Camelot just that for its 2009 grads

Commencement honors to both graduates

by Matthew E. Milliken
mmilliken@heraldsun.com

DURHAM — It isn't too often that the salutatorian of a graduating class represents the bottom half of the class.

But that was the case for Jonathan William Monroe Saturday morning as Camelot Academy's two-member Class of 2009 held commencement exercises at the Carolina Theatre.

Of course, it isn't too often that graduation ceremonies feature flocks of flying monsters, a skit built around cross-dressing amd the laugh line, "His whole character is a rebellion against mud guards" — all written into the official script.

But if Camelot's unofficial motto is "To each student his own path," why shouldn't this 95-student school find a unique way to conclude its 26th academic year?

The 75-minute ceremony had some pedestrian components, such as awards of certificates of completion to kindergarten and elementary students and of various secondary student honors.

But the occasion was framed around a mock retrospective on the careers of Camelot's Class of 2009, Monroe and Valedictorian Rita Helena Glynn.

Some laugh lines:

• "Oh my. If only my multilingualness could help here" — spoken by an actor portraying Monroe portraying a character in a parody of the musical "Wicked."
• "I'm a good witch." "I'm a good witch." "I'm a good witch." "I'm a sandwich!" — the last spoken by a boy in a bread costume.
• "That's just Magic Marker. You want me to draw one on your arm?" — A character discussing fake tattoos in a skit titled "As Camelot turns to the Young and the Restless, the Bold and the Beautiful Make Their Move."

Science teacher Lori Hilliard read school director Thelma DeCarlo-Glynn and Michael Glynn's wishes for their daughter, an aspiring actress with multiple credits. "From the earliest age, you loved a pretty costume and spotlight," Hilliard said on behalf of Camelot's co-founders.

Then it was Glynn's turn to talk. "To say I learned a lot at Camelot would be an understatement," she said, recalling how she was potty-trained at her parents' school — the same place where she learned to walk, was taught that White-Out is not for piano keys, and discovered that paper clips and microwaves don't mix.

Language teacher Jill Sugg read Robin and Greg Monroe's wishes for their son. "We want you to be happy. Do what makes you happy...Come home occasionally, if only for mom to do your laundry."

Monroe recalled how he left Camelot a year ago expecting to transfer, only to realize that the academy was the right place for him. He advised other Camelot students to push themsleves to try new things.

When thge ceremony ended a few minutes later, Glynn zipped up the asile before slowing to a walk. Monroe followed with more measured strides. In other words, each went at their own pace.

Camelot Academy, 809 Proctor St., is a private K–12 school.