Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School said goodbye to its 2012 graduates at a breezy outdoor ceremony on Sunday, June 3.

The graduates, who included residents of Mattapoisett, Rochester, Acushnet, Carver, Freetown and Lakeville, specialized in a variety of majors from culinary arts to welding.

Principal Patricia-Ann Foskett praised the outgoing class.

“They worked hard,” she said. “They have a lot to be proud of.”

As many of the class head off to college or into the military, educator Deborah Hermann encouraged students to be discerning about the opportunities offered to them.

“Class of 2012, some opportunities we make, some opportunities we take,” she said.

To accomplish their goals in the future, Hermann told the graduates, “Wishing is not enough, you must act.”

Valedictorian Brandon Charles also encouraged his classmates to take their futures into their own hands.

“Today we start to make a name for ourselves,” he said. “Get out there and embrace the world.”