School: Marine Science Magnet High School in Groton

Number of graduates: 59

Ceremony location: Garde Arts Center in New London

Date: Thursday, June 8

Student council president: Sham Qarqour: “The world we live in is plagued with dangers: disease, war, global warming, acne. Despite all the odds, we still managed to graduate. Let’s keep in mind that many of our leaders and heroes started their lives as average people, just like one of us. We are going to fail sometimes and we are going to make mistakes, and sometimes we are going to be average. But average people can achieve greatness whether recognized by the world or just a few. Remember that to leave a legacy or achieve greatness is not to have money or recognition. It’s to leave those with whom we cross paths with a little more hope and happiness.”

Valedictorian: Daria Colbath: “We’re not perfect. But that’s what I love about our class. We’re not just some cookie-cutter students that ‘follow the rules of tug of war.’ We forge our own paths, and we each have our own unique passions that will make us a wildly successful class. Whether it’s Noah getting his commercial pilot’s license, Shae and Morgan becoming nurses, or Alice earning her actuarial science degree (whatever that is), I see bright futures for all of you.”

Student speaker: Dylan Flack: “We are at a point in our lives where others will try to define what success means for us. Don’t let them. There are real people beyond these doors who are waiting for someone with the talents that we already have to come into their lives. Our life’s work should be finding who they are, and discovering which of our talents will help them the most. And by doing so, the rewards that come from a life of giving will far exceed anything that money can buy.”

Class president: Gabriel Brooks: “After spending the last four years with these 60 or so kids, I can honestly say in the most corny way possible that we have built a family. We are connected through what we built and the experiences we have shared here at MSMHS. Whether it was in our morning advisories or all together during class-wide events, we have all made a lasting impact on each other’s lives.”

Class gift: Popcorn machine to be used for school events