MONMOUTH — The 37 members of the class of 2012 at Monmouth Academy were praised as a close-knit team at the school’s 208th graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon.

“My class has more layers than I dare to count,” McKenzie Kelley, fourth honor speaker, told a crowd of several hundred parents, relatives and friends gathered in the school gymnasium. “My class is stuck together. We’re small but mighty.”

Additional Photos

Monmouth Academy seniors chant "small but mighty" with principal Richard Amero Sunday before graduation excercises at the Monmouth school. Staff photo by Andy Molloy

Monmouth Academy was founded in 1803, and its first graduation was held in 1804. On Sunday, boys wore maroon caps and gowns while girls wore white caps and gowns.

Part of the ceremony was the traditional giving of red roses to mothers and female loved ones and white carnations to fathers and male loved ones by all the seniors.

“We have hard shells,” Kelley said, “so hard, you might say we have only one shell. Over the years, we’ve become closer and closer. My class has made my high school years unforgettable. We will continue to see each other after graduation, so see you later, class of 2012.”

The daughter of Chris and Lucie Kelley, she will attend the University of Maine at Farmington and major in secondary English education.

Principal Rick Amero also spoke of the outstanding nature of the class. “It takes a team effort, and I want to thank each and every one of you. You’ve been on a journey for these last 10 to 12 years. I’ve known many of you since you were in first or second grade.”

“It’s been an absolute pleasure being your coach, teacher, athletic director and now, principal,” Amero said.

In an interview several days before graduation, Amero said, “It’s always important to have a senior class that sets a tone for the whole school. They’ve been wonderful leaders for the school.”

Amero, who is completing his first year as principal at the school, said the Monmouth seniors spent many hours working as volunteers in the community.

Valedictorian Kristine Kahl said in her address, “I hope that whenever anyone tells you that you can’t do something because you’re too big, you’re too small, you’re too dumb, or you’re too smart, that you can just smile and walk away, because no one can ever tell you anything about yourself. You can do anything. You can do all of it.”

The daughter of Robert and Danielle Kahl, she has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where she plans to major in environmental science.

Matthew Bryant, the third honor speaker, drew most of his speech from his experience as a runner. “Running has been an essential part of my life,” he said. “Many of the things I have learned about myself have been through running. We grow as people by pushing the envelope. Running is a wonderful experience.”

The son of Christopher and Kathryn Bryant, he will attend Carnegie Mellon University and major in computer science.

Salutatorian Cameron Copeland said he and his fellow students had spent the happiest days of their lives attending Monmouth Academy. The son of Sherry and Shawn Copeland, he plans to attend Colby College and spend his first college semester studying in France.

Kent Ackley, a Monmouth Academy graduate who went on to graduate from Brown University, played a violin solo and later accompanied the Monmouth Academy Chorus. The Monmouth Academy Concert Band also played several pieces, including “Monmouth Overture,” by Michael Sweeney.

Related Stories