By SANDY McGEE

CUMBERLAND — Thirty-four graduating seniors of Cumberland High School were honored as “distinguished scholars” at a ceremony held recently at the high school.

Parents, relatives, friends and schools officials turned out to honor the teens, who were celebrated for being in the academic top 10 percent of the Class of 2008.
“Events like this are the highlight of the year,” said Cumberland High School Principal Dorothy Gould. “These students have made consistent and successful decisions over time. These students have made the extra effort to become distinguished scholars.”
“The foundation of academic excellence is the person that you are,” Schools Superintendent Donna A. Morelle said to the honorees.
The ceremony  included a performance by the high school’s Clef Singers, under the direction of Susan Alves. The chorus performed the song “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire, and a musical selection entitled “Give Us Hope.”
Class Valedictorian Carlyn M. Hansen-Decelles and Salutatorian Yangyang Guo were presented with medallions and certificates.
Hansen-Decelles distinguished herself in a range of  school activities, including the Math League, National Honor Society, photography and the school’s newspaper and literary magazine. She plans to attend Williams College in the fall.
Guo is a member of the National Honor Society, a columnist and editor of the school’s newspaper, editor of the literary magazine and French newsletter and captain of the varsity track team.
Born in Beijing, China, Guo immigrated to the United States in 1999 at age 3. She speaks three languages: French, Mandarin Chinese and English. Guo plans to attend Duke University in the fall.
The following distinguished scholars were also honored: Douglas W. Booth, Kayla M. Quadros, Michael G. Verdier, Yueyue Guo, Meaghan C. Tweedie, Andrea J. Buckley, Alexandra A. Nunes, Ryan J. Elkas, Jeffrey L. Buress, Kendra L. King, Christina T. Begin, Jessica L. Cardoso, Alessandra Amin and Katherine A. Holfelder.
Distinguished scholars also include Matthew R. Hanson, Anthony G. Spangenberger, Kayla M. Mardo, Matthew P. Agostinelli, Amanda L. Poli, Alexander B. Harpin, Brittany A. Gardner, Stephanie M. Rebello, Christopher W. Chenard, Devon E. Girogi, Jesse S. Poon, Alicia C. Firestone, Stacey Saraiva, Amelia N. Najjar, David A. Sherman, Alyssa K. Silva, Alena J. Wild and Courtney L. DaSilva.