Nearly 600 students received their diplomas at the school's 46th commencement ceremony.
TOMS RIVER -- At the highest point of their careers thus far, the nearly 600 Toms River High School North graduates were reminded at the school's commencement on Monday that this just the beginning.
"Let's not rush this moment," Student Council President Megan Kotran said during her welcoming address. "It's important that we all take a step back, take a deep breadth, and reflect on how far we've all come. Although this chapter of our story comes to an end tonight, every one of us will embark on an exciting new adventure towards the rest of our lives."
Before Kotran's address, Principal Edward W. Keller praised the Class of 2016 for "excelling in all areas."
Keller said 81 percent of the class will continue their education after graduation at approximately 300 different colleges and universities across the country. Eleven of the graduates will join the armed forces -- a tidbit that received a thunderous applause from the roughly 3,500 people that packed the Pine Belt Arena.
"I wish you all success in all that you attempt," Keller said. "Always believe in yourselves and trust your instincts."
Valedictorian Alyson Suchodolski urged her fellow classmates to learn from their high school experiences -- and mistakes -- as they start a new chapter in their lives.
Referencing the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and the recent massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Suchodolski said her classmates should not let fear paralyze them.
"We must join together in an effort to keep fear from crippling us and cornering us into decisions we may later regret," she said. "We must spread love and encouragement to those around us because it will make us better as a society."
In quoting Franklin D. Roosevelt, Suchodolski echoed one of the 32nd U.S. president's most famous lines: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.