Gallery: Long Reach Graduation

Long Reach High School Principal David Burton gave graduates some advice during their commencement on Wednesday afternoon.

"You can't imagine the sense of pride [your parents] are experiencing right now," said Burton. "They're beaming with joy. After this ceremony would be the time to ask them for some money."

The crowd laughed and then Burton became serious. 

"The map of your life is within you, go find your way. Be open-minded and accept opportunities," Burton advised.

The graduates of Long Reach High School, clad in silver and purple, walked across the stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion on Wednesday afternoon with smiles.

At the beginning of the ceremony, rain threatened to fall, but it held off through the entire commencement as students grabbed their diplomas and reflected on their high school experience.

"No matter where we go in life," said graduate Stephen Lopez to his classmates, "no matter who we become, we must always remember to be humble, where we came from and who we spent our teenage years with. Let's remember Long Reach."

"In the words of Dr. Seuss," said Ashley Trotta, "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

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