At Cornwall, 13 grads raise arms, reach for the skies

CORNWALL — “I’ve waited nine years for this, let’s go!�

The plea from one Cornwall Consolidated School student on the verge of being an alumnus following the June 15 graduation ceremony was more about nerves than impatience.

Thirteen eighth-graders lined up in blue caps and gowns on an evening with skies sunny enough to match the tone of the day.

Student speakers Jenna Vanicky and Carl Hurlburt each used an interesting analogy to describe their years at the school.

Jenna compared experiences in each grade here to a roller coaster ride. She ended with that last remarkable year and looking ahead to high school: “We throw our hands in the air as we take the biggest plunge of our lives.�

Carl compared Cornwall Consolidated to a zoo, where each grade brought a different species, from koalas in kindergarten to lion kings and queens of the jungle. He listed all the teachers and school staff that have prepared them for “entering the wild� of high school.

“To everyone who has made this night possible, wish us luck and few predators.�

Guest speaker and CCS graduate Winfield Wilson, an environmental law student, spoke of working as an intern for a man nicknamed “Braveheart,� for his somewhat aggressive nature and former shaggy hairdo (in the style of Mel Gibson in the film of that name). He spoke of diligence and realizing that sometimes you have to be a foot soldier.

His advice: “Honor and love Cornwall. Let its spirit reward and carry you through each moment of your life.�

The CCS Volunteer of the Year Award went to Sally Hart, who has been a fixture at the school since 1969. She began as a kindergarten aide and later became the librarian. She stills comes in most days to help students with their work and to read to them. She has made an indelible mark there for her patience, for her molasses cookies, for choosing books that tie in with student studies and for the way she makes stories come alive.

Cornwall Consolidated School

Class of 2010

Sabrina Ria Brashares

Zachary Thomas Bushy

Autumn Skye Classey

Patrick Martin Curry

Anna Elisabeth Geyselaers

Thomas James Hatcher

Carl R. Hurlburt

Heather Lynn Kearns

Katelyn Kearns

Benjamin Hardee Nicholas

Chloe Ocain

Jeremy Rayce Stiewing

Jenna Marie Vanicky

Awards

Civic Club Awards

Art, Autumn Sye Classey

Music, Chloe Ocain

Physical Education, Anna Elisabeth Geyselaers, Heather Lynn Keams, Benjamin Hardee Nicholas and Jeremy Rayce Stiewing

English

Mark Van Doren: Autumn Skye Classey (Best writer, in honor of local poet of national fame, Mark Van Doren)

Edna Peet: Sabrina Ria Brashares (Most improved in the area of writing)

Susan DelGrego Award: Patrick Martin Curry (Most improved in the area of reading)

Social Studies: Thomas James Hatcher

History: Benjamin Hardee Nicholas

Science: Heather Lynn Kearns

World Language: Zachary Thomas Bushy

Math

Algebra: Chloe Ocain

Grade 8 Math: Katelyn Kearns

Citizenship Award: Sabrina Ria Brashares

Dorothy Herman Memorial Award: Katelyn Kearns

Outstanding Academic Achievement: Chloe Ocain

Volunteer Award: Sally Hart

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