Before Columbia, Harvard, Brewster's Brightest Students Plan Graduation Speeches

When Aine Chalmers and Henry Limitone heard they were first and second in their class at the start of the school year, things could have gotten competitive.

But rather than become rivals, the two students, who live down the block from one another in Brewster Heights, maintained the friendship that started in the third grade. And that's how they'll take the stage at the O'Neill Center in Danbury (CT) Saturday morning, delivering speeches to roughly 300 of their peers during commencement.

"It didn't matter which one of us was first or second, as long as we were first and second," Limitone said with a smile, as Chalmers nodded in agreement.

Little changed since the start of the year. Chalmers, this year's valedictorian, stayed at the top of the class, and Limitone, the salutatorian, kept his place in second.

She's headed to Columbia University and he to Harvard University. Although they weren't sure of their final, weighted grade-point averages when speaking to Patch, the two said the numbers were very close. Chalmers estimated hers to be 99.33, and Limitone said his was 99.16.

Even with their stellar academic records, neither Chalmers nor Limitone planned to attend the university to which they committed last month. Each applied to at least half a dozen schools, hoping their great grades and extracurriculars—from after-school jobs to honor societies to sports and more—would catch the attention of admission counselors.

She initially hoped to enroll at Brown University or Connecticut College, but fell in love with Columbia after attending a women's engineering conference there in the fall. Limitone applied to Harvard on a whim, and was "stunned" when he got the acceptance letter.

Both concentrated on math and science during their high school careers. Limitone has yet to pick a major. Chalmers plans to pursue a five-year program in environmental engineering and public policy.

But before they take their educations to the next level, the two face an improtant task—one that is especially challenging at this time of the year, when senior activities are frequent and the end of school is so close. As valedictorian and salutatorian, they're charged with speaking in front of their classmates at commencement.

Neither of the 17-year-olds seemed too nervous when they spoke to Patch last week. They planned to coordinate and practice in front of one another to help prevent butterflies on the big day. 

"I practiced mine in front of my mom, and she started to cry," Chalmers said, adding that her speech will focus on how to make the most of life.

Life, so far, has been filled with lots of Brewster things for both seniors. Looking back on their years as Bears, they laughed about Field Day at , an overnight whale-watching trip, homecoming games and more. They recalled favorite teachers, and the support system Brewster offers.

"I never got to the end of the line," Limitone said of the dozens of clubs and organizations open to students.

Chalmers agreed.

"The high school really stresses, find something you like and do it," Chalmers said. "There are so many opportunities. Teachers will recognize your passion."