Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Mike Devoll didn’t praise the Class of 2014 for their accomplishments on Saturday afternoon. He left that task to graduating seniors at ORR’s 52nd commencement ceremony on the high school’s football field.

After a brief introduction that described the school as the “tri-town’s civic center,” Devoll called Keren Satkin to the podium with the phrase, “I now yield my time.”

Satkin was the first of about 16 student speakers who recalled class achievements in academics, sports and the arts, as well as memories and friendships made at ORR.

A musician, Satkin said she was accepted into three top music colleges. She credited that, along with a second place finish in an international music competition, to the school’s music department.

“That accomplishment doesn’t only belong to me,” she said. “It belongs to Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.”

Devoll also asked Nate Resendes to speak about his greatest achievement.

“When Mr. Devoll asked me to speak about my personal greatest achievement I knew it had to be that I made it through high school,” Resendes said. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I’m going to miss coming to school every day.”

Some students had a serious message for the crowd, while others took a lighthearted approach.

Arissa Underhill spoke about a medical condition she coped with. The experience led her to perform community service for residents in need.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to help people in the school and in the community,” she said. Fellow students should consider doing the same, she added.

Talon Gomes – this year’s Mr. ORR – used humor in his speech. He said he didn’t achieve much his first three years. As a freshman on the football team his biggest priority while sitting on the bench was, “keeping my hands warm.”

During his sophomore year: “I lost some weight. So there’s that.”

Junior year things picked up when Gomes grew: “What I like to call facial hair. If you look close you can see 10 hairs, maybe.”

This year, he said the football team’s South Coast Conference Division A championship win was a highlight. He ended by thanking his mother.

“You the real MVP!” he said.

Superintendent Doug White spoke earlier in the ceremony. He used to consider the Class of 2014 as part of “Generation Y.” A better term is “Generation iY.”

“You have iPods, iMacs, iTunes, iPads,” White said, adding that a world’s worth of information has been easily available to students their entire lives.

Because of that students are maturing at a younger age, he said. White urged students to think about developing emotional and social maturity.

For the first time in the school’s history a school choice student offered the valedictory address.

Leah Thomas of Middleboro thanked friends for making her feel welcome in her first few weeks as a freshman. She offered the following advice for classmates.

“Always show your gratitude,” she said. “If you don’t let the people in your life know that you appreciate them, they might not be around long.”

She reminded the class that a commencement is not an ending, but a beginning.

“A beginning for the rest of our lives,” she said. “Congratulations Class of 2014.”