The top four graduates at Cooperstown Central School rehearsed their graduation speeches on Tuesday morning.

The content, said high school principal Gary Kuch, is confidential, but suffice it to say the audience will be moved when the big day comes.

English department chair Mary Jo Merk coached the four young men on their diction and posture Tuesday, and told them to set about the task of memorizing their speeches.

Cooperstown honors the top four graduates rather than a valedictorian and salutatorian. Graduation is set for June 24 at 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Fenimore Art Museum.

Timothy Boland plans to attend Houghton College to study religion. he would like to pursue a career as a pastor following missionary work accomplished a few years ago, he said.

"This is a very sentimental time," said Boland. "A lot of last moments. Like last night's concert. I'm excited, I'm ready to go. But I'll miss the natural beauty of this place."

Ravi Dalal plans to attend Cornell to study medicine. His parents are both doctors.

"I'm looking forward to having the freedom and ability to do what we want," said Dalal. "I'm happy to graduate, but nervous. It's a whole new life."

Dominick Werther will head to Clarkson University to study engineering.

"I'm ready to graduate," he said, "ready to develop a specific talent. This has been a great place to grow up. We've learned so much, and it's really helped to prepare us for the real world. Now I'm looking forward to developing a specific talent."

Kyle Willsey will attend Virginia Tech to study engineering.

"I will always remember the small town setting," Willsey said. "No matter where I go it will always stay with me. Graduation is such a huge step. There's so much out there left to do. I don't even know what it's going to be. It's a big mystery."

Kuch said, "These are four outstanding young men. I'm going to miss all four of them for different reasons."