After four years of hard work, of forging lasting friendships, of heartthrobs and heartaches, it was finally here. As the band played Pomp and Circumstance, the seniors in Duxbury colors — young men in green robes and young women in white robes — walked, strode and sauntered in sky high wedges, funky flip flops, natty sneakers and polished loafers, under the floral arches and on to their places of honor on the stage at the Performing Arts Center for their final moments of high school Saturday. This was the class of 2012 at their graduation.

Many of the speakers at the ceremony discussed the importance of relationships, of living in the moment, and of not forgetting the little things in life that keep one connected to themselves, to their community and to the others around them.

Duxbury School Superintendent Benedict Tantillo gave the graduates some of the essential elements he felt were needed to succeed in life: taking responsibility, building relationships and having integrity and honesty.

Self-motivation and establishing and building relationships are among the most important tools a graduate can have to succeed, he said.

“I would rate building relationships as the most important, because it really is inclusive,” said Tantillo. “Throughout this Millennium you will have to work with others to be successful. Often, your success will be dependent on colleagues working with you on a project.”

Tantillo reminded graduates that remembering the Golden Rule will always help them along in life, saying: “Treat others as you would want them to treat you.” You must make and follow through with your commitments. Finish what you start. Although, I might be in Patriot territory, follow the NY Giants motto: ‘All In’.”

Tantillo sent the graduates off with a reminder to parents from the Dalai Lama: “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”

High school principal Andrew Stephens shared stories that underscored the message he gave to the graduates: that it was important to never stop learning, to never give up, no matter how hard life becomes and also to have empathy and really listen and pay attention to others in life.

Stephens shared the story of long-time high school custodian Peter Renaud, who has profound hearing loss and asked to audit the American Sign Language class at the high school. Renaud was hoping to learn sign language in case he lost his hearing completely, said Stephens.

“Peter got permission, attended class, did the homework, studied for tests and presentations, and was a participant in class for the entire school year on his own time, all while working a full time job,” Stephens said.  “He freely admits that there were times when he was spending hours on homework assignments (and gaining an appreciation for how hard the teachers and students have to work at our school) that he thought about stopping.”

However, Peter was clear about why he did not stop:  “When you throw in the towel, you’re done.  You’re finished.  Giving up is not an option.”

“There is always an opportunity to learn more about the world, a subject, or yourselves in all of your daily lives, if you are willing to look for it and pay attention,” said Stephens. “Be curious.  Be inquisitive about the world around you.  It will make you informed and, more importantly, interesting.  Never stop learning.”

The second lesson Stephens imparted to the graduates was to “never underestimate the importance and impact of empathy and a willingness to listen to people.”

“If you can truly put yourself in another person’s shoes and really be willing to hear people you talk to, you won’t believe what rewards you will reap in your lives,” he said. 

Graduate Arthur Su challenged his fellow classmates to tune in to the here and now. People, he said, are too distracted from living life because they are always trying to capture the moments for the future in pictures or by posting them to social networking sites.

“Life is moving faster than most of us know” said Su. “Too often we forget to enjoy the moment as it occurs… Instead, I challenge you to make a shift in perspective. Challenge yourself right now to really be aware of ‘now.’”

Senior class president John Michael “Jack” Guilfoile echoed Su’s sentiments, telling graduates that it is the little things of every day life that make up their lives, and it is best to appreciate them to live a happy life.

“Cherish each day, savor great moments and take time to do the little things that put smiles on our faces,” said Guilfoile. “For example, many of us will soon be leaving this beautiful and unique town of Duxbury. So this summer, don’t miss out on everything it has to offer. Jump off Bluefish. Eat a large ice cream from Farfar’s. Camp-out on Clark’s Island.  Watch the sun disappear behind Duxbury Bay.”

Many in the class of 2012 took their classmates’ words to heart as they sat waiting for their names to be called before taking that walk across the stage to be congratulated by Stephens and receive their diplomas from School Committee Chair John Heindstadt.

“I thought it was awesome,” said graduate Parker Leese, who will attend Roger Williams University in the fall. “When you’re sitting there in that chair, so many memories are going through your mind. You’re thinking of how you’ve been through so much with everybody, all your friends. And it’s just really cool to see everyone go up and get their diplomas.”

Leese agreed that he and his classmates should appreciate their hometown this summer: “We all take this town for granted but what they said really made you think about how lucky you are to grow up in Duxbury.”

“I think the focus of the graduation speeches was a lot about friendships and to cherish these moments,” said Parker’s mom, Maureen. “I was thinking that these moments are so precious and that he doesn’t realize it because there’s been so much pressure all these years to do well in school, but, down the road, they realize that these were really some of the best days of their lives.”

Lisa Keohane, mother of graduate Brendan Keohane agreed.

“I thought all those students’ speeches were amazing,” Keohane. “They all had a great message to share – to enjoy the moment —  and coming from an 18-year old, that really hit home.”

Keohane said the ceremony moved her, almost bringing tears to her eyes, but the happiness of the occasion won out.

“I thought I would cry,” she said. “But I’ve been overwhelmed by how happy he is. I just smiled so much when I saw him. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

As for Brendan Keohane, he said the enormity of his last moments as a Duxbury senior didn’t hit him until he had already moved his tassel to the other side of his mortarboard and was declared a graduate.

During graduation, parent Jean Waltz was moved by her memories of her son Brandon.

“I just can’t believe it. I was remembering when he was a little kid and he was taking his first steps,” said Waltz. “I had to keep my mind blank, because I was going to cry. You still see the little boy in the man before you.”

Jean’s husband Jay Waltz had more of-the-moment thoughts.

“I was just wondering if they were ever going to get to him because our last name begins with W,” he said with a chuckle.

But in reflecting on Brandon’s high school experience, Jay Waltz, who has another child who will graduate in six years, added: “As he grabbed his diploma I was thinking that I get to do all again in six years, and I’m really happy about that. It’s been such a great experience.”