HEBRON – Fifty-eight seniors in a small, yet powerful class took their first steps into the world on Saturday morning as Hebron Academy graduates and post-graduates.

Head of School John J. King marveled at the diverse group’s achievements through his commencement speech and later while bestowing awards.

“You fostered growth and change at Hebron Academy,” King said. “You made a difference and showed you cared about your school in the way you handled yourselves, pursued your goals, and enjoyed each other.”

Afterward, King said the class had more depth, breadth, differences, strong character and leadership than other classes in the past.

King said the class adapted to many changes during the school year, like a new dress code and completion of new buildings like the $14 million Athletic Center in which Saturday’s ceremony was held.

“They took on all these challenges at the school and they did a great thing for this school,” King said.

The class also fielded the No. 1 mathematics team in the state, and did “quite well” in the New England mathematics championships in March, King said.

Additionally, six students qualified for the national competition to be held within a few weeks at Penn State University in Pennsylvania.

“This class was quality as opposed to quantity,” he said. “They were power in excess of their numbers.”

Class president Elijah M. Hughes and vice president Claire E. Cummings echoed King’s accolades in their graduation message, the academy’s first ever duologue.

“Our tight-knit group is worth more than our collective competence in many disciplines,” Hughes said.

“During our time at Hebron, we have found that interests require dedication and tenacity,” Cummings said. “Each new experience is a seed which we plant, hoping that in time, success will blossom.”

One such blossom came a bit later when King awarded to Cummings the coveted Hebron Academy Cup trophy.

It is given to a senior who in the opinion of the faculty, represents the finest spirit of scholastic effort and who has shown a high degree of excellence in athletic competition. Additional merits include a commendable spirit of devotion, high ideals, friendliness, endeavor and responsibility.

Hughes said the class goal was driven not by a single pursuit, but rather by a strong desire to establish firm ground in multiple disciplines.

“We are two speakers working together in an attempt to best represent the diversity of this class,” he said.

“Far from the notion of wallowing in mediocrity, these people flourish in exceptionality, independently and as part of the group,” Cummings said to the crowd and classmates.

“And, today we mark that achievement. Congratulations!”