The Countdown to Commencement

By Michelle Cross

The Final Weekend

The final full weekend before Commencement is always an “Academy Weekend,” meaning students are expected to stay on campus rather than being able to travel home as is the case for the majority of the year. With the entire class staying here in North Bridgton, a variety of fun activities offered abundant opportunities for them to strengthen the bonds they have formed throughout the year. Low-key events consisted of a bonfire and outdoor movie, watching the baseball team’s doubleheader game, enjoying Saturday evening’s barbecue in the center of lower campus, and even sipping espresso brewed up by our own Mr. Custer. For those who desired a bit more action, there was a trip to a nearby shooting range, paintball in the woods behind the Academy’s athletic fields, and the giant inflatables that were set up Sunday afternoon.

One particularly memorable experience was the 302 Ice Cream Challenge, which consisted of students sampling a small-sized frozen treat at every one of the six ice cream establishments on Route 302 from Bridgton to Windham. That’s 25 miles of ice cream enjoyment and not an event for those whose stomachs fill up quickly! After a burgereating tiebreaker, Ryan Peters was declared the champion in this year’s challenge.

Students and faculty alike participated in the Black and Grey 5K Race on Sunday morning. Although the course was described as rather grueling, many chose to run in support of the Kennedy Park Football Club, a Portland-based organization that empowers its players and provides aspiring prospects with opportunities to play pick-up soccer.

It was definitely a weekend to remember!

College Counseling Celebration

On the final day of classes this year, students were invited to wear a sweatshirt or tee from their favorite college, which for most, was where they will be attending in the fall. Faculty took part in showing off their favorite university apparel as well. A College Counseling Celebration topped the day off, complete with a visit from the ice cream truck to provide a sweet treat to mark the end of a successful year.

Awards Assembly

As the academic year comes to a close each May, it is rewarding to learn about the outstanding work that takes place in the classrooms. The day before final exams began, students and faculty gathered in Chalmers Ice Arena for the Second Semester Awards Assembly. Awards were given in each class to a student who had excelled in that particular subject, whether through the highest grade, the best work ethic, or even in some cases to a young man who demonstrated the most improvement.

In addition to students who were honored for their academic excellence during the assembly, some of the Commencement Awards were also given at this time. That portion of the assembly was live-streamed, allowing families of the soonto-be graduates to be part of it from afar. A job well done to all of the young men who received recognition for their achievements!

Sylvester Spelling Bee

After a two-year hiatus, it was great fun to have the annual Sylvester Spelling Bee, hosted by Coach Whit Lesure, in the line-up of the week’s events. The riveting

spelldown opened with Coach’s very own rhyming rap-style poem as eight contestants took the stage, each hoping to be crowned the victor. It did not take long before only two students remained; however, Craddock Bridge proved that no one could compete with his superb spelling ability. After correctly spelling his opponent’s misspelled word, Craddock quickly rattled off “obsequious” and was pronounced the winner of the 2022 Spelling Bee.

Brown Public Speaking Contest

Although only two brave Wolverines entered the Brown Public Speaking Contest, deciding who gave the best speech was not an easy task for the judges. Both Sebastian Soltes and Sam Bonder wowed the audience with their oratories, each presented in their own unique style. As there could only be one winner, Sam Bonder took home the prize for the Brown Public Speaking Contest this spring.

Brown Essay Contest

The Brown Essay Contest offers the chance for students to present themselves in written format, often sharing stories or insights about themselves that perhaps would not otherwise be revealed. For those who chose to enter the contest, they were provided with this writing prompt, “When faced with a moment of unexpected change, how did you respond? How has it influenced your approach to uncertainty?” After a full year of instruction from teachers who challenged them, the students who entered truly rose to the occasion of presenting their responses. The graduate who penned the winning response in the Brown Essay Contest was announced during the Commencement ceremony, and our congratulations goes to Evan Reed for his outstanding work!

Corey Smith 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

The Corey Smith 3-on-3 continued to be a commencement week favorite. This year’s single-elimination tournament was composed of 32 teams, a total of 96 participants. Aaron Izaryk, Director of Athletics, shares, “It is always impressive to see the athleticism that is on display, and the Class of 2022 showed up and showed up often to watch.” While it’s not “a tradition unlike any other,” the Corey Smith 3-on-3 Tournament is a cornerstone of the end of year events that Bridgton Academy students not only look forward to, but look back on as alumni. Izaryk further reflects, “Watching the tournament run that is held in honor of Corey Smith ’88 is an incredible experience, along with the camaraderie that it creates.” The team that called themselves “The High Steppers,” comprised of Coach Paris Horne ‘07, Melvin Kolenovic, Mateo Esmeraldo, and Elynn Houston walked away with the trophy this year. BA