Graduation Countdown – Class of 2023
The countdown is on: for the Class of 2023, less than three weeks remain before graduation takes place at the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, June 8.
The ceremony, slated for 7 p.m., will end the public school experience for this year’s seniors, many of whom started their formal education in RSU 18 more than a decade ago.
As of Friday, May 19, the expectation is 156 students will walk on the stage to receive a diploma. But the situation is dynamic, according to assistant principal Scott Hallett.
“It is a moving target,” Hallett said about the projected number of students. “What we try to make sure of is that everybody has all of the information, so there are no surprises.”
Community service hours are the biggest concern. Hallett said about a dozen students were short of the 40 hours required to graduate a few weeks ago but that about half of them appear to have recently resolved the shortage.
“I tell the seniors at the beginning of the year … you need to get on top of this,” Hallett said of the community service requirement. “Community service is always a challenge.”
In order to graduate, students also have to earn 30 credits and meet specific credit requirements.
Hallett said six students currently are deficient in this respect but are working on resolving the situation.
What Hallett and fellow administrators are monitoring now is in keeping what is always seen this time of the year, Hallett said.
Meanwhile, the Messalonskee guidance department continues to tabulate responses from a survey on the future plans of seniors. Most report they intend to attend college although in many cases students have yet to decide on their final college choice.
Senior finals start the day after Memorial Day, concluding on Friday of that week. Baccalaureate is slated for 1 p.m. Sunday, June 4 in the Performing Arts Center and then, the following week, seniors commence three consecutive days of marching practice, the last one to take place at the Augusta Civic Center a day before graduation.
On the same Monday that marching practice begins, the high school plays host to the Senior Barbecue – starting at 5 p.m. – and serves as the starting point for the Senior Parade.
All the craziness and excitement of the next few weeks culminates on June 8, the night of graduation. After receiving their diplomas, seniors return to Messalonskee for a final time to participate in Project Graduation.