Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School held its 39th graduation on a picture perfect summer day on Oliveira Field Sunday afternoon.

Students heard from valedictorian Chad Underhill who said he “did not stay up until 4 a.m. on a school night” analyzing 50 graduation addresses.

Underhill, a Rochester resident, majored in computer information systems at Old Colony. His research found that the speeches relied on cliches such as “this day isn’t an end, it’s a beginning,” and looking back on high school as “the best years of our lives.” Also, he found most included, “some silly piece of advice such as wearing sunscreen.”

Underhill told his fellow graduates to embrace change and “do not be afraid to challenge the status quo” after thanking teachers, coaches, aides, administrators, parents and friends for support.

Superintendent Frank Coté welcomed the graduates at the start of the ceremony and asked them to consider how far they’ve come.

“We know that you are ready. Today starts a new chapter in your lives. Take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve achieved,” Coté said.

The superintendent offered some words to live by from an unknown source: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as you can.”

Principal Karen Guenette encouraged students to focus on their values and said she was confident they were prepared for the next step in their lives. At the end of her remarks she asked the handful of students who will be joining the military following graduation to stand up and be recognized.

“Stay true to yourself and be the best you can be,” Guenette said.