It’s clear that Saturday afternoon was not Michael Kassabian’s first time at a graduation.

“There are only two things I hate in this world. First, the Kardashians, of course, and the second is clichés,” he said.

The Old Rochester Regional High School senior class president was one of several speakers at the school’s 53^rd commencement, held on the football field.

Kassabian said his goal was to avoid the oft-used quips found in many graduation speeches.

Instead, he urged the class to “break the stereotypical molds that society has set for us. We are all capable of greatness. Hone in on this greatness and don’t feel forced to be unoriginal or repetitive.”

Superintendent Doug White joked that his speech was not without clichés. As part of his talk, he asked the class to standup and thank the family, friends, teachers and coaches who had contributed to their success in getting to this point.

Addressing the graduates, he said, “I have been truly awestruck. All of you have the intelligence, talent and mindset to succeed at whatever you choose.”

Principal Mike Devoll also asked the students to stand as he highlighted the many achievements they have had in academics, art, athletics, community service, leadership and friendship.

He said the class of 2015 was the most accomplished and decorated class in ORR’s history.

“Welcome to the true civic center of the tri-town,” Devoll said.

Last to speak before the students received their diplomas was valedictorian Austin Salkind.

Number one in his class and a star on the baseball field, Salkind said he had a hard time coming up with the words for his speech, so he looked to his favorite sport, where failure is just part of the process.

“Everyone who is successful has failed,” he said. “I fail everyday, from striking out in baseball to washing my laundry without turning it pink.”

Salkind encouraged his fellow graduates to remember the serious, wise and funny words they wrote in their yearbooks.

“Take those words you wrote and make them into reality and don’t be afraid to fail.”

Devoll, White and ORR School Committee Chair James O’Brien greeted each graduate as they received their diploma on the very windy field. Afterward, students stood in a circle and tossed their hats into the air.