Leave it to the Class of 2012 to do it their way – from the two graduates who needed to receive their diplomas early to compete in the track and field state championships to the extraordinary "handshake" between Class President Christopher Millman and Class Valedictorian Daniel Ling. This class of 185 graduates was never content with the status quo.

As Class Advisor Marta Chace reminded the crowd, this class arrived at the high school large and in charge. Graduation was the culmination of this class's journey and, not surprisingly, it was as exuberant and entertaining as billed.

Graduation took place at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, before a packed and very friendly home crowd Sunday afternoon, June 3.

It started off with two early diploma awards. Track athletes Jamiee Dorsey and Allie Davis had the state championship – which had been delayed by rain – to attend. The cheers were loud and long ... finishing with a lone, "Run fast!"

Salutatorian Ben Pallant entertained and instructed, noting that much of what he was saying he himself had difficulty following.

Chris Millman introduced Valedictorian Daniel Ling. Nothing special there ... until Ling joined Millman on stage. The two exchanged an extended "handshake" to the cheers and applause of the audience.

Ling, noting that life from here on out would be different, urged his classmates to not "cast our high school memories aside. Keep them. Cherish them."

Congratulations Class of 2012. Don't be strangers. We'll be here.