As the academic calendar draws to a close, the 138th class of Walpole High School prepares for graduation on June 3, 2012. With graduation less than a week away, valedictorians and salutorians and administrators are attempting to grapple with speeches that describe the unique characteristics of the 2012 Walpole Class.  While these speeches will undoubtedly focus on fond memories and distinctive personalities, one other thing should also be considered: the impressive number of students who will be going to top-tier colleges next Fall.

According to Guidance Department Head Jennifer Dolan, “More students in the top ten are getting into higher level schools” than in previous years.  While some top school — such as Boston College and Villanova — have become regular destinations for Walpole graduates, other more prestigious school — Yale, Massachusetts Institute Technology, Harvard, and Georgetown — have only rarely accepted Walpole graduates.

Until this year.

This year, many of the top students were accepted into many of the top school sin the country: Kiera Street and Emily Rose were accepted into MIT; John Griffin, Harvard; Meghan Murphy and Peter Bruen, Georgetown; Emily Davis, Tufts;  Emily Rose, Yale; Suzy Gallivan, Boston College (Just to name some).

The Guidance Department does not take full responsibility for the increased number of acceptances into top-tier schools. Rather, Mrs. Dolan said, “This year’s senior class in particular is a rarity. The individuals have gone above and beyond in terms of academic sequences and extra-curricular realms.”

Also recognizing the academic achievements of the Senior Class, Principal Stephen Imbusch said, “I think what impresses me most about this class is their focus. Since they arrived at Walpole High, they have never lost their focus on doing their very best academically or socially.”  He further complimented their work ethic: “They have worked exceptionally hard throughout their four years.”

Similar to the Guidance Department, the Seniors themselves also showed humility by attributing their success to others.  Attending Boston College in the fall, senior Suzy Gallivan said, “A lot of the teachers really try to teach you to be independent in order to simulate what it will be like in college. They care a lot about the students and are eager to help if you need it.”

Senior Emily Rose, who has decided to attend Yale University next year, said, “Walpole High School gave me the opportunity to demonstrate my academic ability. Walpole High School is supportive about allowing students to demonstrate their self-motivation.”

Many in the Senior Class have not been afraid to challenge themselves by take more difficult classes at the AP or Honors level. Gallivan said, “I would say that Walpole High has pushed me to my potential because of the classes I’ve been able to take. Although the workload can be tough at times, it definitely prepares us for the future.”

In terms of preparation for college, Walpole High School was recognized this year by the College Board on the 2011 Advanced Placement Honor Roll — an accolade reserved for schools who have tested extremely well on their Advanced Placement tests.  This accolade mostly recognized the impressive AP test scores of the 2011 Class; however, if this 2012 college acceptances are any suggestion, Walpole High School should expect more impressive scores in the upcoming months.

Along with strong academic abilities, the Senior Class has also excelled in extracurricular activities.  Thrilled to be attending her dream school of Georgetown University next year, senior Meghan Murphy said, “I think Walpole High did really well preparing me for college, but it was truly the extra-curricular activities that made me explore who I am as a person and gave me a better sense of myself-a huge aspect in being ‘ready’ for college in my opinion.” Murphy, who was voted Most Valuable Player on the field hockey team, has also participated in lacrosse, softball, basketball, and Latin Club.

Throughout all interviews, the Seniors felt satisfied that when they walk across Turco Field in their cap and gown to receive their diploma, they will be ready for college. And as for Walpole High School itself, with its rising MCAS scores and with its Advanced Placement accolades and with its removal from the NEASC warning list, this impressive level of acceptance for the Class of 2012 may become less of an impressive abnormality and more a new precedent of things to come.