MONMOUTH – Family and friends gathered in the sweltering Monmouth Academy gymnasium Sunday as the school said goodbye to the Class of 2007.

Graduates dressed and maroon and white fanned themselves vigorously on stage while behind them, a banner declared this year’s class as the “Crme de la crme.” The creamy and bilingual Class of 2007 saw 63 graduates awarded their diplomas.

Honor speaker Scott Turcotte admitted to his fears in front of the crowd, recognizing that graduation can be just as scary as rewarding. “As inspirational as today is supposed to be, going into the real world, that’s scary stuff.”

Turcotte recognized that he and his classmates are not wholly unprepared for what lies ahead. “It’s a big scary world out there, but we are not going into it unarmed. If nothing else, we can use our diplomas to cause paper cuts.”

Samantha Fairchild offered her wisdom of all things Monmouth Academy in the form of an informative “Monmouth Academy for Dummies” speech in an attempt to educate future classes on the ins and outs of the school.

Fairchild executed one trick she had learned in her time at Monmouth by ending her speech with a quote, a trick that she had picked up in a public speaking class. “The strongest and sweetest songs have yet to be sung,” she quoted from Walt Whitman, wishing her classmates good luck in the world beyond Monmouth.

First honor speaker Stephany Perkins broke some tough news to her classmates. “I know you were all looking forward to a break, even just for the summer, but your learning will never stop,” she told them.

Faced with the daunting task of coming up with one nugget of universal wisdom for her fellow graduates, Perkins admitted she was not up for the task. “Not one person’s advice could pertain to all of you.”

“One way to find your path is to experience it yourself,” Perkins advised.

As is tradition at Monmouth Academy, the graduates took the chance to thank those who had helped them reach this milestone. The seniors filed off stage and into the crowd, distributing flowers to family, friends, and beloved teachers.

The Class of 2007 had excelled in the Academic Decathlon and Future Business Leaders, placing among the top in the state for years running.

Superintendent Stephen Cottrell honored Monmouth School Board Chairman David Walker for his commitment and contributions to the Monmouth school system.

Stephany Perkins bid farewell to the students with whom she had shared countless lunches, recesses, and class periods. “Class of 2007, go out and have fun living and learning.”