One hundred twenty eight seniors at Tabor Academy received diplomas, cheers, and guidance during Saturday’s graduation ceremony held at Martin Field.

The commencement was the first one presided over by Head of School John Quirk. He ended the ceremony with a quote favored by his predecessor, former Head of School Jay Stroud.

“Be sure always to keep the stars on top,” Quirk said and offered his congratulations to the class of 2013.

The class was the 135^th to graduate from the private college preparatory school located on Sippican Harbor in Marion.

The President of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Rear Admiral Richard Gurnon, urged seniors to think about their future and persevere when working toward goals.

“I want you to think about who you want to be, not what you want to do,” Gurnon said. “I want you to pick a door, a destination, pack your courage, and go. Here’s the most important part: Do not turn back; do not give up, regardless of the difficulties.”

Gurnon told students that attending college was not a destination, but another step in their journey.

Also offering remarks were Timothy McNamara, student head of school, who gave the senior address, and Sunny Luo, president of the senior class.

McNamara noted Tabor left the senior class well prepared for college.

“Thanks to our time here we could not be more ready,” McNamara said.

Luo presented the senior gift, which was $200 to the incoming freshman class and a new Student Union for the entire school.

At the ceremony’s start, Quirk asked students to rise and applaud their parents for the support.

Early in the ceremony, Keith Browning, chairman of Tabor’s board of trustees, greeted students. There are many ways to congratulate students at commencement, he said. Browning said he decided to offer students a straightforward message of encouragement: “I’ll simply say, you are on your way.”