SALEM — Mt. Abram’s top two students academically in the Class of 2015 are grateful to have earned a place in the school’s history with their accomplishments.

“It was exciting to know that the hard work from these past 13 years at SAD 58 had paid off,” said valedictorian Reilly Romanoski, of Strong, of learning she was the top ranked student in this year’s senior class.

“I was kind of taken aback,” said salutatorian Jacey Davenport, of Kingfield. “My freshman year, I tried to get A’s. Never did I think I’d get in the top five, even.”

Both students credited their teachers for encouraging them to do their best in school.

“I think they’re the sole reason I was able to do well at Mt. Abram,” said Reilly. She pointed out that getting one on one help with her schoolwork from the teachers was particularly beneficial.

“They are the biggest help. They are our compasses,” said Jacey.

Reilly is attending the University of Maine at Orono to major in biology, with a minor in pre-med.

“I think my experiences the last four years have helped me appreciate the living world around me,” she said. Reilly said that from her classwork to her trip to Costa Rica, she has been able to expand her academic horizons tremendously.

Jacey will also be attending UMaine, and will major in nursing.

“My grandfather was sick this past fall,” she recalled. “When the nurse would come we would create a really good bond. That made up my mind for me.”

The two students were involved in a plethora of activities in and out of school. Reilly took part on the Roadrunners’ Nordic ski team for four years, participated in fall cross-country and spring track at different times during high school, and was a member of the Student Council all four years.

For the past two years, she has been the class president, and is also president of the French Club. Also, she is a member of the Girls’ Book Club and the National Honor Society.

Outside of school, Reilly just completed her 9th year of dance at the Broadway Academy of Dance and has taken part in a community theater program. She volunteers at a nursing home, helped out at the winter Special Olympics with Mt. Abram’s ski team, and helped with the district’s summer lunch program.

“Anything outdoors I love, anything adventurous, whether it’s hiking, going for a run, or swimming or kayaking,” said Reilly.

Jacey has played softball at Mt. Abram for four years, was a member of the soccer team her freshman and sophomore years, and played basketball during her freshman and senior years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, has volunteered at the Sugarloaf Marathon, and this past summer, worked 70 hours per week to save money for school.

“I like camping a lot,” said Jacey. She also enjoys hunting and truck pulls.

When asked what she would miss most about Mt. Abram, Reilly responded, “the support you have from absolutely everyone.” Jacey said she would miss, “the bonds we’ve created being such a tight-knit school.”

As for their advice for the underclassmen?

Reilly said, “To enjoy these years, to try their hardest at academics, but to never lose sight of how important it is to make memories that will last the rest of their lives.”

Jacey urged the underclassmen “to not take these four years for granted and to stay as involved and engaged as possible.”

Reilly is the daughter of Diana and Vernon Romanoski. Jacey is the daughter of Brent and Bonnie Davenport.