FARMINGTON — “We’re here to celebrate the Class of 2015 and their hard work at Mt. Blue,” Mt. Blue High School Principal Bruce Mochamer said at Sunday’s graduation ceremony. “But we’re here, also, because it’s a celebration of their last 13 years of school.”

Mt. Blue’s 165 senior class members received their diplomas, closing one chapter of the lives and opening another. Mochamer spoke to the students, recalling all of the activities they had been involved with together. He thanked them for everything they taught him.

“It was my job to influence you, but I soon realized through all these conversations that it was you teaching me,” he said.

Seniors Peyton Smith and Sarah Cummings recited a poem together. It was at once wistful for the past and hopeful for the future.

“But the future, that is our true time to soar,” they said. “In these next few years, we will find there is so much more. More to see, to live, to enjoy, these four years will slowly fade into the past.”

In his speech, Anthony Franchetti recognized those who came before him and what they sacrificed to give him the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

“Indeed, the place we are heading will be compared to the days of yore,” he said. “Our generation will face their fair share of challenges, albeit ubiquitous and taxing. However, we can look back to times more strenuous than ours and learn from our forefathers.”

Franchetti spoke of the challenges the World War II generation faced, with the Great Depression followed by the war.

“We, as young men and women about to go into the world, can learn from their example,” he said. “Through their love of family, liberty, and most of all, their strong work ethic, we can learn what it means to be the best people we can be.”

Senior Victoria Newbill recited a slam poem, and her reflections captivated the audience. She pointed out that because she was always involved in so many activities in high school, like many of her classmates, that there were certain aspects of life that she missed out on.

“I want to hear about the time you felt so low that you didn’t think you’d make it, but then you did, and now you’ve gained it, but not just the bad, the good, too,” Newbill said. “Tell me how life looks in your perspective, your laughs, loves, and joys. This is what will last when all else is stripped away, when this day is just a memory.”

One of the graduation’s highlights was the announcement of Daniel Lesko as valedictorian and Michaela Hutchinson as salutatorian. Mochamer also recognized Haley Bickford for her hard work, as she made it into the class’ top 10 with outstanding work in the final quarter of the school year.

“Now we have 10 plus one,” said Mochamer, noting that there were 11 students in the top 10.

The Franklin County Fiddlers provided musical accompaniment before the ceremony. The Mt. Blue Flip Sides performed the National Anthem and “Make a Man Out of You,” from Disney’s movie “Mulan.”

Other performances were given by Rhys Simpson, who played guitar and sang “Colder Weather” by the Zac Brown Band; and by the Mt. Blue Chamber Quintet, who played “Bourree” from “Water Music” by Handel.

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165 — Graduates in the Class of 2015

111 — Going to two- or four-year college

48 — Going into the workforce

4 — Joining the military

2 — Doing a year of service

Class song: “Stole the Show” by Kygo

How the class will be remembered: “They are a great group of students who will have a positive impact on society as they move forward,” Principal Bruce Mochamer said.