20

Crabapple Cove, Maine
June 1973

"Good evening fellow classmates, parents, teachers, friends and special guests. I stand before you this evening as we embark on a journey out of the security of school and into a vast new world ahead of us. I refuse to stand here and give you advice on what you should and shouldn't do instead I say to you don't live a life of regrets because you won't have anything to live by. Some of you may remember seven years ago I had to have an operation to repair a small hole in my heart for some time after the operation I was weak, but I pushed myself to get better and I did. I f someone would have asked me seven years ago what did I want to be when I grow up, I would have of said I just want to live. While I was recuperating I had a lot of time on my hands to watch television and movies with my parents, and grandparents, and it may sound odd but the T.V. and movie stars made me smile, and forget the pain I was in for a few hours. When I got well, I decided what I wanted to do when I grew up, I want to be an actress, I want to make people smile. I know some of you have heard I turned down Fordham University and The Julliard School for the University of Maine. I did this because I'm afraid to leave home, I'm afraid of what awaits me in this vast world. I'm not ashamed to say that. My parents have sheltered me, I'm my "Daddy's Little Princess," I'm not ready to leave and when I am they'll know and so will I. Anyway, ever since I can remember I've wanted to become an actress but that experience sold me on the profession, and I 've never strayed from my goal. I wouldn't have been able to reach my goal without the following:

My godparents, aunt Isabella and uncle Charles

My aunt Peg and uncle B.J., my brother's godparents

My aunt Louise and uncle Trapper

My aunt Soon- Lee and uncle Max

My aunt Patti and uncle Radar

My dearly departed grandpa Sherman

My aunt Annie and uncle Sidney

My aunt Gail and uncle John: all of who could not be here today for obvious reason and other commitments, but are all in my heart and for those who could:

My aunt Marie and uncle Tom

My aunt Mary and uncle Ray

My brother B.J.

My grandparents Daniel and Mildred Pierce, Alvin and Jane Houlihan

And finally my parents Hawkeye and Margaret, without them nothing would be possible. I owe my life to them. Don't worry Daddy I'll always be your little girl, and Mom I'll be just fine. I love you both and appreciate everything you've done for me. Thank you and congratulations Class of 1973 we've made it! I'll miss you all and good luck!"

With that Elizabeth Pierce stepped down from the podium and walked to her assigned seat to be called up to receive her diploma. Hawk and Margaret were so proud of her graduating valedictorian and the president of her class. The happy couple watched their baby get her diploma with tears in their eyes.