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Emma Bryan, a co-valedictorian, noted that the class had grown to seven girls and one boy, and that they had welcomed newcomers and worked well together.
“Our class is known for our positive, hardworking attitudes and limited drama. Most importantly, when we do have a conflict within our class, we are able to sit down and work it out,” she said. “Class of 2016, I am so proud to call you my best friends and I will never forget all the good times we’ve had together.”
Co-valedictorian Cassia Gilbert joked about the indignity of having to take Spanish in her senior year with four freshman boys, but also noted the perks of having small class sizes.
“Seriously though, one of the best parts is getting to know the teachers on a personal level. I know my entire class will agree when I say that we are blessed with amazing teachers. They are always quick to help outside of class. I can’t count the number of times a piano lesson has turned into a much needed counseling session,” she said.
Sitinna Blankenship, who was born in Ethiopa and adopted from the Mother Teresa orphanage in Addis Ababa when she was almost 4, gave what the school calls “senior testimony” and spoke of the role of faith in her life.
“If my parents hadn’t adopted me when they did I would not be here today, so in my eyes they are my heroes. They not only saved me from dying at a young age in a country that was stricken by poverty and war, but they were the ones that told me about the love of Christ,” she said.
About 250 people attended the ceremony, the school’s 20th annual commencement celebration.
Claire Elizabeth Alden, University of New England; Sitinna Kimberly Blankenship, Community College of Vermont; Emma Elizabeth Bryan, Sterling College; Cassia Ann Gilbert, River Valley Community College; Catherine Julia Haas, Grove City College; Alexis Renee Jasmin, Trinity College; Anna Kristina Seale, Liberty University; Thomas Sean Weiler, Norwich University.