RAYMOND — The Raymond High School class of 2012 is building a future with focus, balance, and a little help from their friends.

At the commencement ceremony Friday night salutatorian Abbey Schlanger warned of the importance of maintaining personal relationships in a society increasingly connected by technology, including cell phones and the Internet. A balance must be found in technology, work, play, and rest, Schlanger said.

“We owe this dedication to finding the balance to our generation, our culture and our peers,” Schlanger said. “We owe it to ourselves.”

While electronic communication has its value it can place a barrier between people, making relationships less meaningful, said Valedictorian Melissa Ashley Lord. She advised her classmates to take the time to occasionally re-evaluate who they are, where they're heading, and the unique strengths that will help them get there.

“Our unique qualities allow us to be part of a larger picture,” Lord said. “They allow us to become something much larger than ourselves.”

Classmate Charles DeBenedetto performed “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.

“Like seasons we're always moving forward,” DeBenedetto said.

As they go forward into adulthood and throughout life they should try to live in the moment and share it with friends and family, he said.

During the ceremony $120,900 was awarded in scholarships. In total 58 students representing 76 percent of the graduating class is going on to college. Nicole Bureau, the only student to enlist in the military, received a standing ovation.

The graduates took a moment to enter the audience and present roses to thank someone who cared about and supported them.

Principal Kirk Beitler told the class to establish goals so they won't bounce around aimlessly.

“Use the same laser-like focus on your dreams that an archer uses on his target,” Beitler said.

Success comes in steps, Beitler said, reminding students that they learned to crawl and stand before starting to walk.

“Although you may not have known it, your goal was to run eventually,” Beitler said. “You have succeeded.”

Finally, Beitler asked graduates to remember those who helped them along the way, continue to trust them, and slow down long enough to enjoy the ride.

After diplomas were handed out Lord sent them off with the final advice to take advantage of the opportunity to be whoever they wanted to be, learn from their mistakes, and remember the moments and people that helped shape them.

jhanson@newstote.com