Records, awards and achievements among Class of 2014's success

Cape Henlopen High School's Class of 2014 had talent and its June 3 commencement ceremony was all about honoring their achievements.

“You are truly a talented and record setting group,” said Principal Brian Donahue, to the 281 graduating seniors who gathered one last time as high school students.

Whether it was music, theater, JROTC, Future Farmers of America, academics, sports or volunteer services, Donahue said, Cape seniors excelled in everything they did.

Superintendent Robert Fulton proudly announced that 85 percent of the Class of 2014 are going to college or the military. Those students also earned more than $4 million in scholarship money – double the amount of previous years, he said. Over the years, the class scored highest or among the state's best for test scores.

“The Class of 2014 has definitely set a new standard at Cape because you are leaders not followers,” he said.

Fulton challenged students to take the same leadership skills they learned in high school and apply them in college.

Class President Matthew Kane was thankful for lifelong friendships he has made while at Cape, and remembered some who are no longer with us.

“Never forget our beloved friend and classmate Christina Adkins,” he said. Christina was a freshman member of the Class of 2014 when she unexpectedly died in 2011. Matthew also remembered Cape teacher Kevin Lemaire who passed away in 2012.

Cape High Valedictorian Nicole Dumigan took the stage amid a plethora of praise from Dr. Timothy Ted Proseus.

“I may have everything that he just mentioned but it's all just numbers and data,” she humbly said.

She reminisced about the good and the bad during their high school years – navigating through crowded hallways, jockeying for the best lunchline spot, and countless friendships they will never forget.

Now, college awaits, she said.

“This is the time we take control. We're going to be in new towns with new people … everything is going to change,” Dumigan said.

Commencement speaker and teacher William Walls gave the final address before the diploma presentation reminding them the best years are yet to come.

“I wish the best of good fortunes to all of you as you begin this new stage of your life. You may have been told these were the best years of your life. Though the past four years have certainly been great, the best years of your lives are ahead of you. Go search for them your dreams will tell you where to look,” Walls said.