A class of 287 graduating eigth-graders marched in front of a packed crowd at the Scarborough High School gymnasium Friday.

The eigth-grade graduation ceremony was conducted by Scarborough Middle School Principal Jo Anne Sizemore. As well as serving as the master of ceremonies, Sizemore also gave the opening speech.

“We are very proud of the Class of 2010,” said Sizemore. They are “a very handsome and beautiful Class.”

Sizemore also took the time to acknowledge and show appreciation to the organizational committee for the recognition ceremony. Committee members of this year’s recognition ceremony include Fran Myers and Celeste Shinay, co-chairs; Linda O’ Donnell, dance committee chair; Robyn Carrier, food committee chair; Blue Smith and Deb Malia, raffle committee chairs; and Sophia Mineri, clean up committee chair.

Sizemore was also recognized at the ceremony by the state legislation for her excellence in education. Sizemore recently won the Maine Middle School Principal of the Year this year.

“I truly, truly love my job,” said Sizemore in response to receiving the award.

The first award presented was the Secretary of State Citizenship Award. Crystiana Tsujiura, who received the award, actively participates in school as a peer helper, tutor, an anchor of the school news station, WSMS News. She also plays on a traveling soccer team and participates in indoor and outdoor track. She also helps out at Special Olympics events and she conducted a bake sale for tsunami relief.

Theresa Hendrix and Andrew Reichl received the American Legion award. The American Legion award is given to students who possess courage, honor, scholarship, and has made many accomplishments.

Rotary Club Student of the Quarter Awards were awarded to Luke Bogdanovich, Julie Seidel, Sean Griffin, Erica O’Roak and Samantha Dedian. Rotary Club Student of the Quarter students are honored at a breakfast that is given by Rotary Club each quarter.

Officers of the student council were also recognized for their efforts and enthusiasm for the student council. Julie Seidel, president; Shannon Eddy, vice president; and Elizabeth Drogoni, secretary, all received plaques.

“These students have been a pleasure to work with,” said Denise Blain, moderator of the student council and a teacher at Scarborough Middle School.

Editors of the Yearbook Club also received plaques for their efforts. Editors that received plaques include Emily Shinay, Kelsey Schild and Mae L’ Heureux.

Beaney and Griffin also received Excellence in Mathematics awards. Both students were described as having superior reasoning, and Griffin has self-taught himself Algebra II and pre-calculus.

Awards for personal growth, best effort and citizenship were also given out in each of the individual wings at the school. From the Abanaki wing, Trevor Gelinas received the Personal Growth award, Elizabeth Cook was awarded the Best Effort award, and Jessica Doughty received the award for citizenship. From the Passamaquoddy wing, Justin Alper was awarded the Personal Growth award, Haily Silva accepted the Best Effort award, and Kathleen O’Donnell received the Citizenship award. From the Algonquin wing, Steven Bresnahan and Glen Googins received the Personal Growth award, Lauren Bickmore accepted the Best Effort award, and Griffin received the Citizenship award. From the Skokis wing, Kiki Andrews was presented with the Personal Growth award, Adam Saltz accepted the Best Effort award, and Wheeler received the Citizenship Award. And from the Penobscott wing, Stephanie McLeod and Neils Doughty received the Personal Growth award, Sasha Timpson received the Best Effort award, and Chloe Cekada received the Citizenship award.

The last award that was given out was the Principal’s Award. This year’s award went to Sean Griffin. Griffin has been a member of the Builder’s Club for the past three years. He also has volunteered at the Friendship House, the Special Olympics, the Polar Dip, and he has directed a carnival with his older brother to raise funds for muscular dystrophy. Griffin is also an avid baseball player, high honors student, and is a mathematics scholar.

A ceremony at Scarborough High School celebrated the graduation of 287 eighth-graders.Tessa Newcomb, holding flowers, and Chelsea Hews, holding an award for making the honor roll three years in a row, celebrated their graduation from the eighth grade at a ceremony Friday.