NORTH READING — Superintendent David Troughton last night advised the class of 2009 to "paddle as a team, watch those rapids and enjoy the ride" through the river of life.

As if on cue, one of the 185 graduates tossed a turtle-shaped float into the air.

"I'm a little sentimental and a little proud of everyone," said honors graduate Jennifer Mazzola. "We all united as a grade."

Kristen Moulton, a class honor essayist with one of the top grade-point averages in her class, shared Jennifer's sentimentality.

"I wish I was here for a little longer," said Moulton. "I love North Reading High School."

In the fall, Mazzola will attend Stonehill College for early childhood education, while Moulton will go to UMass Amherst for biology.

Though Mazzola and Moulton don't plan to go outside Massachusetts to continue their education, others plan to go to the other side of the world.

One such voyager is Rachel Fritts. Planning to spend a year with the Word of Life Bible Institution, Fritts hopes to become an English as a Second Language tutor in Japan.

"I'm looking forward to going to Japan," said Fritts.

"There's a great need for teachers there. I want to be someone who can point students in the right direction."

The commencement was in the school gymnasium with an overflow audience in the auditorium where the program, which included remarks from four student speakers was broadcast.

"The links we have formed cannot come from a book, cannot be drawn on any blackboard, or instructed to us in any lecture," said honor essayist and fellow top GPA graduate Rachel Moda. "Here was the foundation that we all shared, which gave us our direction for the beginning of the rest of our lives."

Among the notable events recalled by the graduates was their fall pep rally, a white-water rafting trip to Maine, and dancing throughout the night at their "enchanted evening" prom.

Principal Jon Bernard presented more than 86 scholarships and awards during the ceremony.

"You are ready to go out into the world where many unknowns await you," said Bernard.

"Expect the best from yourself and keep your head held high.