TIVERTON — The high school gymnasium was packed Friday evening for graduation ceremonies for the Tiverton High School Class of 2016.

At the center, In rows of chairs, were the 138 maroon-gowned seniors. Parents, grandparents, relatives and friends — many with cameras and lenses of all kinds — filled the bleachers, and the seats at the rear. Faculty and town officials flanked the podium, Back stage was the Tiverton High School Band.

In the air was a sense of celebration, joy, and anticipation.

"I would like to welcome you to the commencement ceremony for the class of 2016," said Interim Principal John McKinnon, opening the evening's program.

"Graduating from high school is a tremendous accomplishment, not to be taken for granted," he said. "Tiverton High School and the community of Tiverton is proud of you. Congratulations to you and your family."

"The time has come to finally accept that we have completed high school," said Class President Katie Gousie. "For some of you, this is great; a relief almost."

"For some of us though, this will be harder," she said. There will be "little things that will remind you of Tiverton" — for example hearing "Eye of the Tiger" on the radio, or "when your child gets braces, and the colors they pick are maroon."

"We technically will never really leave," she said. "Our footprints have been left for younger generations to follow."

"On behalf of my class," said Valedictorian Ian Rashleigh McNally in his address, "I would like to reiterate our collective gratitude to all of our families. friends, teachers, coaches, administrators, and others who have helped shape us into the impressive individuals and unit gathered here today."

"I would like to ask you a question," he said. "What does it mean to be an American?"

Then, answering his own question, he said, "this is exactly what it means to be an American; that no matter how numerous our faults, or how great things may be, we do not accept what is because we know with a little blood, sweat, and tears it can be better."

"So please," he said, "contribute to your community and nation, start a club, help build a park, vote for what you believe in, volunteer at a homeless shelter, and do these kinds of things, because at the end of the day, these improvements, no matter how great or small, are the ultimate form of patriotism."

Salutatorian Maya Umehara echoed the theme struck by others. "Thank you for coming to support us during such a pivotal point in our lives," she said to the assembled crowd around her. "In fact, thank you for all the support you have provided throughout our lives."

Then, drawing on a message in the film "Synecdoche, New  York," she said, "even though the world goes on for eons and eons, you are here for a fraction of a fraction of a second, so tonight I ask each of you to make that second count."

"Do what you love to do, live for your passion, and don't forget to take a second to appreciate what's around you."

Retiring physics teacher (after a combined 52 years of teaching in Massachusetts and Rhode Island) Rick Bernardo delivered the Commencement Address. To applause and laughter, he said, "The mobile device moment is over; put them away, far away."

"You are celebrating two events today," he said. "Graduation, an end to homework, project presentations, tests, quizzes, the never-ending period, lab reports, Advisory, NECAP etc. That was the end. And commencement: a beginning of the rest of your life."

He closed with an admonition, of sorts. "I would like to add, every day is a gift. You can make your life extraordinary. Thank you for not drinking the Kool Aid."

A  musical interlude at the half-way point in the ceremony by the Tiverton High School Band, conducted by Daniel Snizek, with participation by graduating senior members, was a riveting performance of "Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual" by Robert W. Smith

By the numbers — Tiverton Class of 2016

• Class of 2016: 138 graduates; 72 males, 66 females; 80% will be attending college (74 going to four-year colleges, 39 going to two-year colleges); 3 students will be entering the military.

• Accomplishments: Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year; Rhode Island Baskeball Coaches' First Team All Scholastic in Basketball; Scholastic Golden Key Award Winning Artist; performed in high school version of "Hair;" National Football Foundation Golden Dozen recipient; in the top 10 classes in Rhode Island 11th Grade Science NECAP; Division Champions in baseball; recognition as a strong, welcoming environment for students; admission to some of the finest institutions of higher education in the country.