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NORTH ATTLEBORO - Celebrating all they learned - from mathematical puzzles to life lessons - the 288 members of North Attleboro High School's Class of 2007 collected their diplomas Friday feeling ready to move on to new challenges.

With thunderstorms threatening outside, family and friends gathered in the high school gymnasium to watch the red- and white-gowned graduates cross the stage. Student speakers focused on the lessons they will carry with them as they walk out the gymnasium doors for the last time.

Valedictorian Brittany Pereira spoke of the lessons of unity and acceptance her class had learned in high school.

"We've all found our place - whether you're a cheerleader, an actor or a member of the chess club, you all belong to the group," Pereira said. "We never wrote a paper on tolerance or sat in a 49-minute lecture about it, we learned it ourselves."

She pointed out that by working together her class revived the Homecoming Dance and the Mr. NAHS competition. Salutatorian Stephanie McNamara spoke about the lessons of sacrifice, commitment and perseverance taught by parents, friends, teachers and coaches.

"We were not only educated in math, science and history but also educated by our coaches, parents and friends," said McNamara. "Looking deeper, often people teach us important lessons and they aren't even aware of it."

She added, "Many important life lessons aren't found in textbooks and can't be found by pushing buttons on a calculator."

Graduate Donald Fairbanks, who gave the welcome address, thanked teachers, parents and coaches for their support and efforts in shaping the lives of his fellow students.

"Everyone from the third grade teacher you loved, to the teacher you hated... got you where you are right now. You aren't the same person you were 12 long years ago - not even close. You aren't the same person you were even four years ago," he said."

He told his fellow graduates, "North Attleboro High School can't do anything more for you. The ball is in our court to create our own successes."