Friends Academy’s graduating eighth graders were given a warm send-off and words of encouragement through a cooking metaphor on Class Day.

The 35 graduates gathered with friends, family, teachers and fellow students in the school’s courtyard on June 10 to celebrate the class of 2015.

The students’ completed tiles were also on display. The tiles, which were designed by the students near the end of the school year, will remain at the school indefinitely.

Following a bagpipe-led processional into the courtyard, Head of School Stephen Barker gave a speech inspired by the theme of the school’s 2015 yearbook, “Let’s Get Cooking.”

“As individuals, you are the ingredients of a dynamic recipe for the rich and savory stew that both combines and highlights your many talents and gifts,” said Barker.

“There were times when you just sort of simmered along, then suddenly, the burner was on high. Good cooking often requires temperatures at different settings,” he said.

Barker said that the eighth graders will be key ingredients in their high schools.

“Not everyone needs to be the bold, overpowering flavor. The subtle, intriguing and somewhat mysterious taste can often carry the day,” said Barker. “All of us at Friends Academy look forward to what you cook up in the years ahead.”

Class President Kenneth MacKenzie spoke of his 11 years at the school, highlighting his favorite moments of the eighth grade.

He said his final year at the academy was his favorite because eighth graders had the opportunity to play on varsity teams and star in plays. He also spoke highly of his class trip to New York City, where he and his classmates visited the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History.

“I was like a kid in the candy store — or more correctly — a geek in a planetarium. The memory of it will stay with me for all of my life,” said MacKenzie.

“I’ll never forget the conversations we had on our first night about infinite universes and different dimensions. I think that night some people’s heads hurt,” he said.

MacKenzie recalled sitting in the audience during last year’s graduation ceremony and cautioned the seventh graders that their final year will fly by.

“I’m telling you, seventh graders, it may seem a very long way away, but next year will go by in a blur — at least it did for me — so enjoy it while it lasts,” he said.

MacKenzie later received the Friends Award, which recognizes citizenship, positive attitude and class spirit.

Two students from Dartmouth, Isabelle Blinn and Ruben Martins, received awards during the ceremony. Blinn was awarded the Clifford Cup for excellence in visual arts, and Martins received the Sally Borden Award for his commitment to learning and leadership.

Eleven students from Dartmouth graduated from Friends Academy this year, three of whom graduated with academic distinction.