PLAISTOW — Kayleigh Sullivan described her alarm clock as a “persistent little monster.”

It would buzz every morning at 6 — a reminder that it was time to get up and face the world.

As she finished addressing graduates as salutatorian for Timberlane Regional High School's Class of 2012, that alarm clock blared in her ear once again.

“This is our wake-up call. Do you know what time it is?” she asked the 330 graduates as she hit the button and prepared for her future.

Hundreds packed the school's gymnasium Friday night to bid farewell to the graduates, some of whom have been together since kindergarten. The threat of thunderstorms forced the school to move the ceremony indoors.

“At times I felt this day would never come, and part of me didn't want it to,” senior class president Joseph Coye said as he recalled their younger years at Pollard School, the “awkward” middle school years and the high school years that followed and saw them mature into young adults.

Several students were recognized for their achievements, including student council president Nicholas Delfino, who earned the “Outstanding Senior Award.”

Principal Donald Woodworth said 80 percent of graduates will head off to two- or four-year colleges. Some will pursue other professional training or enter the workforce, while 12 have decided to join the military. Each was asked to stand up, one at a time, to be recognized for their decision to pursue a military career.

“Your duty is greatly appreciated,” he said. “Whatever path you have chosen, the Timberlane community encourages you to serve the greater good through your endeavors.”

Class essayist Gregory Stockman spoke about the diversity of the Class of 2012 and wished the graduates luck as they move beyond high school.

“For the first time in our lives, we will no longer be bound by mandatory credits and government educational expectation,” he said. “We have the keys now, so let us drive.”

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Jason Schreiber may be reached at jschreiber@newstote.com.