For the 31 Wareham Cooperative Junior Senior High School students who crossed the  stage at the school's 2010 commencement ceremony on Tuesday, June 1, the occasion was more than a milestone. It was a triumph.

"Almost every one of these students has been faced with some sort of obstacle in their academic life that could have prevented them from being here today," said Cooperative High School Principal Scott Palladino.

But each student persevered, overcame their challenges, and, dressed in black caps and gowns, collected their diplomas.

More than half of the students will continue their education, Palladino said, with several others still making their decisions on which path to take next.

"I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, the highest of your hopes, and the windows of your opportunities," student speaker Nicole Veliotis said to her fellow graduates.

Veliotis spent a semester at the Cooperative School, after two separate car accidents left her unable to perform at her highest potential during the hours of a regular school day. She plans to apply to Bridgewater State College.

Some graduates felt relieved that their high school career was coming to an end.

Graduation felt "like a new day," said Ray Bourque, who attended the Cooperative School for three years and plans to study motorcycle drafting and design at college.

"It feels awesome," said Kelsie Brubaker, who attended the Cooperative School's night school program. It's been a "long journey," she said. Brubaker plans to become an animal rescue officer.

Superintendent Barry Rabinovitch advised students that their work is not yet complete, however. "Please remember that this is the first day of the rest of your life," he said. "Each and every one of you can make the world a better place."