Amanda Richards addresses parents and friends. (Steve Mitman photo) SALEM — Seventy-five members of the 2010 graduating class at Mt. Abram High School were given a standing ovation from under classmen, parents, friends and staff as they marched into the Mt. Abram High School gym Friday night, June 11 with about 1,000 people watching.

Senior class salutatorian Amanda Richards gave the welcome address stating in part that the seniors had entered school knowing nothing and then all of a sudden “we know it all.”

“It’s a cycle that we have no control over,” said Richards, but she reminded all her classmates to “take the time to smell the roses.”

Richards told the parents that after 12 years of getting “us up and ready for school, packing our lunches and making sure we were ready to face the day,” you’re almost retired.

A special performance by the Mt. Abram band was directed by Gail Russ in memory of the late Beatrice Milewski. Russ said that Milewski’s goal was to start a band and take them to Florida, and that dream was realized in 2006 when the band played at Universal Studios. Since Milewski lost her battle with cancer four years ago “her band is still going strong,” under Russ’s direction.

State Representative Tom Saviello presented Charles Milewski with a sentiment from the State Legislature in memory of his wife, the late Bea Milewski, for her dedication in building the band into what it is today.

Principal Brenda Joy Stevens gave out the scholarships which this year totaled $238,000 and came from local and state organizations.

The 2010 graduates were presented their diplomas by Senior Advisors Mel Galusha, Heather Moody, Marla Ferris, Monica Hedstrom, Marc Keller, Barry London and Polly MacMichael. The seniors were then pronounced graduates by Superintendent Quenten Clark.

The Class Reflection was given by senior Mindy Bubier and the Farewell Address from Valedictorian Forrest Collins. Collins urged class members to give back to their community.