"You're now adults; it's time to start thinking, acting and planning as adults," said guest speaker Alan Lewis during his speech to the Boothbay Region High School graduating class at Sunday's Alumni Dinner.

Lewis, a 1954 graduate of Boothbay Harbor High School, urged the BRHS seniors to find their passion in life.

"When you are looking for a career, talk to those who are in a certain field to find out if it is for you. Call them up. They'd love to talk to you," said Lewis, who worked most of his career in the civil engineering field at the University of Maine and Colby College, as well as for the Maine State Highway Commission (now known at the Maine Department of Transportation).

Lewis, who was born at St. Andrews Hospital, grew up in East Boothbay, and graduated from the University of Maine, told the seniors to not delay their future education.

"This is not the end of your education. Don't delay your learning. Do it while you're used to being in the classroom.”

Lewis also told the seniors that graduation time is a time to be responsible.

"You're right full of exuberance. There are going to be parties but you've got to start acting responsible, make the right choices. Be smart about what you're doing," said Lewis.

He closed his speech by reciting Charles Swindoll's writing on attitude. An excerpt from that writing is: "We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it."

Held at the Boothbay Region Elementary School, the Alumni Dinner was attended by about 30 of the 45 BRHS seniors and over 100 parents and alumni. The event lasted about 90 minutes.

Before the dinner, Lynn Orne Martin, president of the Alumni Association, introduced the members of the board and asked for a moment of silence for two people long associated with the Alumni Association who died this past year: Howie Barter, vice president of the association, and Mary Patrick, long-time BRHS teacher and administrator.

After dinner, Martin made special mention of the members of the BRHS class of 1965 who were seated together and celebrating their 50th year after graduation, as well as the four generations of Machons in attendance: Lucille Machon, who graduated in 1934; Ira and his wife, Connie (Webb) Machon, both 1959 graduates; Sharon Machon; and David Machon, a member of the class of 2015. Also introduced was Stella Gray, a member of the class of 1937.

Martin also called Lisa Orne Hallinan (class of 1983) out of the kitchen to receive a round of applause for single handedly preparing the meal, which included herbed chicken, sliced ham, rice, salad, rolls and more.

Before each student introduced themselves, BRHS Principal Dan Welch spoke about the class as a whole.

"They are a strong-willed bunch. They won't take no for an answer. They have been strong in their convictions. We have not always agreed on things. They have stood up — and one time sat down — for their beliefs. They are a tight knit group, so diverse and talented in the classroom, on the athletic field, and artistically," said Welch.

As with tradition, after the dinner ended, most people helped break down the tables and chairs before leaving the school and thinking about the next two weeks of graduation events. The class of 2015's last day of classes was May 20 and will begin marching practice for graduation and the Grand March on May 29.