Leave it to the superintendent to offer the best words of wisdom at a graduation.

"Your families are extremely proud of you," said Frank Coté. "This would be a most opportune time to ask for money."

Coté spoke to the 40th graduating class of Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School on Sunday afternoon. Looking back to his own high school graduation 43 years ago, he acknowledged that the class might not remember what he said, but he still wanted to impart some advice.

Looking at the class of 2016 dressed head to toe in maroon, Coté told them not to shrink from change.

"It's what moves us forward in this country," he said. "Dare to go the extra mile."

While Coté told students to embrace change, Valedictorian Jesse Goodwin told his fellow students, "Do not be afraid to embrace genius."

The speeches were brief at the ceremony, held in the gym due to the threat of rain, and in a quick hour the graduates were sent on their way.

The graduation was joyful but bittersweet for many parents, including mom Lisa Girard, whose daughter Cydney graduated.

"This is it. She made it," said Lisa. "She's my youngest. It's a whole new chapter for everybody."