Besides proclaiming that the 1970s had the best music -- citing experiencing Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" at the Lewiston Armory – Alumni Banquet speaker Breck Holladay (BRHS class of 1975) had much more pertinent things to say during his address to the class of 2017 Sunday night, June 4 at Boothbay Region Elementary School.

"Respect," as learned from his Dad's lessons while growing up, was the underlying theme of Holladay's speech. After high school and a short stint in the U.S. Navy, Holladay returned to the Boothbay region, where he eventually met his wife of 38 years, RoseAnne, at "The Gong Show" at The Thistle Inn.

"We got married in 1979 and we decided to make New Harbor our home," said Holladay. "We started a family, I started my business, and that's when my Dad's lessons became very clear." Breck and RoseAnne have three children and nine grandchildren ("with a 10th on the way").

Some of the lessons Holladay expressed — and has passed on to his children and grandchildren — included "Respect others," "Leave a place better than how you found it," "Treat people the way you want to be treated," "Wherever you are, eat what is put in front of you," "Put others ahead of yourself," and, if you happen to be in another part of the world, "Respect their culture."

The Holladays have traveled all over the world providing mission work. During the past few months, they've traveled to China and Romania.

"We've been to some amazing places, but the more I travel, the more I appreciate home," said Holladay. "This region, this state is my favorite place."

"Maine has a great reputation for its people being friendly and hard-working," said Holladay. "My charge to you graduates is to help keep that reputation going."

He also challenged the seniors to get out and volunteer.

"In many of the countries where we've been, no one volunteers. That's what makes this country, this state and this region so great," said Holladay. "You're never too young or never too old to volunteer." Holladay is a firefighter, has served on a school board, been a youth leader in his church and, as mentioned, has done mission work around the world.

A little over half of the 45-member class of 2017, their parents and some grandparents attended the annual banquet, provided by the BRHS Alumni Association. The buffet meal was provided by Lisa Orne Hallinan and her helper, Kristine Hepburn.

Ten members of the BRHS class of 1967 held a mini 50th reunion at the banquet and, once again, Lucille Machon, at age 100, attended to represent the only living member of the class of 1934 and as the oldest alumni.

Lynn Martin, president of the Alumni Association, once again served as master of ceremonies, introducing speakers, providing information about the association and calling out table numbers for the buffet. BRHS Principal Dan Welch, speaking on behalf of himself as principal and, for the first time, as a parent of a graduate, praised the class for its friendships and its fierce competitiveness. He also told a few humorous stories about an elementary school party at his house. His graduating daughter, class president Alexis Welch, thanked the Alumni Association for providing the banquet.