Biddeford High School sends off Class of 2025
Jun. 6—Scott Descoteaux took to the stage Friday night and gave graduating Biddeford High School students on odd message: when life gets hard, just wash your hands.
In the early 19th century, the Biddeford Middle School principal said, many women were dying during childbirth, and doctors couldn't figure out why. That's until a Hungarian physician realized doctors need to wash their hands between patients to avoid infections.
"It was that simple, and it changed everything," he said. "Graduates, things are not always as complicated as they seem. Sometimes life's solutions are really quite simple."
Descoteaux was invited by students to give the guest speech at the Biddeford High School's Class of 2025 graduation ceremony, and told his former students he was moved and honored to watch them receive their diplomas. In a speech that married sincerity and humor, Descoteaux encouraged students to forge their own paths and embrace failure.
"I'm not here with a magic formula for life. I do not have a secret philosophy on how to find success, meaningful happiness or wealth. What I am here to talk to you about today is something that I think is just as important: the choices that you'll make here, moving forward, and the kind of person that you want to become," he said. "Your journey will not look like anyone else's, and that's exactly how it's supposed to be."
In a memorable ending to his speech, Descoteaux lead the crowd in a rendition of the school's alma mater while holding — but not really playing — the ukulele.
On a warm, wet Friday night, 175 Biddeford High School students walked across the stage of the school's Tiger Gym to receive their diplomas. The evening included a lively crowd and performances from the Biddeford High School Band, the concert choir and several student speeches.
Senior Class President Keelie Gregoire kicked off by sharing some wisdom from pop singer Harry Styles.
"'If you are happy doing what you are doing, then no one can tell you you aren't successful,'" Gregoire quoted the singer. "As we all go on to college, the trades, taking a gap year, or the military, it is very important to put yourself out there and take risks."
Salutatorian Glen LaRoche told the crowd about how much being a part of band had changed his life for the better, and valedictorian Ella Ireland rounded out the speeches by congratulating her classmates for their growth and perseverance.
"Eleanor Roosevelt once said that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams," Ireland said. "It is my hope that people can go out into the world and have the courage to dream those dreams. Nothing good comes easy, and you will have to work for it."
After the students walked, and occasionally danced, across the stage to grab their diplomas, Principal Martha Jacques told students they were ready to leave their mark on the world.
"The world you're stepping into is full of possibilities, and now more than ever, it needs your curiosity, your creativity and your kindness," she said.
Over the weekend, other high schools in the region including Westbrook, Scarborough and South Portland will celebrate their graduating classes. Seniors at Portland's three high schools graduated at Merrill Auditorium earlier this week.
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