Ten Edgecomb Eddy sixth graders said farewell to elementary school on Tuesday. They are the school’s 2018 graduating class. This year’s graduates are Aliyah Bowley, Piper Carleton, Catherine Clifford, Edison Edgecomb, William Clifford, Mattias Fanslau, Finn Gaffney, Emily Gosselin, Luke Morley and Catherine Thyen.

First-year Principal Ira Michaud told the graduates how much he’s seen them grow and the potential they all have. He also used the words of Albert Einstein to inspire their futures. “You have the potential to impact the world and inspire us. Learning is not the product of learning, but a lifelong journey in acquiring it,” he said.

The graduates also received gifts from their younger peers. Pre-kindergarten teacher Cindy Casey’s class made stuffed wise owls. Dawn Garey’s kindergarten and first grade class made a model birdhouse in remembrance of how the graduating class made three in her room four years ago. Sarah Currier’s second and third grade class made confetti poppers packed with special graduation messages about remembering their past and thinking about their future. Nancy Rose’s fourth grade class made mortarboard hats symbolizing a tradition dating back to Medieval times. Allison Crocker’s fifth grade class made personalized candles for each graduate. And guidance counselor Haley Bezon continued a tradition of giving a collection of rocks to each graduate. “For 30 years, the guidance counselor has presented the graduates with rocks which symbolize the foundation of the school building and your education here,” she said.

Crocker and teacher Julie Browne also presented Catherine Clifford with the school’s academic award. Her teachers described her as an outstanding student who also scored high in standardized national tests. Clifford scored consistently in the 95th percentile in the Northwest Educational Assessment test in language arts usage, reading and mathematics. She also achieved “well-above” state expectations in reading, writing and mathematics for Maine Educational Assessment testing.

“She always strives to be the best student she can be,” said Browne. “She has natural mathematics ability and her curiosity and outstanding work ethic make her an outstanding learner. She puts in the work to learn something new and is anxious to share it with others.”

The Sara Leone Citizenship Award went to Piper Carleton. The award is in remembrance of Leone who was a top student, outstanding athlete and natural leader. The school staff selects a worthy sixth grade graduate each year who exemplifies Leone’s spirit.