The largest graduating class in the history of Newtown -- the class of 2013 -- took the next step before a packed crowd at the O'Neill Center, on the Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.
School officials praised the class for its strength in a difficult year.
"You overcame fear, anger sadness, and frustration," said Principal Charles Dumais. "You have excelled at what few others have ever had to do, and what we hope no others will ever have to do ... No matter where you go, you will have our support."
In his commencement address, teacher Lee Keylock and a collection of students performed a multipart poem called "One" -- a "new script," he said, "to replace the one written for us on 12/14."
(See video for Keylock's introduction to "One.")
"You have been an exceptional class in so many ways," said former Superintendent Janet Robinson, acknowledging the resiliency students showed following the Dec. 14 shooting. "Make your impact on humanity, and make the world better for your having been there."
"As Mr. Dumais told us we would, we have let strength and resilience serve as examples," said Salutatorian Sean Watkins. "Now it's time to follow our own examples."
Valedictorian Joseph Kohrman-Glaser told his classmates a story of dealing with a difficult math teacher at age nine.
"I learned that I need to speak up for myself without fear, and not accept failure," he said. "We, moving into the adult world cannot be afraid to voice our opinions."
After the ceremony closed -- to the tune of the Beatles' "In My Life" -- the graduates tossed their caps in the air and streamed out of the O'Neill Center, ready to enter the real world.
"The class of 2013 will always be the class that stayed strong," said Senior Class President Rachel DiVanno. "No matter where we end up, we are Newtown and we choose love."
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