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Congratulations Class of 2008
Bridgton Academy honored the achievements of our Bicentennial Class, the Class of 2008, in an award ceremony on Friday, May 9th, and during the Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10th. Each year, the faculty meets as a group to nominate, discuss, and vote for students to receive roughly 29 awards, in what is usually a day-long session due to the number of qualified candidates. The awards are given in three main categories: faculty awards, academic awards, and athletic awards. --See the award descriptions, winners, and photos
Friday evening began with a "meet and greet" gathering of the BA staff and the parents and families of this year's graduating class. During the pre-award festivities, hors d'oeuvres were served during a fund raising photo sale. Throughout the year, candid shots of each BA Wolverine athletic team were photographed by Kevin Rouleau, a professional photographer, and the students' families were given the opportunity to purchase these prints, which captured the Class of 2008 in action. Gerard Bolten P '97 from Sports Shots photographed the BA Lacrosse team during their game at West Point and donated individual and team photos in support of our fundraiser also.
Another popular event that evening was a raffle ? the funds from which were designated to BA's Annual Fund. Congratulations to the following raffle winners: Dan Locke '08, Gregory Kozuhowski P'08, Kraig Haynes '78, and BA's school nurse Leeann Hatch. Special thanks are in order for those who supported the raffle, and also for the generous donors who donated two of the raffle prizes: four Red Sox tickets, donated by Trustee Dean Harrington '64, and a Boston Harbor Cruise, donated by Conti Coluntino '83.
Commencement began with an invocation by Anthony Epps of Norwalk, CT, followed by the Headmaster's welcome. Two of this year's three valedictorians addressed the nearly 600 attendees: Francis M. Archibald of Rye, NY (United States Naval Academy), and James Louis Burrell IV of Richmond, VA (Columbia University).
Following the recessional, students, families, friends, and the faculty gathered outside the ice arena to say their final goodbyes, and to offer to the graduates their praise and a much deserved congratulations.
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Headmaster David Hursty's "no" rain dance paid off, as Bridgton Academy welcomed parents, family, friends, trustees, and alumni on Saturday, May 10th, with ample sun and bright blue skies. It was a day of reflection, excitement, and bittersweet goodbyes. 
Following these heartfelt valedictory addresses, Ian Bamford of Blue Hill, ME, offered a comical, yet metaphorically reflective and inspiring speech as the class speaker chosen by the faculty. As was the case with every formal event this school year, Ian touted his famed kilt in recognition of his Scottish heritage.
Additional achievement awards were presented to thirteen students during the Commencement ceremony. Although each award carries its own significance and interesting story behind its endowment --see awards, the Spooner Award is widely regarded as the highest honor awarded by the faculty. This year, the faculty bestowed this honor on valedictorian James Louis Burrell IV.
Following the presentation of awards, the Class of 2008 marched proudly across the stage to receive their diplomas and shake the hands of David Hursty, Headmaster, and Kevin Hancock, President of the Board of Trustees. In his last Commencement address prior to his retirement, Headmaster Hursty delivered an aphoristic speech to guide the new BA alumni in their journey beyond North Bridgton; the benediction was given by Thomas Nelson of Staunton, VA. 
2008 Parent Fund Challenge Met!! 
