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Sandy Phillips showed up to The Lowell Whiteman School's graduation in a blue beanie, a flowery sundress, Sorels and a puffy black winter coat. It was fitting, considering the combination of snow and rain that complemented Saturday's ceremony.

"Just in case you're not from around here, this is acceptable formal wear," Phillips said with a laugh. Phillips, a teacher at the school, presented diplomas to two of the 29 graduating students.

Mary Ewing, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of The Lowell Whiteman School, called the graduating class "ambassadors to the world" as they waited while each student was individually recognized at Saturday's two-hour ceremony.

"You all are the epitome of what can be accomplished, and we are so proud of you," Ewing said.

Seven of the graduates were recognized for completing all of their high school years at the school.

More than $330,000 in scholarships were awarded to the students, as well.

Several nonmonetary awards were given at the ceremony, too, including the 2005 Dean of Students Award given to David Zavik; the 2005 Student Athlete Award given to Kylie Douglas; the 2005 Ranking Scholar Award given to Caitlin Gibbs; and the 2005 Faculty Scholarship and the 2005 Academic Dean Award given to freshman Janis McLaughlin.

Graduate Madeline McLean addressed her class and described the plethora of passions she was lucky enough to be a part of during her time at the school.

"I have been pushed by my peers to do things I never thought I would," she said.

Before graduation, each Lowell Whiteman student selected a teacher to introduce him or her and say a few words on their behalf. The speeches ranged from hilarious to serious, clever to honest and tearful to joyous.

Teacher Brian Smith introduced graduate Tom Faber by saying, "Tom is a dork. He is a geek. He is a nerd. He is the first to class and the last to leave. He loves physics. You might as well be wearing a pocket protector."

The audience roared with laughter, and Faber took it all in stride, especially when Smith admitted he was a part of the nerd club, too.

Other students were described by their teachers as social butterflies, rockets, future Olympians, tree-huggers, rock stars, perfectionists, world travelers, chefs, Renaissance men, yodelers and friends.

Dillon Dennis was described by teacher Cameron McVey as "an absent-minded professor," saying "he had never met something he couldn't light on fire, blow up, explode, use to get a concussion or pester."

Jokes aside, the teachers and staff expressed their deepest love and respect for the students and wished them all well in their multitude of promising futures.

"I think what's so amazing is we got to share our sincere love and appreciation to this incredible group of students," said Margi Missling-Root, a teacher who introduced fellow "tree-hugger" Eleanor Margulies.

Carla Von Thaden, an aunt of graduate Sam Spillane, said she enjoyed the ceremony immensely.

"It was fantastic. They're always very humorous and insightful," she said. In one way or another, either as students or administrators, the Spillane family has been with The Lowell Whiteman School for 26 years.

Walt Daub, the director of the school, thought the ceremony went very well despite the unusual June weather.

"I think it was a good combination of speeches. You can really tell we know these people. It makes it all worthwhile," he said.

Unlike most high school graduations, Whiteman's graduates did not wear traditional caps and gowns, instead choosing to wear formal wear, just another example of the uniqueness of this year's graduating class.

"The ceremony was a perfect blend of the unique characteristic of all the students since we are such an amazing and strong class," said Caitlin Gibbs. Gibbs plans to attend Colorado College in the fall and study pre-medicine.

As the graduates stood for a second standing ovation and walked out of the school's gymnasium for the last time, many of them were lip-synching to the Cat Stevens song lyrics, "Oooh, baby, baby, it's a wild world" as it played overhead and marked their next step into life.

-- To reach Alexis DeLaCruz, call 871-4234 or e-mail adelacruz@steamboatpilot.com