By SANDY McGEE

CUMBERLAND — Graduates were asked to “don’t stop believing” at Cumberland High School’s 2008 commencement ceremony held Monday evening at Tucker Field.

he school presented 306 diplomas during Monday’s ceremony. The commencement began with the traditional procession onto Tucker Field with the male students adorned in blue and the female students dressed in white caps and gowns.
Despite the cloudy skies and pending rain showers, the sun made an appearance now and again, while the audience of friends and family members applauded the improving weather conditions overhead.
“The sun came out and I think that is a sign of the accomplishments from this class,” said Superintendent of Schools Donna A. Morelle.
Graduates also brightened the otherwise gray environment with brightly decorated caps, including ones garnished with brilliant orange flowers, a rainbow-painted Rubik’s Cube and a hot pink puppet. Also decorating the ceremony were several multicolored beach balls.
Speakers at Monday’s ceremony were Casey Smith, student government president; Jesse Poon, senior class president; Dorothy C. Gould, principal of Cumberland High School; Salutatorian Yangyang Guo; Morelle; and Valedictorian Carlyn M. Hansen-Decelles.
The Cumberland High School Band performed the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean Symphonic Suite.”
The high school’s Clef Singers performed the song “Don’t Stop Believing,” by the band “Journey.”
The CHS 2010 construction project was a major theme expressed in several of the commencement speeches.
“Survival has been what it (high school) was all about,” said Smith, who discussed the students’ experiences with the construction project. “…We never knew what wing of the school would be blocked off. Even though there were many changes, we survived. I hope wherever life takes you, that you will never forget this place. Don’t stop believing.”
“It (high school) was a very memorable experience,” said Poon, the senior class president. “The CHS experience is unlike any other. I don’t think any other class could boast going through so much construction.”
The senior class president recalled his experience with the construction, describing ceiling tiles and lockers without locks. However, according to Poon, the construction prepared the students for future challenges.
“We’re ready for the real world and its obstacles because we have already gone through so many,” he said. “Go out, Class of 2008, and change the world. Never forget where it started — right here at Cumberland High School.”
The Class of 2008 also faced new graduation requirements, according to the salutatorian.
“Fellow graduates, we are a truly impressive group,” Guo said. “We were the first class to put together portfolios.
“Whatever your plans are for after graduation, keep learning and find and do something you love. Pearl S. Buck, one of my favorite authors, once said, ‘The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible — and achieve it, generation after generation.’ Dear Class of 2008, we have achieved so much in these past four years. Keep achieving the impossible.”
Guo is a member of the National Honor Society, a columnist and editor of the school’s newspaper, editor of the literary magazine and French newsletter and captain of the varsity track team.
Born in Beijing, China, Guo immigrated to the United States in 1999 at age 3. She speaks three languages: French, Mandarin Chinese and English. Guo plans to attend Duke University in the fall.
The Class of 2008 valedictorian told students, through many quotes from members of “The Beatles,” to live realistically.
“We don’t have control over everything,” said Hansen-Decelles. “We can’t dictate what life gives us, only our attitudes. Be realistic and let it go … At the end of the day, our lives continue…We can’t lose sight of the bigger picture…
“John Lennon once said, ‘Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.’ Take your diplomas and go out and live, really live.”
Hansen-Decelles has participated in many school activities, including the Math League, National Honor Society, photography and the school’s newspaper and literary magazine. She plans to attend Williams College in the fall.