Portland High School, one of the oldest operating public high schools in the United States, held its 204th graduation exercises on Wednesday, June 4th at Merrill  Auditorium.  The late morning ceremony included remarks by Superintendent Ryan Scallon, Portand High School Principal Sheila Jepson, spedches and musical performances by students and the presentation of awards and diplomas.

Among the many accomplishments of the class of 2025, Portland High students were accepted “into hghly competitive colleges and univerities. ”  They include:  Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, Johns Hopkins, Emery, Bowdoin, Colby, Tufts,Northeastern, University of Southern Maine. University of Maine and Southern Maine Community College. Another of the many accomplilshments of this class was helping the football team win the 2024 Class A Championship – the Bulldogs first state title in 22 years!

Superintendent Scallon told the240 graduaating students:  ‘Whatever you next step is, I urge you to carry with yu a simple yet powerful mesage:  Do good in the world.  Whatever that looks like for you, whatever your interests are, find ways to contribute positively.  Be kind  Be empathetic.  Be courageous.  And in a world that’s becoming more controversial, use your voice for good.”