Seventeen students graduated from Salisbury Academy this year, bringing the total alumni of the school to more than 265 who have graduated since the first graduating class of 1998.

During the eighth-grade graduation ceremony at Salisbury Academy, Middle School Division Director Heather Coulter, who teaches seventh- and eighth-grade language arts, addressed each of the students individually, recognizing their personal achievements. Her speech was based upon the Robert Fulghum’s book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” Coulter reflected on each student’s personality and successes.

Art teacher Michelle Spieler presented the piece of art selected by the eighth-grade class as a gift to the school. Each year, artist Bob Timberlake donates a painting to the school, which is put on auction at the annual Kidsbloom Festival. The proceeds from that painting fund this eighth-grade project. The process allows the students to learn more about local art, provides an opportunity to work as a group to make the decision, and teaches responsibility to stay within the budget.

“This is such a great tradition, and the students look forward to it every year. They choose a piece they feel represents their class.” The class selected an original piece from local artist Clyde Overcash entitled, “Sea of Destiny.”

Valedictorian Ellen Simons addressed her class about her journey at Salisbury Academy, which began when she was a baby when her older brothers brought her to class as show and tell. Simons spoke about her fond memories of and appreciation for “inviting friends and supporting teachers.”

“I didn’t want to be known just as their sister, but I wanted to make my own mark here at Salisbury Academy,” she said. “My teachers played a huge role in helping me reach this goal. They let me blossom in my own way. I had several inspirational teachers that helped guide me to success,” she said.

Salutatorian Annabel Barr also addressed the audience about her experience at Salisbury Academy.

“We go on amazing field trips and our teachers are so dedicated to making sure we understand the topic that they will stay to help us until after dark,” she said. “We are like a family at Salisbury Academy, and the efficacy of the school is evident in the quality of the teachers and the accomplishments and confidence of the students.”

Bonnie Showfety received the Middle School Citizenship Award. The award is especially meaningful because every middle school student submits an essay on a selected candidate, describing the character traits qualifying that person for the award.

Annabel Barr will attend Cannon School; Isabella Almazan and Cheyenne Kober will attend Jesse C. Carson High School; Katie Leckonby and Bonnie Showfety will attend Gray Stone Day School; Sam Combs, Brittney Ervin, Lila Harry, Evan Hollingsworth, Zachary Johnson, Ryan Lutz, Carsyn Parrott, Harrison Parrott, Katie Pryor and Ellen Simons will attend Salisbury High School and Sarah Clifton and William Lutz will attend Rowan County Early College.