By LUCAS CORREIA

SEEKONK — Emotions ran high yesterday as the Seekonk High School Class of 2008 took their final trip to Connolly Football Field as high school students in a parade of 174 blue-and-white caps and gowns. 

“I’m in disbelief that graduation is really here,” said graduate Colie Lemay as she was getting ready in the lobby, “but at the same time, I’m ready to move on to bigger and better things.”
 “I’m so proud of my niece Colie,” said Lemay’s aunt Sarah Collins. Lemay will be attending the University of Massachusetts at Amherst this fall.
“He finally made it!” said Pamela Nunes, whose son Anthony has joined the Army National Guard. “I’m so happy he’s [graduating] and going on with one of his goals.”
Seekonk High School alumni Lauren Hall and Marcia Robbins looked on the moment with nostalgia. “My little sister Emily is all grown up,” said Hall. “I can’t believe it went by so fast,” said Robbins about her sister Tara.
“Today is not the ending, it’s the beginning,” said valedictorian Molly Beauchemin, who will be attending the University of Virginia this fall. She also emphasized in her speech the importance of high school as a foundation for a journey through life, while reflecting on the life lessons she learned in her four years.
“I have faith that each of us will continue to grow and pursue that which excites us, so don’t be afraid to make this leap,” concluded Beauchemin.
Salutatorian Caitlyn Corrao’s speech emphasized how much the class has come together over the past four years, and how enthusiasm is a motivator in achieving one’s goals. 
“If there’s one thing I have learned… it’s that to be successful and happy, you must love the things you do,” said Corrao, who will be attending the University of Tampa this fall.
Principal Marcia McGovern and Superintendent Emile Chevrette also gave speeches wishing the class of 2008 well.
The class enjoyed many memorable events this year such as their Senior Supper at The Abby in Fall River, the annual Six Flags Trip, winning Spirit Week and Class Day at Dave and Buster’s.
The varsity football team won the South Coast Conference championship this year with a record of 10-0. The cross-country, track, basketball and gymnastics teams also held notable records.
 This class also dealt with some hardships this year.
“The class rallied together and really cared for those [of them] dealing with physical challenges,” said guidance counselor Christine Whatley, “they’ve been a very caring class.”
The class of 2008 made an effort to get together and purchase the “Senior Sweet Deal” (a package that prepaid for many events throughout the school year valued at $150) for a senior who had a stroke at the beginning of this academic year.
The class also organized and advertised a blood drive in the name of another senior who was hospitalized with a rare form of mononucleosis. Both students have since recovered.
“They were a very enjoyable group of kids to work with,” said class advisor and math teacher Jennifer Almeida, “I’m going to miss them.”