By JOSEPH FITZGERALD

GLOCESTER — There’s no disputing the fact that the Ponaganset High School Class of 2008 was a class of achievements.
Last December, the Ponaganset Chieftains captured their fourth football state title in school history to become Rhode Island Superbowl champions. The   Ponaganset High School Band and Chorus, which has a long history of excellence, captured even more state and regional awards. As for academics, the Class of 2008 excelled there as well.

“The Class of 2008 has everything,” Ponaganset Principal Dennis Kafalas said at Thursday’s 47th annual commencement exercises to honor the Class of 2008’s 226 graduating seniors.
But it wasn’t just those big achievements, Kafalas said, that defined the graduates — it was the many smaller moments — random acts of kindness, courage and maturity — that illustrated the character the Class of 2008.
“I’ll remember the Class of 2008 for those small moments,” he said. “There are too many students but not enough time to mention their names. They are without a doubt a credit to their school, families and community.”
Dressed in robes with the traditional school colors of green and white, the graduates marched to their seats on the front lawn of the high school, a  gentle breeze and setting sun providing the perfect backdrop as parents jockeyed for position to snap cameras. The Ponaganset High School Wind Ensemble played a spotless rendition of Pomp and Circumstance.
Acting School Superintendent Michael Barnes acknowled the parents and family members of the graduates, saying their investment in supporting the school district’s new high school and middle school (which is under construction) will “help to provide a quality education to children for years to come.”
“A school is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a place that binds us together as a community,” he said.
Addressing the graduates, Barnes offered the following advice: “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t be afraid to love or study abroad. Don’t get caught up in the now. Treasure the relationships you build.”
In his speech, Salutatorian Bryant Servello talked about lessons learned  beyond the classroom.
“Success in school is more than just grades on a report card,” he said. “Twelve years of school have given us something just as important as knowledge. The point here is that school isn’t just about becoming smarter or more ready for a career. It is not just about math and science and English. You have just finished twelve years of school. Have you stopped and really thought about how much good friends are worth?

“It’s fantastic to be called a friend,” he said. “Friends are such a cornerstone in life. They are a source of camaraderie and sympathy. In happy times, they share your joy. When you’re down, they pick you up. They are the people you laugh with, cry with, complain to, and remember forever.

He told his fellow graduates to realize their dreams and goals.

“We all have fears about college. Some of us are worried that the academics will be harder. Have faith in yourself. You can achieve great things if you struggle hard enough. Some of us are worried about being so far from everything we know. Remember that it is also a time of new experiences - a time to expand your horizons and discover a piece of the world you have never seen before. Some of us are worried about not ‘fitting in.’ Try looking at it differently. Normal is the opposite of extraordinary.”

In an abbreviate speech, Valedictorian Cecilia Donnelly told those gathered “to be proud of your sons, daughters, gradnchildren, nieces and nephews.”

The graduuates erupted into applause when Assistant Principal Cheri Yanku and Dean of Students Mary Tetzner announced that graduates Caleb Gelsomino and Katherine Kent were named the Class of 2008’s Ideal Chieftains. The award is given to those seniors that personifiy the Chieftain ideals of character, leadership, scholarship and citizenship.

Presentation of the class gift was made by Gelsomino and Ashley Taylor to Stephanie Constant and Lauren Shea, members of the Class of 2009.