Anna Baumm has always done well in school (she has already graduated) but before pursuing post-graduate studies at a college or university, she would like to see a little more of the world.

She recently spent a few months in Germany and after graduation, she hopes to go to Sweden in August and meet up with friends she made overseas at the country's annual Crayfish Festival.

"I put a lot of time and effort into the whole college process and I was set on getting a four-year degree. Like most teenagers, I thought that was my next step. But being in Germany for these past few months has changed me. It's opened my eyes to this amazing world that doesn't have any norms or limitations," said Anna. "I'm most looking forward to the freedom that will come with these post-secondary plans."

She said her time at Boothbay Region High School has prepared her well for the future.

"I didn't realize it while I was there, but being overseas, surrounded by freedom and choices, I've found myself feeling truly thankful for my four years in Boothbay. My senior year was especially important. With the new schedule, I was able to take new and exciting classes that I never would have tried before. The Making and Marketing class with Mr. Schwehm and Mrs. Greenstone was honestly life changing. We got to design, create, and build not only a product, but a company. I learned so much from that class. It helped me to realize my passion for film, media, and communications. But it also gave me the confidence to move forward," said Anna.

Anna, the daughter of Marnie Mitchell of Boothbay Harbor and the late Keith Baumm, reflected on her time at BRHS and provided some advice to the undergrads.

"The most important thing that BRHS has taught me is that you get out of it what you put into it," she said. "I was able to advance into a higher English class, help build up a new Interact club, and even graduate early and go to Germany! I put a lot of effort into the things that I was passionate about and BRHS gave me that opportunity to pursue. Moving forward, I will always work hard for the things I want/need, knowing that it's my effort alone that will allow me to succeed.

"My advice for the underclassmen is to take the classes and join the clubs you'd never have expected to be a part of. Stepping away from the norms can be really exciting."

When asked what she'll miss most about BRHS, she said, "BRHS is such a small community. I'll miss knowing everyone by name. I'll miss how the faculty truly care for each student. I'll miss being a part of such a close-knit community."