Olivia Young spent all year staring at a poster about individuality on the wall during Ms. Lessard's American Economy class at Winnisquam Regional High School.

"Ms. Lessard, I would really like that poster as my graduation present," she told her social studies teacher.

But a bad case of senioritis almost keep Young, who Lessard calls creative and original, from receiving the cherished gift.

Young, 18, of Sanbornton, will attend the Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School in Santa Barbara, Calif., next fall. But anticipation of her future in California kept her from focusing on her grades at Winnisquam.

"She knows what she wants, and I think that was a part of her frustration with still being in high school," Lessard said. "She is one of those kids who knows what's next for her."

Young's grades started to slip during her senior year, when she said she lost interest in high school. And it took a lot of hard work to get back on track. She said that Lessard and Principal Kimberly Saunders motivated her.

"When I was ready to give up, they kept me going on the path to making it. I was inspired by the fact that there was somebody in the school who was willing to help me, out of everyone," Young said in a phone call the morning of her graduation.

Both Lessard and Saunders were flattered by the words of gratitude from their student, but were quick to praise Young's hard work.

"She's a unique young women who is just going to do a great job, because she really knows who she is as a person and she appreciates when people help her," Saunders said.

Young said she definitely marches to the beat of her own drum and that Lessard's poster served as an inspiration for her. And odds are the poster will go with her when she moves to Santa Barbara in the fall. Although Young is nervous about going so far from home, she has wanted to become a hairdresser since she was two years old.

"I used to have a tackle box with all my hair stuff in it. And I would call my mom on a toy phone and have her make appointments," she said.

Young and her 113 classmates graduated from Winnisquam Regional High School yesterday in a ceremony held in the school's gym. The Class of 2009 was the school's 70th graduating class.

Principal Saunders greeted students in the hallways before the ceremony with hugs and high-fives and told them how proud she was.

Valedictorian Rachel Sibulkin became emotional during her speech as she recalled the bonds formed over the class' twelve years together, and her classmates supported her with cheers, applause, and shouts of "Yeah Rachel!"

The night belonged to Katie Potter and Alexandre Roy. Between the two students, they received three of the five awards handed out. Both were recognized for their athletic achievements with the Athletic Council Award. Roy also received The Alfred H. Pucci Award, given to a senior who demonstrates leadership, scholastic achievement, outstanding character, and athletic ability. Potter received The Daniel E. Stockwell Award, given to a student with the potential to improve the quality of the education system in the future.

The 73 graduates attending college earned over $80,000 in scholarship money.

Computer and speech teacher Scott Maltzie gave the graduation address. Maltzie wrote his speech just four hours before the ceremony when the original speaker had to back out. He pledged to avoid typical graduation clichés and instead spoke to the graduates about the importance of words and honesty.

"Kind words can make all the difference," he said.

The end of his speech was greeted with cheers as he told the Class of 2009 that he could accept their Facebook friend requests now that they had graduated.

Before the closing remarks by Honor Graduate Christopher Foster, the students went to receive congratulations from their families and presented them with carnations. The bleachers in the gym were filled with hugs, camera flashes, thumbs-up signs, and even a few tears, as the class song, "Our Time Now" by the Plain White T's, played over the speakers. (next page »)