Their ties to Coupeville are deep-rooted as are the connections they hold with each other and their small community.

When the 60 students who make up Coupeville High School’s graduating class bid their farewells Friday night following the Wolves’ commencement ceremony, in some ways it’s going to be like parting with family.

“In a weird way, it feels like we’re all brothers and sisters growing up together,” said Kylie Burdge, who moved from Utah to Whidbey Island when she was 4 and has only known one school district. “I have a strong bond with people here. It’ll be odd going somewhere else.”

Burdge’s academic ranking places her among the top 10 students from Coupeville’s Class of 2015.

Of the 10, eight have attended Coupeville schools since kindergarten.

The cream of Coupeville’s academic crop from 2015 is a tight-knit bunch that has been heavily involved in community service and a wide range of extra-curricular activities and share an appreciation of the historic, scenic town that they call home.

“Growing up in this community has been really rewarding,” Amanda Hoesman-Foley said.

“It’s been amazing,” Erin Rosenkranz said.

Here’s a look at Coupeville High’s top 10:

Kylie Burdge

Burdge spent four years lifting the spirits of others as a member of Coupeville’s cheerleading team, serving as captain her senior year. Her academic accomplishments of a perfect 4.0 GPA also was something to celebrate. Burdge is actively involved with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is planning to attend Brigham Young University, her parents’ alma mater. She is considering a degree in either political science, cinematic arts or performing arts with a minor in Spanish.

Amanda Hoesman-Foley

Hoesman-Foley spent four years involved with student government and drama while earning a 4.0 GPA. She was senior class president and co-president with the National Honor Society this school year. Hoesman-Foley will attend Central Washington University, where she will pursue a degree in elementary education and hopes to minor in Spanish. “I have always enjoyed helping others and being around children,” she said.

Michael Kelly

Kelly showed great discipline as an Eagle Scout, in his lawn business, in martial arts (he holds a second-degree brown belt in Aikido) and in academics (4.0 GPA). He also plays the trumpet at Coupeville United Methodist Church and is a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor. Kelly is headed to Western Washington University to pursue a degree in either science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

Erin Rosenkranz

A dynamo on the soccer field, Rosenkranz also was a star in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA. “Science is very much a passion of mine,” she said. Rosenkranz will get her start at Skagit Valley College before transferring to a four-year university to study chemistry, a branch of bioengineering or possibly web design. Rosenkranz also is an artist who does freelance mural paintings and was co-editor of the high school yearbook her senior year. She also played four years of varsity soccer at Coupeville.

Marisa Etzell

Etzell is considering a college major at Pacific Lutheran University in Global Studies and she’s decided to get a real taste right away. Etzel will defer a year from PLU and travel to Ecuador in the fall through a bridge year program called Global Citizen Year. Etzell, who had a 3.98 GPA at Coupeville, will take part in apprenticeships in Ecuador, be immersed in Spanish culture and gain a broader perspective of the world. She plans to blog about her experiences as well.

Aaron Trumbull

Trumbull has shown an ability to excel in various pursuits since he arrived on the Coupeville campus. Not only is he a top student with a 3.86 GPA, he’s also was one of the better infielders and pitchers in the Cascade Conference and will continue to play baseball at Olympic College in Bremerton. His plan is to eventually transfer to Central Washington University and pursue mechanical engineering. Trumbull has been heavily involved in community service, volunteering his time with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys & Girls Club and other organizations.

Taryn Ludwig

Moving from the desert land of Arizona to the beaches of Whidbey Island rubbed off on Ludwig, who earned a 3.86 GPA and is planning to study environmental science and marine biology at Western Washington University. “I think it’s really kind of cool, kind of an adventure,” Ludwig said. “It’s kind of a place that’s not been fully explored.” Ludwig will attend a two-week, hands-on course this summer at Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes for the Marine Science Scholars Program.

Josh Bayne

The most valuable football player in the Cascade Conference his senior year, Bayne was a champion in the classroom as well, earning a 3.84 GPA. He practiced his moves on the grounds of Fort Casey State Park, where his dad is a park ranger and he’s lived onsite since he was 1. “It’s been fun, for sure,” Bayne said. From Coupeville, Bayne is headed to Burnaby, B.C., where he’ll continue to play football at Simon Fraser University and pursue a degree in either engineering or graphic arts.

Geoffrey McClarin

McClarin’s fascination with astronomy was no doubt impacted by the bright stars that can be seen above Whidbey Island so vividly when skies are clear. “Maybe a little,” he said. For three years, he focused on astronomy on the high school’s Science Olympiad team. And it’s a field of study he might explore a little deeper as he prepares for Western Washington University, where he’s looking at a science degree. McClarin earned a 3.83 GPA at Coupeville while also advancing to state competitions with the Science Olympiad and History Day programs.

McKayla Bailey

Born in Coupeville, Bailey’s local roots are deep and she’s been entrenched in the community, volunteering at many of the major events and festivals in town. She’ll take her 3.79 GPA to Central Washington University and is undecided on a major. “It’s going to be hard. All of my family is here,” said Bailey, who’s family history dates back generations in Coupeville. Bailey was a three-sport athlete at Coupeville. In the classroom, she was awarded wood shop and history student of the year.