BOW — Graduates were urged to head out into the world and follow their dreams Saturday, as 117 students earned diplomas at Bow High School.

Graduate Carolyn Keyes thanked families in the audience and referred to a quote by President John F. Kennedy, who said, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

“We have been given one of the best educations in the world,” Keyes said. “It is now our responsibility to go out into the world and do our best.”

Principal John House-Myers gave a snapshot of the Class of 2012 in numbers, noting that of 117 graduates, 99 will go on to continue their education in a two- or four-year college and four are enrolled in continuing education programs.

Thirty-three students earned state classical music awards and 21 sports banners were earned, House-Myers said.

But perhaps the most significant statistic was the students in the Class of 2012 performed 6,084 hours of community service.

House-Myers also individually named seven students who will go on to serve in the U.S. military. That drew a standing ovation from the audience.

Student speaker Chelsea Bailey told students that they were all in for a little bit of culture shock after four years in suburbia, but a clean slate will allow them to be whomever they want.

Bailey reminded students that technology has played a large part in their education, and it has taught them to expect the unexpected.

“We are not a generation that can be groomed into specific career fields,” she said, noting that some fields may not yet exist.

Fellow speaker Clayton Caron congratulated students on their hard work, but said that their journey wasn't just about hitting the books.

“More than any project, it is the people we will remember,” he said, and had students find people in their class that had made a difference for them and give them a hug.

Caron shared some words of wisdom that his father shared with him.

“Don't be afraid to chase your dream, even though it may lead to failure,” he said.

As Caron looked around the gym at the banners that reminded students of their athletic accomplishments, he said it was time to take that success and move it into the real world.

“We have to make new banners and hang them on the walls of our lives,” he said.

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Kathy Remillard may be reached at kremillard@newstote.com.