PHOTOS: Matawan Regional High School Class of 2012 Graduation

The familiar notes of "Pomp and Circumstance" filled the air as the Matawan Regional High School class of 2012 marched slowly through Barry Rizzo Stadium, guided by an aisle of silver ribbon.

When the 286-member class took their seats on the field, half draped in white gowns and half draped in maroon, they were encouraged to always experience life to the fullest.

"Whether you are heading off to college or getting ready to work, staying close to home or starting off somewhere far away, embrace the understanding that your learning and growing do not stop here today. The world around you is filled with lessons, but now it is time for you to seek them out. Stay engaged, be curious, find ways to turn hardship into hope," said keynote speaker Phil Martin, the confidential assistant in the Office of the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education.

Martin, a Matawan alumnus, recalled during his speech the affect of two life altering events, when his father suffered a serious motorcycle accident and when his cousin was killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

"It reminded me that life is both temporary and fragile," said Martin. "As you sow your own destiny, be sure to show appreciation to the precious and fleeting nature of things. Please remember to thank those who support you along the way."

Class salutatorian Jessica Young echoed Martin's sentiment, telling her classmates to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

"As we move beyond high school we must continue to push our boundaries," said Young. "In a world where people are told they are not special, let's stand out and make a difference, take chances, and create a future that you will be proud of."

Senior class president Stephanie Piscopo emphasized the many accomplishments achieved in the last year alone, from the football team, and earning championship titles to the numerous won by the theater department to the two students missing graduation for a shot at a national title.

"Not only did Matawan impact us, but we as a class exceeded expectations and set the bar even hire for those who follow," Piscopo said. "As we can hope to expect, we'll experience bigger and better things upon receiving our diplomas. We will be tomorrow's engineers, doctors, actors, teachers, writers, fashion designers, artists, and business people."

Class valedictorian Carolena Ruprecht noted that even though the future is uncertain with high unemployment rates and an ongoing military presence in the Middle East, if students work hard they will find success.

"I believe it is the lessons in life we have learned for the past four years that will allow us to follow our dreams and become the people we want to be. Our dreams are so important. They come from our hearts and our minds and drive us forward," said Ruprecht.

Each student was called to the stage to accept their diploma and in a matter of minutes, 286 high school students became alumni.

Principal Michele Ruscavage commended the students for their hard work and dedication since they became students in September of 1999.

"Today we celebrate your 13 years of hard work and perseverance," Ruscavage said. "You have earned all of the accolades and honors bestowed upon you this evening. As I reflect on your high school career, the phrase that comes to mind when describing the class of 2012 is the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles."

Looking forward, she said, students will always bring honor to Matawan Regional High School if they respect themselves and others, take responsibility for their actions, embody loyalty, be a great communicator, and never lose site of their goals.

"Passionate, hard-working individuals will always succeed in this world," Ruscavage said. "Be resilient and be prepared for all that life will offer you. To quote a line from the Broadway musical Wicked, 'Unlimited. You're future is unlimited.'"

The class of 2012 stood and sang the high school alma mater before filing out of their seats and forming a circle around the end zone on the football field. The class to turned their tassel to the other side of their caps, signifying themselves high school graduates.

Matawan's newest alumni celebrated their excitement by throwing their caps into the air and screaming with excitement. On their way back to family and friends, members of the class of 2012 laughed and hugged as they began the next chapter of their lives.