AUBURN — Before Saint Dominic Academy educators awarded high school diplomas Friday night in front of Maine’s Catholic bishop, priests, faculty and a packed gymnasium of family and friends, Principal Donald Fournier shared characteristics of the Class of 2012.

They are a class of 72 where 42 seniors of the private, Catholic school gave up their spring vacation to help the poor in Mississippi.

In May the class took on “works of mercy” in senior involvement, giving 32 area nonprofit organizations and schools 7,358 hours of community service.

They have carried on some of the proudest St. Dom’s traditions in sports, academics and faith. They are ready to bring God’s “love out into the world in ways that you or I can only imagine.”

He shared what individual graduates are like.

Jordan Davis is quick to smile, “a hard worker who tills the land. He just may help solve the world hunger problem through his involvement in 4-H,” Fournier said.

Lauren Cronin is a brilliant writer “who brings joy everywhere she goes,” he said.

David Dean is an amazing whistler, a leader in Mississippi, musical and “most likely to break into song.”

Stephanie Costello is an athlete, personable, “a peer leader on the soccer field and president of her class.”

Alex Damon has a great sense of humor, and is “most likely to always see the world through his Ray-Bans.”

Gabby Poulin loves fashion, being social and defending her opinions, “but always with a smile,” Fournier said.

Derrick Brigham is into computers and programming, doesn’t waste words “and always willing to open a window for Mrs. Angell.”

Caleb Verrill is most likely to better the environment and a promoter of activism.

Fournier shared insights on each graduate.

In her speech, salutatorian Sarah DiVello talked about how St. Dom’s teaches integrity, community and excellence. As they leave the school and enter the world, “it is up to us to take this philosophy and apply it to our new surroundings,” she said. “The world needs more people like us.”

Borrowing a few lines from President Barack Obama, valedictorian Patrick LaChance talked about change. They have changed from the nervous freshmen of four years ago. “I remember entering the building on our first day of school. The air was thick with uncertainty. None of us knew what to expect.”

They have been prepared to leave, not just academically, he said. St. Dom’s provided them with the environment to develop personal relationships with God. “We began to think. We began to question,” LaChance said. They took beliefs handed down to them by their parents and molded them to their own. “This strong sense of individual faith will give us the confidence to move forward in our lives,” LaChance said. “That is monumental change.”

Bishop Richard Malone said St. Dom’s is a school where the important things count. “All of you have proven that true. Thank you, God bless you, congratulations.”