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Just over 40 students, observing 40 years—that would be one way of summarizing the Saturday, June 9 commencement exercises at The Calverton School in Huntingtown. The juxtaposition of those numbers would not quite tell the whole story. The private Preschool through grade 12 school, which focuses on college preparation for its students, conducted its 40th annual commencement at Leitch Memorial Gymnasium. One student—Donghwa Han, who is planning to attend the University of California San Diego—graduated in absentia. Daniel Hildebrand, the school’s headmaster, explained the student had returned home to Korea.

“Calverton will be like home to you,” said 1972 graduate William Gray, whose daughter Paige, was among the 40 receiving diplomas. Gray, who was a member of Calverton’s first graduating class, called the commencement “a monumental day.”

Eight students addressed the audience, and shared reflections of the varied times each had spent at the school.

“Calverton gave us moments to shine,” said Jennifer Marie Hummel, who is headed to Marymount Manhattan College. Hummel stated that her involvement in the school’s theatrical curriculum has helped her view “teaching and directing as a career option.”

Other graduates spoke about the bonding of the Class of 2012.

“I feel loved by each of the individuals on this stage,” said Middlebury College-bound Brandon Marshall Greer.

“I see a group of marvelous people who will do marvelous things,” said Kendall Jordan Queen, who plans to attend the University of Maryland Baltimore County. “The Class of 2012 is a class of big people.”

Chantal Avanti Madray, bound for the University of Mary Washington, recalled her favorite classes and thanked individual teachers. She also recalled “our class trip to Mexico--not the country, the restaurant across the street.’

“I’ve loved every moment of this fabulous place,” said Amanda Elizabeth McAneny, class valedictorian, who will attend Wake Forest University. “Calverton made school fun and challenging.”

As would be expected, Hildebrand did the lion’s share of kvelling about the school’s 40th graduating class. “They are truly a remarkable, accomplished group,” he said, praising the class for “the collaborative tone they set.” Hildebrand pointed out the students excelled in the arts, drama and athletics as well as academics. The headmaster also marveled at the group’s collective record of community volunteerism.

Delegate Mark N. Fisher [R-District 27B] spoke briefly at the start of the ceremony, presenting legislative citations to the school’s retiring teachers and to graduate William Myers Hoffer III, who has opted to join the U.S. Marine Corps.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com