Although small in size, the Connecticut IB Academy certainly packs a wallop - academically speaking, that is. Recently, the school was ranked 22nd in the country, and the best of all Connecticut high schools, in ‘Newsweek’ magazine’s annual list of “America’s Best Schools.”

On June 21, CIBA held its annual commencement exercises at the East Hartford Middle School auditorium. “This is a very diverse group,” said Art Arpin, principal of CIBA. “Just 27 students are going to 17 different colleges across the country.”

East Hartford Board of Education Chairperson Mary Alice Dwyer Hughes congratulated the graduates on their achievements. “Every year, this school gets more and more accolades,” she commented. “We are so proud of you, and your families, for taking a chance on this school.”

East Hartford Superintendent of Schools Mark Zito also praised the seniors, and wished them well in the future. “I have had the opportunity to meet with you throughout the year and talk with you about your future plans,” he said. “I am confident that your experiences here will serve you well for college in the fall. CIBA is a school of choice – and we are glad you chose us.”

The ceremony became emotional for some of the students who were chosen to speak about their tenure at the school. “Thanks for all the great memories,” remarked Ashley Fuentes. “The teachers had such an impact on our class – and changed our lives forever.”

“We have become a family here over the past four years, and I am glad to have been a part of it,” Saipin Widomski told her classmates. Arpin gave the students some departing words of wisdom.

“So, Class of 2010, I leave you with an old Irish blessing,” he told them. “May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.”