in memory of the popular firefighter, who died suddenly in 2007, was awarded to Geoffrey Hills at the Senior Awards Night on June 3.

Following Kidd's commencement speech, Principal Jonathan Seymour, Superintendent Paul Livingston, and former Pentucket School Board Chairman Tom Atwood gave diplomas to the 204 graduates.

Then, channeling musician Bob Marley, senior class Vice President Harrison Shea closed the memorable morning by urging his fellow graduates to "Wake up and live."

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