PHOTOS: Class of 2010: Saying goodbye not easy for 56 graduates at Community School

NAPLES — For the 56 graduates of Community School of Naples, Friday marked the end of their schooling with the institution. But it’s not the end of their relationship with the school and “saying goodbye” may be their toughest task.

In his salutatory address, Adam Zhang reminded his fellow classmates to always remember the “connections, relationships, ties, and memories” binding them through their time together in high school.

He will be attending Bowdoin College in Maine, and will be remembered as one of the school’s best musicians. Also, he was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in June at its 2010 American High School Honor Performance Series.

Sacha Samotin, the valedictorian who will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, decided to take a different approach to the usual predictable speech. He reminded his classmates that they are currently living the American dream, and have been given an amazing “gift” by their parents thru the possibility to attend the Community School. He challenged them to “confront challenges, care for the community and choose compassion.”

Academic and nonacademic awards were also handed out before the presentation of diplomas. Ryan Roden-Corrent won the math award, Sarah Zion won the English award, Sacha Samotin won the history award, Stephanie Twellmeyer won the science award, and Frank Duffy won the world languages award. The Maxine Strayer Award, which is for a student who is exceptionally successful, passionate, caring and humble, went to Connor Timmins. The CSN Prize, which recognizes a well-rounded student who represents the school in a number of good ways, went to Victoria Barner.

Eric Miles, Dean of Students for the Upper School, said he will always remember this class not because he taught them as freshman, but because they are a group of “highly talented students full of individual standouts.”

They will most certainly remember him, as well as the other teachers and coaches at the school.

Close friends Paige Allen, who will be attending the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, and Ally Altman, who will be attending the University of Miami, both showed their sentimental and caring sides, as they got ready to line up.

“I can no longer say I’m a high schooler… it’s very overwhelming,” said Allen. Altman, who has been at the school since 2nd grade, said “saying goodbye” will be the hardest part.

High school graduation is the one last time for an entire class to be together; “all good things reach their peak and come together” on graduation night, said Twellmeyer, who will be attending the University of Chicago.

Jacqueline McCormick, the Head of Upper School, summed up graduation by quoting Star Trek. She challenged the graduating class to “live long and prosper.”