Class proved hard-working, ready to excel

Brunswick High School presented diplomas to 262 students during its graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. on June 9 at Farley Field House at Bowdoin College.

Class salutatorian Kaela Frank addressed her classmates, followed by class valedictorian Andrew Totman.

James Ashe, the superintendent of schools, and Bruce Cook, the principal, also addressed the crowd.

The senior choir sang "Stand As One," directed by Darren Avery.

On Monday, Cook said the graduation ceremony was well attended.

"The graduation went very well. It was an enjoyable evening," Cook said, reflecting on this year's senior class. "They were a hard-working group of students. They were strong in academics and strong in extracurricular activities. They have excelled in those areas. They performed well academically in a variety of subject areas. They have just done a very good job for us."

Cook feels the seniors are prepared for the next chapter in their lives.

"I hope they are feeling well prepared for what they want to do next in their lives. I hope they are ready. I feel that they are. I think our teachers have done a good job at preparing our students for the academic rigors they might be facing. They are also prepared for the rest through a combined effort by the school, the parents and community."

TOP OF THE CLASS

1. Andrew Totman is the son of Dana and Donna Totman of Brunswick. In the fall he will attend the University of Pennsylvania where his intended major will be Urban Studies. At Brunswick High School he has been active in the Student Government and served as Class Treasurer for the last two years, as well as Treasurer for the National Honor Society. Andrew has been a successful and active member of the BHS Soccer team earning All-Conference and All-Academic and serving as Team Captain during his senior year. He has also proven his athletic abilities on the Varsity Basketball Team by earning the title of KVAC Champions. During Andrew's junior year at Brunswick High School he earned the Yale Book Award, the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, the Kodak Young Leader's Award and he was a Dirigo Boy's State Delegate. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Andrew volunteers at the local food pantry, works at Thornton Oaks Retirement Community, is an avid hiker, a Cal Ripken Baseball Umpire, and works on the Immigration Legal Advocacy Project.

2. Kaela Frank is the daughter of Robert and Lynn Frank of Brunswick. She is planning to attend Davidson College following a year of study in Israel. Kaela has been an active member of the National Honor Society, her Student Government and the Young Judaea Program. Over the past couple years Kaela has made significant contributions to Brunswick High School through her athletic and academic abilities and her outstanding commitment to her community. She placed 2nd in the Regional I meter diving competition in 2005 as a member of the Regional Diving Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference All Conference Team. Kaela was presented with the Coach's Award for JV Lacrosse in 2004 and was a member of the Regional Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference All Academic Cross Country Team in 2005. Her abilities are well-rounded to include musical and artistic talents as well. In 2006, she was awarded the Regional Scholastic Art Silver Medal for her sculpture titled, "Haunting Images are Still a Lure". Community involvement is a high priority in Kaela's life. She worked diligently in 2004-2005 to re-establish the American Chestnut Tree on a nearby preserve. In a community wide event that she helped organize, she assisted over 200 elementary students and several high school students to accomplish this endeavor. Kaela enjoys art, photography, singing and dancing.

3. Graham Baecher is the son of Peter and Laura Baecher of Brunswick. This fall he will be attending Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire where he will explore infinite possibilities. He has been a member of the Math Team; as Co-Captain for the last two years. Graham has been an active, contributing participant on the BHS Tennis Team for four consecutive years. This year he was recognized as a National Merit Finalist. He is a National Honor Society member, an AP Scholar and was awarded the BHS Science Department Award at the 2005 Underclassmen Awards. Graham is a dedicated volunteer at the Curtis Memorial Library and has dedicated many hours to videotape the BHS Girl's Varsity Basketball games. He enjoys basketball, tennis, soccer, a challenging game of ultimate Frisbee and reading.

4. Alicia Davis is the daughter of Alan and Jody Davis of Brunswick. This fall she will be majoring in Chemical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Alicia has been inducted into the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society and the Social Studies Honor Society. Along her way she has received certificates of excellence from the Chemical Society of Washington and from the Sigma Delta Epsilon Chapter of Graduate Women in Science. In addition, she also took first place at one of her high school science fairs in Biochemisty. Alicia has contributed to BHS through her participation on the swim team, the math team, the peer tutoring program, the philosophy club and our band. Alicia is musically talented and gifted. She is an avid musician playing the flute, mellophone and French horn. She is an All-District Honors Band Inductee and the Vice President of the Band at BHS. Alicia thoroughly enjoys swimming, playing with the band, and anything musical.

