BUCKFIELD — Relatives and friends packed the Buckfield Junior/Senior High School gymnasium for the graduation of the 48 members of the Class of 2012 on Saturday.

Memories were the program’s highlight as a slide show reminded the students and families of events leading to this commencement ceremony.

Valedictorian Emma Warren told her classmates, “So much of life is outside our control,” but she emphasized that three attributes are important if they are to make the most of the future. She urged them to maintain good attitudes, to take on challenges and to demonstrate humility.

Watson used the example of a mission trip in which a return flight was missed, forcing the students to spend a night in a nearly empty airport terminal. “It turned a disappointment into a great experience,” she said, adding that they turned disappointment into an impromptu pajama party, instead of an ordeal.

“Live humbly,” she said. “It is so easy to get caught up in ourselves.” As an example of selfless service, Watson reminded the seniors of the long hours their teachers had devoted to their educations, and the support of parents.

Salutatorian Rebecca Carrasquillo told her classmates, “We can’t live our lives thinking, ‘What if.’” She urged the graduates to lead lives of confidence and innovation.

Guest speaker David Fulenwider, longtime social studies teacher at the school who retired last year, said he was reminded of classes he taught about the Declaration of Independence, which speaks of the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Fulenwider told the graduates they have life and liberty, but to achieve happiness they must also include “duty.” He emphasized “the duty to keep learning” because “knowledge and understanding bring greater happiness.” He closed with an admonition to “be strong, be good and be wise.”

A treasured tradition of the Buckfield graduation was repeated as seniors took roses to loved ones in the audience. Dedications of the rose presentations included names of mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, as well as many tributes to aunts, uncles, “grammy” or “grampa,” to whom graduates wished to express gratitude.

The sentimental theme of the evening included vocal presentations by Ashley Hutchinson and Kaitlin Rines, who sang “Like My Mother Does,“ a solo rendition by Austin Dooley of “Goodbye For Now,” which he wrote, and a rendition of “For Good” by Gabrielle Vallee and Emma Warren.