SALEM TOWNSHIP — Salutatorian Ivy Mitman exhorted her Mt. Abram High School classmates Friday night to appreciate where they live and what they have.

The school is a “rare gem,” she said during commencement exercises for the Class of 2014.

“When I look at this district half the size of Rhode Island, I see opportunities that I could not get anywhere else,” she said. “I see all sorts of kids going out for sports they have never played, I see one-on-one help from teachers, I see my smiling principal, Mr. Aliberti, greeting each kid by name throughout the halls every day.”

Valedictorian Emma Houston reminded classmates of the new challenges they faced each year, including “the step that was just a little bit too big, the reach that was slightly taller then you had hoped, or the jump that was a foot too high.

“Be, in the best of ways, appropriately irresponsible,” she said. “Seek knowledge that only you find interesting.”

Mitman and her parents, Stephan and Christi Mitman, live in Strong.

Houston lives in Kingfield with her parents, William and Kathy Houston.

Both young women will attend the University of Maine at Orono in the fall.

Of the 52 graduates, 24 are members of the National Honor Society. Many graduates planning to continue their education in the fall received scholarships. The 162 awards, totaling $133,165, went to 45 students.

No students this year have enrolled in any branch of military service.

Judy McCurdy, secretary for the Guidance Department, is retiring this year, and she received a standing ovation from the audience.

Superintendent Brenda Stevens also is saying goodbye to the district on June 30 and received a legislative sentiment from state Rep. Russell Black, R-Wilton.

Class marshals were Reilly Romanoski and Draegan Tooker.