5. Matthew Lea is the son of Peter Lea and Linda Oliver of Brunswick. This fall he will be attending Williams College in Massachusetts where he plans to major in Philosophy or Mathematics. Matt has excelled in multiple fields while at Brunswick High School. He is an honorary member of the National Honor Society, the Latin Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. This year Matt qualified as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. It is worthy to note that during his junior year he scored a 1600 on the SAT's. Matt has earned state and national recognition for his skills on both our Math Team and Speech & Debate Team. As a dedicated member of our swim team, Matt has earned recognition for his excellence in the Individual Medley event. Matt has volunteered his time at the Curtis Memorial Library, assisting them with many projects. Matt has explored beyond our curriculum at Brunswick High School by taking a Principles of Economics course at Bowdoin College. Throughout his academic achievements, Matt remains thoughtful and humble.

6. Erica Jacobs is the daughter of Robert Jacobs and Martha Simpson of Brunswick. She is planning to major in psychology this fall. Erica has been inducted into the National Honor Society and earned the Spanish II Honors Award. Her dedication to the Girl Scouts of America has played a large role in her life. This dedication assisted her in earning the Girl Scouts Gold Award. During Erica's junior year she was honorably recognized with the Middlebury College Book Award. Erica spends a majority of her free time volunteering. She assists with gardening and other activities at the Steven's Nursing Home. Erica's goals and highest hopes are to on day join the FBI as a Forensic Psychologist and to also join the Peace Corp. and volunteer in Central America. Erica enjoys gardening, all animals, the intrigue of forensics and all outdoor activities.

7. Julia Knowles is the daughter of John and Susie Knowles of West Bath. She is planning to major in Environmental Science and Policy in the fall. Julia is an active member in school activities as well as an active contributor to our community. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society and the Latin Honor Society. Julia has earned the recognition as a National Merit Finalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction honors. This year Julia is participating in the Outing Club, the Knitting Club, the Speech & Debate Team and Math Team. Athletically, Julia was involved with our Girl's Ice Hockey team; this year as their captain, Varsity Spring Track and Cross Country. For those who know Julia, the term "avid volunteer" is an obvious characteristic. Julia possesses a strong drive and dedication to helping others. She has recently volunteered to raise money for the Red Cross by assisting with the "Road to Rebuild" and "Volunteerism Night" benefits. Most recently Julia has been working on an "AIDS Orphanage in Kenya" project. She will be going there to further her efforts this July. Julia enjoys ultimate Frisbee, music, travel, and volunteerism.

8. Jason Davis is the son of Alan and Jody Davis of Brunswick. He will be attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado this fall. Jason plans to major in Engineering. He is a member of our newly formed Philosophy Club, an honored member of our National Honor Society and a four year member of our band program. Music has played an important role in Jason's life. He has had a four year commitment to our Wind Ensemble and Pep Bands. Awards Jason has received include All District Honor Band, the Rochester Institute of Technology Award, Cornell Book Award, Social Studies Department Award and the Music Honor Society Award. Jason has also participated in out swimming program, earning All District and Varsity Letter recognition. His ever eager thirst for knowledge sparked him to explore outside our traditional high school environment taking courses at Bowdoin College. Jason truly enjoys reading and Scuba diving.

9. Tyler Braun is the son of Mike and Robin Braun of Brunswick. This fall, Tyler will be attending the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State to major in Engineering. Tyler has been awarded a four-year Lockheed Martin National Merit Scholarship. At Brunswick High School he has been a member of our Math Team, Speech & Debate Team, the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society, and the Latin Honor Society. Tyler has received the Eagle Scout designation which is the pinnacle in scouting awards. Not only has he been active as an accomplished guitar player he has also hosted a radio show the last three years as a community DJ at nearby Bowdoin College. Tyler has been a contributing member of our Swim Team. This year he is the team Captain and is also a member of the YMCA swim team. In his spare time, Tyler enjoys volunteering, surfing, and sharing his musical wisdom over the airways at the college radio.

10. Samuel Woodworth is the son of Brad and Lib Woodworth of West Bath. Sam is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. He added to his academic experience by taking part in CITYterm at the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York during the fall of his Junior year. This experience not only pushed Sam academically, but through being able to utilize New York City's rich musical culture CITYterm also helped him expand his interest and knowledge of music. Sam is an extremely talented drummer and has been exposed to various genres of music. He is a member of the BHS Jazz Band and has played in the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. During several musicals at BHS, Sam has also been a member of the pit orchestra. Sam has been an active member of the band "Third Floor View". They have played together for the two years and have already recorded a record. Sam enjoys playing the drums, reading and writing poetry, playing golf with his brother, and playing with his band.

GRADUATES