The futures of some graduating Dartmouth High School students just got a little bit brighter.

During their 108th Annual Banquet at the Hawthorne Country Club, the Dartmouth High School Alumni Association awarded 15 students with scholarships, the most the group has awarded to one graduating class since beginning the program in the late ‘70s.

Students submitted essays to the association through their guidance counselors.

“They don’t have to be the tops of their class. They just have to prove to us in their application that they are brave, courageous and bold,” said Enid Silva, president of the association.

The ideal candidate demonstrated in their essay that they were well-rounded students who focused on the community.

The organization began in 1907 and has since grown to include 800 life members. Out of the 15 scholarships awarded this year, five were raised from the group’s own monthly fundraisers. The remainder came from endowments, memorial funds or bequeaths from alumni.

“We’ve had two new [scholarships] this year. The 1964 class decided to collect money on their own when they had their reunion last year and make a scholarship in their name. They collected so much money that it extended into this year,” said Silva.

“Now the class of ’65 is wondering, ‘How did they do that?’ We’re hoping they’ll all get the bug and that will help us give out more money to the kids that are deserving,” she said.

While the main purpose of the annual banquets is to hand out scholarships, the class from Dartmouth High School that’s celebrating its 50th anniversary that year is also honored during the event.

Alan Frates, who was one of six graduates present from the class of 1965, said he had plenty of fond memories from high school.

“I’m sure a lot of classes say this, but our class was very, very close. If you go to our reunions, there’s probably about 100 people there, and we have one hell of a time,” said Frates.

He said his classmates excelled in both sports and academics. But, mostly, he remembered his physical education teacher.

“I learned more about life from Al Porter than I did from any other teacher I had there. He used to give you noogies. He made you work hard. And he appreciated what you did,” said Frates.

Danielle Barnum, one of the scholarship recipients, said she was excited when the Alumni Association called to inform her that she had been selected. But when it comes to taking the next step in her life, she’s met with a blend of sadness and excitement.

“I had a good high school career. Dartmouth High was a really good place for me. I’ve loved all the people I’ve met,” Barnum said.

Starting in the fall, Barnum has big plans for the scholarship money.

“I’m going to the University of Vermont, and I’m enrolled in their pre-med program,” said Barnum. “I think I’m going to specialize in pediatric oncology.”