HATFIELD — The U.S. surgeon general has said that a lack of social connection can carry health risks comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

That message resonated throughout Smith Academy’s commencement ceremony Friday night, where math teacher Julie LeGrand, the keynote speaker, urged the 21 graduates to value the connections they have built in the school’s small, close-knit community. The themes of teamwork, belonging and community echoed through remarks from speakers throughout the evening.

A crowd of about 200 people filled the auditorium at the grades 6-12 public school as valedictorian Kathryn McCollough addressed her fellow graduates from the stage.

“Where would we be without each other? Many of us have spent our entire lives with the people sitting on this stage. We have been together as we found our voices, formed lifelong friendships and learned what it means to be part of a strong community,” she said.

“One of the most unique parts of Smith Academy is the close bonds that you are able to form with your teachers,” said Kerin Guimond, who received third honors. “From Dr. LeGrand’s insanely contagious laughter in stats class to being diva-licious with Mr. Garrett, discussing Mr. Brown’s hatred of bananas and the consistent encouragement from Ms. Anderson, these experiences have shown me that Smith Academy is simply not your typical high school.”

One objective that brought the students together was dodging algebra by asking LeGrand about her favorite sport, rugby. To acknowledge this, she made a roster out of the graduating class.

She assigned the one and three positions, or props, to Emma Tisdell and Kerin Guimond.

“Props need to be resilient, they have a no-nonsense mentality. Their intense focus gets the job done,” said LeGrand. “Emma Tisdell exemplifies these characteristics. Emma, you are extremely dependable, consistent and hard working. Kerin Guimond, you are also serious about your school work and when you’re not busy drawing cubes, you’re focused, determined and task oriented.”

In the next position, the two jerseys which requires discipline and versatility, is Sophie Hudzik. “Sophie, you have high emotional intelligence and the ability to stay calm and focused —even when someone is chewing on raw pasta behind you.”

The engines of the team, the four and five jersey, went to Grant Murray and Grayson Zima for their tenacity and tirelessness. Molly O’Brien and Marissa Belina were named flankers on the roster, a scrappy and aggressive position.

“Molly, you never back down from a fight…What I admire most about you Marissa is that you stay true to yourself, no matter what.”

Kate McCollough was named the number 8. “The eight is composed, powerful and an intelligent decision-maker. Kate, your intelligence and consistent composure is an asset to any team,” she said.

LeGrand went on to praise Bryce Jaworski for his composure under pressure, Rowan Jeffress as a strategic mastermind. Aiden Hopfenspirger, Anna Tunstall, Shai Foley, Natalee Madzunovic and Jacob Gingras were praised for their accountability and creativity.

Darren Caney and Matt Scagel were named wingers for their ability to capitalize.

“You both are quick to capitalize on a chance to snag a bonus point or convince me to push a test back when the opportunity presents itself,” she said.

At fullback, Cajun Benson and Anna Scagel were chosen for their decision-making abilities. And a mascot was even named for the squad: Kellen O’Sullivan.

“Kellen, you are able to raise the group’s spirits and are a performer through and through,” LeGrand said.

Superintendent and Principal Conor Driscoll emphasized the accomplishments of the tight-knit group.

Every student on stage received a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and together racked up over 75 college acceptances while performing a combined total of 727 hours of community service, which he said equals 18 full work weeks.

“They have chosen to help and improve their society rather than doing something I’m sure they would much rather be doing,” said Driscoll.

Another prominent theme other than the smallness of their community was the shortness of time. This year’s class motto was taken from the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” in which the protagonist said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

As students walked out of the auditorium against the backdrop of confetti bombs going off, Fleetwood Mac’s song “Landslide,” a song focused on the shortness of time, was played.

Marissa Belina, Cajun Benson, Darren Caney, Shai Foley, Jacob Gingras, Kerin Guimond, Joseph Aiden Hopfenspirger, Sophie Hudzik, Bryce Jaworski, Rowan Jeffress, Harrison LaFlamme, Natalee Madzunovic, Kathryn McCollough, Grant Murray, Molly O’Brien, Kellen O’Sullivan, Anna Scagel, Matthew Scagel, Emma Tisdell, Anna Tunstall, Grayson Zima