Senator Collins Delivers Keynote Address at Presque Isle High School Commencement Ceremony

Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual high-resolution photos

Presque Isle, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a native of Aroostook County, delivered the keynote address at the 2024 Presque Isle High School (PIHS) commencement ceremony. Ninety-three graduating students made up PIHS’s Class of 2024.

“Graduates, this is a significant moment in your lives, but one of mixed emotions. There is pride in your accomplishments and eager anticipation of future success. At the same time, you may feel some anxiety about doing well in the wider world,” Senator Collins said in her remarks.

“Having grown up here, I know the feelings you may be experiencing as you take this step into adulthood,” she continued. “Can you, coming from a small community in Northern Maine, be successful?  Will you measure up? I had the same concerns at your age. But time and again, I’ve seen how the qualities of character developed here are a real advantage,”

“Whether you are off to college, the workforce, or the military, everyone will know the strength of this community through you. Whatever your destination may be, you never really “leave,” for the values you learned here will always stay with you and guide you. If your path leads you elsewhere, I hope that you will return to Maine one day. We need your talent, your energy, your commitment. You will always have a home here,” Senator Collins concluded.

Senator Collins has visited more than 200 schools throughout Maine during her Senate service, in addition to speaking at dozens of high school and college commencement ceremonies, most recently at York County Community College, Maine Maritime Academy, and Maine Central Institute.

###