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Isle of Wight Academy passed out diplomas Friday to 58 graduates — its largest class to date — including four valedictorians, one salutatorian and the most honor graduates ever.
“Everything about this class is the biggest,” said Joseph Whitley, assistant headmaster of the lower school and director of admission and development.
Valedictorian Erin Bertero gave out “notes” to her classmates that only they would understand, recalling drawing on each others arms, braiding hair, long talks, memories of sardines and riding the bus.
She ended her speech by quoting PresidentTheodore Roosevelt, who said, “It is not the critic that counts … the credit belongs to the man in the arena …”
Valedictorian Lindsey Cobble said she started at Isle of Wight Academy as a preschooler and “couldn’t wait to grow up.”
Coble said she would remember the family atmosphere of the school.
“Only at IWA can you find a cow field behind the soccer field and chickens in the courtyard.”
Valedictorian Shelbie Dashiell asked her classmates, “What is your purpose?”
The job of deciding that is left up to you, she said. ...(Subscribe!)
