BUCKFIELD — Mickayla Wiley and Abby Campbell are the top two students in Buckfield Junior-Senior High School’s Class of 2014.
They are close friends, active in a variety of activities and have attended school in Buckfield their whole lives. But they are different, too.
Wiley, 18, the valedictorian, plans to attend the University of Maine at Farmington in the fall to study early childhood education.
“I’ve always liked working with little kids, and taking early childhood (education) at Region 11 reinforced that,” she said.
She hopes to remain in the area after she graduates from college.
Campbell, 18, the salutatorian, plans to attend the University of Maine to study environmental engineering.
“My dad works in the construction industry, but we have to remember that the Earth is important, too,” she said.
Campbell doesn’t necessarily want to remain in the Western Foothills area.
“I’m ready for anything. If I come back, I come back,” she said.
Both young women appreciate the caring and help the school’s teachers have provided over the years.
“Teachers here want us to do well and they always want to help you,” Wiley said.
Campbell agreed.
“The teachers are flexible and will come in early if we need them,” Campbell said.
She said doing well depends on many things, such as parental and teacher support, which both girls have.
“Once you get motivated, stay motivated and stick with that motivation,” she said, suggesting that sometimes choosing a teacher to help is important.
Both girls attend the Buckfield Community Church and have helped out with the church’s food pantry and the area Day of Caring.
Wiley has taken dance lessons for 13 years. One of the activities at UMF that she is looking forward to is that college’s dance team. She hopes she’ll have enough time to do all her studies as well as to participate on the team.
She is also a member of the school’s Glee Club and has been a “big” in the local Big Brother/Big Sister program.
Campbell plays for the soccer and basketball teams and the band. She is a member of the History Club and Student Council.
Both girls are members of the National Honor Society and drama club.
When graduation arrives June 7, both Wiley and Campbell said their speeches will be reflections on their years in the Buckfield school system.
Wiley is the daughter of Mike and Darcy Wiley. Campbell is the daughter of Steve and Heidi Campbell.
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- Buckfield Junior-Senior High School’s salutatorian Abby Campbell, left, stands next to valedictorian Mickayla Wiley. The shool’s Class of 2014 graduates on June 7.
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