AUBURN – Sixty-two students graduated from St. Dominic Regional High School Friday night in the school’s last commencement ceremony to be officiated by Maine Bishop Joseph Gerry.

“You will always be remembered at St. Dom’s,” Principal Michael Welch told the retiring bishop, referring to the year-old high school building as “the house that Joseph built.”

Held in the Catholic high school’s gym, the hour-and-a-half ceremony included emotional tributes to Gerry, who helped build the school, and to Welch, who celebrated his 10th anniversary as principal this year.

Both were praised by faculty and graduating seniors for their dedication to the school and their devotion to the Catholic faith.

And as has become tradition, Welch paid his own tribute to each of the school’s graduating seniors, providing small insights into each teenager and remarking on the special talents of each – from Andrew Girouard’s music ability to Deanna Thibeau’s “spirited elegance.”

He thanked God for the school and for the class of 2003.

“It has always been an experience of great joy,” he said.

In his short address, Gerry praised Welch and the St. Dominic faculty for their leadership. He urged the students to remember the lessons learned at the school, both academic and spiritual.

Said Gerry, “Tonight marks the conclusion of four years together that have been far more formative than you realize.”

St. Dominic Board of Director’s Chairman John Emerson and Superintendent Rosemary Donahue also spoke at the commencement, congratulating the new graduates on four years of hard work.

“You leave here well prepared for what lies ahead,” Donahue said.

Andrew J. Girouard spoke as valedictorian and Tressa J. Stalford gave the salutatorian address.

Graduate Renee M. Couturier delivered the invocation. The Rev. Daniel Greenleaf delivered the benediction.

ltice@sunjournal.com