By CRISTINE MEIXNER

Express Editor

SPECULATOR - Superintendent of Schools Ernest Virgil opened Thursday’s graduation ceremony at Lake Pleasant Central School with laughter when he made the annual “Mr. Virgil Awards.”

Seth Weaver, whom Virgil said was astounded at the $5 tab for a bottle of Coke at a professional baseball game in New York City, got a bottle of Coke.

“Matt Michienzi went to the prom and got a concussion,” Virgil said, before handing him a helmet.

The 11 graduates are Abigail Bobbette, Jocelyn Foster, Elijah Hill, Travis Hood, Caitlyn Mattice, Breanna Mayer, Matthew Michienzi, Daniel Page, Johnny Page Jr., Jessica Rhodes and Seth Weaver.

VALEDICTORY

Valedictorian Jessica Rhodes compared her classmates “and leaders” to characters in “Little Pilgrims Progress,” one of her favorite books.

Steadfast, she said, “reminded me of Caitlyn because she is always consistent and I know who she is. Another character was Hopeful, who reminded me of Jozzy because she is always happy even when she is having a bad day.

“Patience reminded me of Seth because he takes his careful time to accomplish tasks. Johnny was Little Faith who persevered and, with his hidden strengths, made it to the Great City.

“Goodwill reminded me of Abby and Breanna because they are always outgoing. Daniel, Matt and Elijah were the three shepherds (stooges!) because they are helpful.

“There was an illustration of someone called strawpicker. He reminded me of Travis because the strawpicker’s hair was so long it got him into trouble.

“Then there was Great Heart, who was dispatched to help a little band of children to the Great City. That reminded me of [science teacher] Mrs. Lauria.”

MUCH MORE

Salutatorian Breanna Mayer said she will miss her teachers, “who know how to make any subject fun.”

A rousing rendition of “Sabre Dance” by the school band preceded a screening of the Video Yearbook.

Chelsea Kennedy won the Town Logo Contest. The Town of Lake Pleasant Bicentennial Committee chose her entry as the town logo for its bicentennial celebration next year.

AWARDS

Babe Ruth Awards: Seth Weaver and Abby Bobbette.

Barbara Simons Award: Abby Bobbette.

Citizenship Award: Matt Michienzi.

Computer 9 (Geek) Award: Breanna Mayer and Matt Michienzi.

DDP Award (Effort and Work Ethic): Caitlyn Mattice.

Directors Awards: Johnny Page.

Dorthea Pelcher Award: Jessica Rhodes.

Edith & Stanley Schoonmaker Humanitarian Award: Seth Weaver.

Friends of the Lake Pleasant Library Reading Award: Breanna Mayer.

Jim Buyce Memorial Award: Jocelyn Foster.

John E. Brewer Jr. Memorial Award: Matt Michienzi and Seth Weaver (tie).

Lake Pleasant Central School Scholarship: Lara Jensen.

Lake Pleasant Sacandaga Scholarship: Jacob Smith.

Linda Lavigne Excellence In Math Award: Breanna Mayer.

John H. & Laurie Andrews Awards for Most Improved: Caitlyn Mattice (girl) and Elijah Hill (boy).

Most Improved (Social Studies 9): Seth Weaver.

Music (Band & Chorus) Awards: Jocelyn Foster, Abby Bobbette, Daniel Page, Seth Weaver.

Music (Chorus) Awards: Caitlyn Mattice, Breanna Mayer.

Music (Band) Award: Jessica Rhodes.

MVP Band & Chorus Award: Daniel Page.

NBT Bank Award: Jessica Rhodes.

Pastor Snider Award: Seth Weaver.

Presidential Achievement Award: Abby Bobbette, Matt Michienzi.

Presidential Award of Excellence: Jessica Rhodes, Breanna Mayer.

Science Medals: Gold, Jessica Rhodes; Silver, Matt Michienzi; Bronze, Abby Bobbette.

Thomas H. Dorr Award: Seth Weaver.

Twigs Healthcare Scholarship: Kayla Page.

HIGHEST AVERAGES

Career & Financial Management: Abby Bobbette, Jessica Rhodes.

Earth Science: Jessica Rhodes.

English 9: Jessica Rhodes.

Physical Education: Abigail Bobbette, Seth Weaver.

Social Studies 9: Breanna Mayer, Jessica Rhodes.

Design & Drawing for Production: Matthew Michienzi, Seth Weaver.

Spanish I: Matt Michienzi, Jessica Rhodes.

Spanish II: Breanna Mayer.

TOP REGENTS GRADES

Earth Science: Jessica Rhodes.

Geometry: Breanna Mayer.

Integrated Algebra: Seth Weaver.