“The Hyde Diploma states that this individual has demonstrated a commitment to live her life according to standards of personal excellence,” says Hyde teacher Claire Grant. “The designation of Honors at Hyde School recognizes seniors who have gone ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ - earning the Hyde diploma with honors as well as setting a consistent example of leadership and personal growth. Each of these three young women have contributed immensely to the Hyde community this year and serve as strong role models of character and personal growth.”

All three of the graduates were born and grew up in the Bath area. Caroline and Brittney began their academic careers at the Bath Middle School before moving on to pursue an education at Hyde School. Along with graduating with honors, Caroline Gauld was presented with the Fleming Award and Brittney Hardin was presented with the Academic Triangle Award.

These three seniors plan to move on to college next fall: Gauld will attend Bowdoin, Hardin will attend North Carolina State University, and MacMillan will attend George Washington University.

The Hyde School approach to education has been developed since 1966 at the Hyde boarding campuses in Bath, Maine, and Woodstock, Connecticut, and through public school initiatives in New Haven, Connecticut, Washington, DC, and Bronx, New York. The organization, based in Bath, also includes national parenting workshops and wilderness experiences.

Ninety eight percent of Hyde School graduates are accepted to four-year colleges.

To learn more about Hyde Schools, its summer programs, and parenting and teen workshops, log on to www.hyde.edu. For more information about this event, contact Laura Lokitis at 207-443-7111; llokitis@hyde.edu.

Hyde-Bath 2010 Graduates assemble in the sunken garden of the Bath, Maine campus.

Bath, ME-Hyde School, a national leader in family-based character education, held its 44th Commencement on Saturday, May 29th in the sunken garden of the Bath, Maine campus. Presenting diplomas at the event were Hyde Chairman of the Board of Governors Jeff Black, Executive Director Laura Gauld, and Hyde founder Joseph Gauld.

There were 43 Hyde-Bath 2010 graduates. They are: Olivia Chance, Won Ho Chang, Kurt Walter Chessman, Zoë Linda Dorian, Jessica Sarah Drymer, Jheanelle Sarah Duhaney, Nicolás Eceizabarrena Figueroa, Erin Rose Fonseca, Mariel Veronica Frost, Caroline Warren Gauld, Barbara Camille Gimbel, Logan James Patrick Grubbs, Brittany Nicole Hardin, Brittney Michelle Harris, Nicolus Alexander Hartley, Julia Rose Herman, Michael Ingalls, Caroline Grace Jackson, Dexter Lockhart Jenks, Richard Idaho Ketcham, Liao Haitong, Luke Austin Locatell, Hannah Thayer MacMillan, Sol Ganesh Melendy, Alexander Christopher Merkin, Jake Takaya Morrow, Alexander Michael Needham, Hailun Ni, Maeve Hope O’Sullivan, Zachary Selden Paul Pfosi, Robin Platte, Kenton Powell, Hannah Danielle Rhea, Bradley Jeff Samuels, Matthew Ryan Seiple, Cole Benjamin Shapiro, Harrison W. Smith, Jessica Ann Smith, Cody Jack Vickery, Shannon Michelle Vize, Maxwell John Warchol, Tierra Symone Williams, and Tyler James Works.

Senior Zoe Dorian

Forty graduates delivered speeches, continuing a time-honored Hyde tradition. Many shared with the audience how their personal values were nurtured and strengthened at Hyde. As senior Zoë Dorian noted, “Not being able to quit has carried over into many aspects of my life. Whether it was on the wrestling mat holding a back bridge for six minutes and not giving up the pin, or refusing to let a friend lose sight of their best, my tenacity has always been a driving force.” And as graduate Kenton Powell observed, “On the football field, I got to test my courage and leadership. I was also able to test my curiosity in the classroom.  Hyde School gave me the tool belt to wear and collect all of my tools, so that I can carry them with me for the hard work I have in front of me.”

Kenton Powell

Traditionally, parents, family members, and friends of Hyde graduates stand in the audience during their student’s speech to honor the character and leadership growth of the student and family.

“The senior year at Hyde is very special.  Along with the usual academic expectations that come with attending a college preparatory school, the seniors are also expected to provide leadership in various areas, challenge themselves on the athletic field and in the performing arts theater, and then finish their year with an intensive period of self-reflection to evaluate their character and conscience.  The faculty is proud of what the students have learned and accomplished this year individually and collectively,” states Head of School Don MacMillan.

The closing speaker for the event was Hyde-Bath Government teacher and Senior Curriculum Advisor Claire Grant ‘75, who observed, “All of your speeches today spoke to the transformation you and your families have experienced. You value the obstacles you have faced and have learned that you have the strength to persevere through tough times.” Grant ended her speech by highlighting qualities of character unique to each of the 2010 graduates, and added, “Don’t short-change the world with who you are and what you have to offer.”

The Hyde School approach to education has been developed since 1966 at the Hyde boarding campuses in Bath, Maine, and Woodstock, Connecticut, and through public school initiatives in New Haven, Connecticut, Washington, DC, and Bronx, New York. The organization, based in Bath, also includes national parenting workshops and wilderness experiences. Ninety eight percent of Hyde School graduates are accepted to four-year colleges.

To learn more about Hyde Schools, its summer programs, and parenting and teen workshops, log on to Hyde.edu.

For more information about this event, contact Laura Lokitis at 207-443-7111; llokitis@hyde.edu.