CALAIS – Washington County as a place to grow educationally and economically was at the center of the 36th commencement ceremony May 12 for the Washington County Community College.

Dianne Tilton, the commencement speaker, is a Washington County native, as were many of the 175 graduates who received degrees, diplomas and certificates. The ceremonies took place Friday at the Calais High School gymnasium, next door to the WCCC campus.

One year ago, the school graduated just 108.

The Class of 2006 represents the third largest ever for the two-year college. The graduating numbers were higher only in years when the region’s two largest employers, Georgia-Pacific and Louisiana Pacific, had extensive layoffs, and the college attracted new students for retraining for new schools.

This class was different.

“It’s a reflection of more students from Washington, Aroostook and Penobscot counties – the primary areas we draw from – realizing the need for further and continued education,” President William Cassidy said. “It’s a positive trend across the state.”

Roy Curtis of Calais delivered the Student of the Year address, and he was a case in point. He was a longtime employee of both Georgia-Pacific and Louisiana Pacific who returned to school to train in WCCC’s acclaimed boat building program.

Applause also went to another student, Paul Woodman. On the day he was supposed to receive his certificate in plumbing technology, he was on his way to Iraq for his second tour of duty as a member of the Maine National Guard.

His son Kenneth accepted the certificate in his place to a standing ovation.

Tilton, as the featured speaker, recognized the energy among the new graduates. She has been the executive director of the Sunrise County Economic Council since 1993.

“No matter what brought you to Washington County Community College or where you’ll go from here, it’s important that right now you’re pausing to recognize this achievement,” Tilton told the graduates.

“I hope you will remember how good it feels and how important it is, to just stop once in a while and say, ‘Wow, I did that well.'”

She then zeroed in on another current Washington County success story, that of Beddington native Adam Meyer and the former naval base at Cutler. The 27-year-old Meyer and his hardworking colleagues have bought the base and are turning it into a residential and business development.

“Success is contagious,” Tilton continued, pointing out that only one year ago, the Navy base sat on the market like a white elephant. “If we can cause an epidemic, when enough good things are happening, we will wake up and find that we are living in a successful county.

“Washington County needs you,” she reminded her listeners. “We need your vision, your leadership and your skills.”

Tilton, of Harrington, and Robbinston resident Dan Hollingdale were both awarded honorary degrees, Tilton for her dedication to local economic development, and Hollingdale for his long service and support to the community through the radio station WQDY.