Photo Gallery: Brighton High School Class of 2012 Graduates

Amidst cheers, laughter, crying - and yes, forbidden beach balls - Brighton High School's Class of 2012 became graduates.

Brighton High School Principal Gavin Johnson spoke briefly, calling Brighton's commencements "a different sort of graduation." Johnson said his daughter's graduation was boring listening to adults speak the entire time, so he turned over the ceremony to Class President Lauren Gilardone.

Of the more than 500 Brighton graduates, 74 graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or higher, 74 more graduated magna cum laude with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and 47 graduated with cum laude with a GPA of 3.3 or higher.

This year's graduating class had two valedictorians: Natalie Sanders and Tyler Partridge.

"Today, we are leaving the place that has taught us so much about life," Partridge said during his speech. "Parents, you may have mixed feelings as your children prepare to leave home and go out into the world, but I don't hesitate when I speak for the entire class of 2012 and say that this is most likely one of the happiest days of our lives so far. Do not worry, Mom and Dad; we are ready. We got this."

Superintendent Greg Gray joked with graduates saying this was "the first day of the rest of your parents lives."

Gray said that each year he chooses a song that he believes exemplifies the spirit of the graduating class. This year he chose James Taylor's "Fire and Rain."

"I've seen fire and I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end. I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend, but I only hope that I'll see you again."

Congratulations Class of 2012. Go Dogs!