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Schools

Advice for Life's Next Stage

Attleboro High School's Class of 2012 receives words of wisdom at the graduation ceremony.

Setting goals and achieving dreams were the themes of Friday night's graduation ceremony at . The graduates heard from several speakers who shared words of wisdom for the young men and women as they enter the next chapter of their lives.

"We as a city have provided the foundation for your education, however it is now up to you to continue to learn, go out to the world and to succeed," Mayor Kevin Dumas told the 364 graduates at the ceremony that was changed from an outside venue to the gymnasium at the last moment due to the threat of bad weather. "I ask that you be mindful how important it is to set up your goals and objectives you want to achieve. I want you to know you have the ability to accomplish anything you want in your life."

Dumas said he set his goal to become mayor when he was a student at Attleboro High, and he was fortunate to have achieved his dream.

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"I can only imagine the great deeds and things you will accomplish in our great world," Dumas said. "Remember the importance of reaching out, touching other people, making a difference in everyone else's life. For every act of kindness makes a difference in our world."

Valedictorian Emily Mayer told her fellow graduates to go out into the world with the right attitude and embrace the challenges that await them.

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"When you are determined, dedicated and ready to work hard, you will find success," she said. "Become motivated by doing what you love and persevere through the obstacles that come with it. And never give up on something you truly believe in."

Mayer added, "Live life without regrets. Make good choices that will better your future. Grab hold of opportunities and take chances. Don't be afraid to fail. Be bold, not intimidated."

For principal Jeffrey Newman, it was a graduation ceremony for him as well, as he will be retiring at the end of the school year. The members of the Class of 2012 were freshmen during Newman's first year as principal.

"I remember the day when I came and welcomed you," he said. "I greeted you and reminded you of all the opportunities you would have at our school that are going to help you find … your dreams. Seeing you all here today, well that's part of my dream and the dreams of everybody sitting around you."

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