America East highlighted one of its student-athletes each month during the 2007-08 school year. “Shining Stars, Star Students” documents the life of some of the conference’s star athletes beyond just their athletic achievements. In the final installment of the year, the spotlight is on Maine's graduating class of 2008, written by Doug Debiase, Associate Manager of Athletic Media Relations at University of Maine.

On May 10, 2008, the University of Maine held its graduation ceremonies. Among the students graduating from the University were 75 student-athletes who represented the school with class and dignity, on and off the field, for the past four years.

Several members of the group earned all-conference and all-academic honors from their respective conferences. They also served as vital contributors to Maine being crowned the 2007 America East Academic Cup champions last summer.

However, the most important aspect of the day was that they were earning a college degree ? a privilege that many in this country don’t get the chance to achieve.

The 75 student-athletes were aware of that opportunity and knew that the real world was awaiting them. However, after the excitement of the ceremonies, several student-athletes took the time to reflect on their college careers and what some of their plans are for the future.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment," said Director of Athletics Blake James. "These young men and women have excelled athletically and academically. We wish them the very best in all of their future endeavors."

Field hockey standout Kristen Healy, who served as a senior co-captain for the 2007 season, ended her collegiate career as one of the most decorated players in program history for academic awards won. She was named to the America East Academic Honor Roll and was named a Maine Scholar-Athlete all four years, while also earning a spot on the 2005 National Field Hockey Coaches Association Academic team.

Healy couldn’t believe four years went by as fast as they did, but she believed she got the most out of her college experience by all the work she put into it. She earned her degree in child development and family relations.

“I would have to say that it's a whirlwind of emotions. I am shocked to find that my parents, once again, were right when they said, `Time flies--before you know it you'll be done with college and onto the next chapter of life.' I am sad that these years have flown by and I feel like the good times have just begun. But I am excited to be at this point in my life and happy that I got through some challenging times and created some great memories with the best people I have ever encountered. There's no doubt in my mind that everyone who has touched my life at this university and all the things I have learned while being here will remain a huge part of the rest of my life.”

Kaimondre Owes, a guard on the men’s basketball team, felt honored to be graduating from Maine. His journey to Orono first started at Saint Peter’s College in New Jersey. He said it wasn’t the right fit for him, which led him to Maine. It was always stressed to him by his family to get a college education and that’s why he will never take his degree for granted. He earned his degree in political science.

"It feels awesome. I'm glad I had the opportunity to finish college. I think this is one of my biggest accomplishments thus far. I'm very proud to be graduating from the University of Maine, it's a big school. I'm just glad that Coach Woodward gave me the opportunity to come here, and I'm finally reaching one of my goals so far."

Women’s soccer star Jordon Pekrul also took part in the ceremonies as she earned her degree in biochemistry. Pekrul was a standout on the field, in the classroom and in the community during her four years in Orono. In addition to her degree, Pekrul (a Burlington, Ontario native) was honored earlier this spring by the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry & Agriculture (NSFA) as it honored her with the 2008 Outstanding International Student Award.

Pekrul was an all-conference performer in her sport, while also being named to the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll all four years. She was also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on campus since her sophomore year. She has taken part in several community service events including Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Toys for Tots, Bangor Homeless Shelter, Black Bears of Tomorrow and coaching children at local soccer clinics.

"(Jordon) is one of those unusual students who has fully developed her natural talents to excel in the classroom and on the athletic field,” said Mary E. Rumpho, a Professor of Biochemistry at the University. “Perhaps what I admire most about Jordon is that she has accomplished all that she has with little fanfare, balancing her demanding schedule, sacrificing any `free' time she might have had for others, and always maintaining a positive and happy outlook."

Christie Mosley, a member of the field hockey team, joined Pekrul as a four-time honoree on the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. She was also honored at the national level during her career as she was placed on the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad.

Mosley earned her degree in journalism and couldn’t thank all the people who supported her during her career enough. She felt without them, she would not have been able to accomplish the success she did.

"It's been a great experience and I think I'm ready for the real world, so here I come. I met some of the greatest people that I will ever meet and I've had support from wonderful people and I wouldn't change it. The girls are the best and the staff is great here so it's been great."

Candace Coville, a member of the women’s swimming & diving team echoed a lot of the same sentiments as her fellow classmates. She too was amazed at how fast four years went, but was anxious to head into the next step of her life. Coville earned her degree in mass communication.

"I'm very excited to be graduating. I'm a little scared because it's been four years, but I'm ready to take the next step. I'm looking forward to the future and working in the real world. I've had a great experience here the past four years. It's been great especially with athletics, it's a great honor and it was amazing, I had such a great time."

Those were just some of the many exciting feelings that student-athletes were describing throughout the day.

They could all hold their heads high as being college graduates and Maine could also be proud to now call them alumni, who will represent the college with honor in the future.