Don't be afraid to tap whatever potential you have.

That was Wareham High School Class of 2012 salutatorian Brian Williams' message to his peers as he took the podium at graduation on Friday.

Williams also articulated that feeling of freedom he and his fellow graduates are currently experiencing.

"We no longer have to stand in the chicken patty line," he joked. Or be disappointed "because the basketball game was canceled due to rain," he said, referring to the high school gymnasium's chronic, leaky roof.

"I hope you don't forget where you came from," he continued. "It is Wareham that has transformed us into the successful, unwavering graduating class that we are today."

Wareham High School graduated 187 students, 84% of whom will pursue higher education, said Principal Scott Palladino, later pointing out that the Wareham community, through various scholarship funds, provided approximately $220,000 to the class.

The graduates left quite an impression on the school, Palladino explained.

"We'll never forget how you carried yourself in the hallways," he said, "how you took care of business in the classroom."

After picking up her diploma following the ceremony, graduate Caitlin Jones said she could sum up the day in three words: "Bittersweet, emotional, overwhelming."

Jones pointed out that Class of 2012 dean Michael Collins had told the students during their freshmen year that high school would be the fastest four years of their lives.

"He was right," said Jones, who plans to join the National Guard and attend MassArt.

Jones wasn't the only graduate feeling a bit overwhelmed.

"At first it's surreal and it doesn't feel right," Madison Catarius said of the occasion, adding that once realizing she was surrounded by all of her friends, the day began to feel real. "It feels amazing," she said.

Catarius, who played soccer during her time at Wareham High School, plans to attend Nichols College in Dudley to major in sport management.

Evan Moretti echoed Catarius' sentiment.

"It hasn't set in yet. I think, soon, it will," the graduate said. "You do the same thing for 12 years and for it to suddenly and abruptly end" is a bit jarring, he explained.

Valedictorian Dennis Silva noted that he and his fellow students have their parents to thank for helping them to reach the milestone.

"How you put up with us for 18 years, we may never know," he joked, addressing the parents and guardians who packed the Spillane Field bleachers for the ceremony. "Our success is your success."