AUBURN — Hundreds of people packed the Norway Savings Bank Arena on Saturday to watch 242 students graduate from Edward Little High School in a ceremony themed Growing Through the Seasons.

Sitting in folding chairs on the rink floor and in the stands, family members cheered as their students’ names were mentioned. Eight students performed a cover of the Fleetwood Mac song “Landslide.”

Students’ speeches were centered around fall, winter and spring. Salutatorian Carly Wang talked about the early years when they first started going to school, highlighting the season fall. Valedictorian Nora Condit spoke about learning to find joy in challenges, highlighting winter. Class President Anaya Egge spoke about resilience, highlighting spring.

Wang encouraged her peers to embrace the changes ahead of them, however difficult they may seem now.

“Change is upon us whether we like it or not,” she said. “Some of us are excited, maybe even relieved, but I know we are all a little scared for what the future holds. We have seen the same faces for four, six, or even 12-plus years of our lives and have had the pleasure to become familiar with amazing teachers, principals, staff members, coaches, and the new Edward Little High School building.

“Most of you have probably been living with your parents or someone close to you your entire life, with a routine of waking up, going to school, and going to practice or work, and then going home. Soon, this will all change. It’s a scary thought I know, but embracing change will allow you to make the most of whatever comes next.”

Condit encouraged her peers not to rush through seasons of life that are unfavorable, like winter; rather, make the most of those situations.

“Going forward, your path will be what you make of it,” she said. “Whether your future holds school, work, a gap year or a different adventure, there will undoubtedly be challenges but your experience will be rooted in how you embrace them. Reach out, meet new people, try new things.”

Egge highlighted the ways in which their class has responded to challenges and losses while growing up in school — remaining resilient through it.

“Over the past four years, we have all had challenges and experienced loss,” she said. “However, how we have responded to these gloomy days and storms makes the Class of 2025 so incredibly special. Like resilient flowers, you have budded this spring. You have taken the rainy days and turned them into days full of reflection and healing and now you have the summer to blossom.”