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FOXBORO - Gut-wrenching anticipation followed by a rush of exhilaration. According to Foxboro High School valedictorian Sai Kaza, that's what makes riding a roller coaster so great.

Kaza, one of two student speakers at the school's 133rd commencement exercises Sunday afternoon, admitted the amusement park staple always brings butterflies to her stomach. But she observed that surviving the terrifying ordeal - and surviving life's challenges - brings its own rewards.

"A roller coaster, no matter how scary, is a wonderful journey," said Kaza, who will be attending Boston University next fall. "And even though that first plunge may scare us all, and the twists and turns that follow may bring more fear, we can overcome them. We no longer dread that ride; we will enjoy it."

Forced indoors for the first time in three years by morning downpours which passed through the area, Sunday's graduation ceremonies kicked off at 2 p.m., as faculty members and school officials followed the drone of a tartan-clad bagpiper into the school gymnasium. They were trailed by the 197 graduates, led by their class officers, who filed in to the more traditional strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" as parents, friends and well-wishers clapped, waved and shouted their proud approval from the bleachers.

Opening the ceremonies was class president Katherine Gerrety, who peered our from under a gaily-decorated mortarboard to deliver some sage advice for her fellow graduates. "As you walk down the aisle at graduation today, one foot in front of the other, one step at a time, hold your head high - not just because of your past accomplishments, but also to welcome a new chapter in your life," Gerrety said. "The more steps you take, the further you are away from your past, and the closer you are to your future."

Gerrety concluded her remarks by reminding her classmates there are no limits to what they can accomplish.

"With courage and strength your dreams can come true," she said. "From here, the direction you choose is up to you. Just believe in yourself."

Superintendent Christopher Martes, a 1971 Foxboro High School graduate, officially presided over his first commencement since being named to the post last summer.

"It's great to be back in Foxboro," he said.

Referring to the Class of 2008 as "a special group of young people who will make a difference in the world in the future," Martes urged the graduates to thank their parents, as well as the teachers and administrators who helped them navigate the past 12 years of public school.

"I know you will be successful," he said. "We'll be keeping an eye on you."

Briefly greeting parents on behalf of the school committee, Kate Kominsky exhorted the graduates, including her son, James, to follow their dreams in the years ahead.

"Congratulations on your achievements and best wishes from your hometown," said Kominsky. "May you live each day with the spirit that life brings you."

Diplomas were presented by Martes and school committee Chairwoman Beverley Lord, with Assistant Principal Joseph Heinricher declaring that students had fulfilled the state's graduation requirements, evoking rousing cheers and the customary tossing of hats. In addition to the diplomas, Principal Jeffrey Theodoss introduced 55 graduates who were the recipients of town scholarships. A number of other scholarships previously had been awarded at Class Night exercises last Thursday.