MONMOUTH – With “Seize the Day” as its motto, Monmouth Academy’s class of 2004 graduated Sunday afternoon in a ceremony full of hugs, tears and cheers.

Sixty-six students became graduates in the gymnasium during the two-hour event, which coincided with the school’s 200th anniversary. The graduation featured a slide show and the presentation of flowers to parents.

Flowers of all types were a recurring theme throughout the ceremony, in which the four highest-ranked students addressed the crowd. Valedictorian Kimberly McNelly focused on why she felt dandelions would have been a better class flower than the choice of white lilies.

“The seeds must separate to grow, and they are as free and unrestrained as I expect my class will be,” she said. “Beauty radiates from their simplicity and inner strength.”

Salutatorian Courtney McLaughlin said she pondered her regrets while writing an essay during the last weeks of school. She told the audience that she only regretted things that she did not do.

“I regretted not appreciating Monmouth more for what it is,” she said.

Third honor student Anne Chuprevich spoke fondly of the shared memories she built with her fellow students, many of whom she’s known since kindergarten.

“It would be impossible to erase the last 12 years, and I don’t think any of us would want to,” she said.

Fourth honor student Cory Shepherd encouraged students to take their class motto to heart. “I am urging everyone to find your own unique path,” he said.

After the first part of the ceremony, which featured the speeches and musical numbers by the school’s band and chorus, students had the chance to hug their families one last time before graduating from high school.

Two at a time, they went into the audience and presented flowers to members of their families. Amid tears and long embraces, men received carnations and women roses.

Once the students returned to the stage, the chorus performed “Corner of the Sky.”

“Everything has its season,” they sang. “Everything has its time.”

Principal Michael Burnham announced awards and then presented the diplomas with other school officials.

“It has been a pleasure to watch you grow into the wonderful young adults you are today,” he said.

With the audience cheering, each student crossed the stage to receive his or her diploma as the graduate’s baby picture flashed on projection screens next to the stage. The song “Here’s to the Night” played in the background.

“Here’s to goodbye,” the song says. “Tomorrow’s gonna come too soon.”