Dayspring Christian Graduates 10

of Attleboro awarded graduation diplomas to 10 eighth-grade students Thursday night when the school hosted its annual commencement exercises at the adjacent .

Adorned in royal blue robes and mortarboards with gold tassels, the graduates proudly accepted their diplomas, received advice from classmates and school officials and dreamed of the future during a joyous and dignified hour-long ceremony held in front of a large gathering of family and friends.

The Class of 2012 includes Ashwini Asirwatham, Jacob Clark, Sydney Dyer, Hannah Fayard, Victoria Iannelli, Dylan Martin, Kristen Petagna, Olivia Phillips, Dante Pires and Mitchell Sirois.

Spanish teacher Amarely Agustin delivered the commencement address, praising the graduates for their progress while at the school and urging them to use their youthfulness as an asset.

"During my six years of teaching here, I have watched you grow older, taller, prettier and smarter," Agustin said. "Do not let anyone think less of you because you are young. Young people can always make a difference in the world."

In her valedictorian speech, Phillips thanked her classmates, parents, teachers and school staff members for their guidance and support and called the Dayspring Christian community "a family."

"Throughout the years, we have grown academically, spiritually and in stature," Phillips said. "It has been an incredible experience to have shared our joys and helped out each other in difficult times."

Salutatorian Clark mused about the nine years he spent at Dayspring Christian, where, he said, "I learned to be comfortable and have fun with my friends."

He added, "It seems like only yesterday we were starting out here in kindergarten. Every decision we made since then has helped us get to this point."

In brief opening remarks, Administrator Frank Rydwansky saluted the graduates and reserved special praise for faculty members, whom, he said, "make sure every student in this school works hard and fulfills their potential." Brief remarks were also delivered by Robert Lavallee (Dayspring Christian's spiritual adviser) and the Rev. Randal Ackland (lead pastor of the South Attleboro Assembly of God Church).

Interspersed with speeches were musical performances by graduates Phillips and Petagna; pledges of allegiance to the American flag, Christian flag and the Bible; a flower-pinning ceremony and distribution of special academic awards by faculty member Meredith Gilbert.

Diplomas were distributed by Rydwansky, Lavallee, Pastor Ackland and Murray Petrarca (chairman of the Dayspring Christian School Committee).