An hour before Sunday's graduation ceremony, people were already beginning to fill the bleachers at Barrington High School's Victory Field.

The crowd continued to swell as 2 p.m. drew near, and by the time the soon-to-be graduates filed onto the track, the bleachers were filled and hundreds of people lined the fence, waiting to cheer on members of the Class of 2018.

Nearly 300 students received their Barrington High School diplomas on Sunday, June 3, in a ceremony that celebrated the students' impressive academic and athletic achievement as well as their "intangibles."

Barrington High School Principal Joe Hurley said the Class of 2018 will be remembers for its "kindness, the willingness to work together, and a caring and compassionate nature…"

Mr. Hurley also offered some advice to the graduating class. Referencing a song by Kenny Chesney, Mr. Hurley told the young men and women in the Class of 2018 "Don't Blink."

"My advice to each and every one of you is to slow it down by taking the time to appreciate the things you truly love and are passionate about, and enjoy every step of this exciting journey that you are about to embark on," he said.

Senior class president Sam Read offered a welcome address to the families and friends of this year's graduates. He said he was initially thrilled to be given the opportunity to share a speech during the graduation ceremony but panicked a bit when he tried to figure out how to mention all the accomplishments and achievements for the students in the Class of 2018.

Sam worked through the challenge and offered this unique solution: He told his classmates, who were all seated at that time, that he was going to read statements and if they answered yes to any of the statements then they should stand up.

As Sam rolled through his statements — anyone who has planned an event at the school; anyone who has been a member of a championship team; anyone who has performed in a school play, etc. — more and more members of the Class of 2018 began standing. Before long, each and every graduate was standing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, these are the great members of the Class of 2018," Sam said, as applause filled the air.

The class president then led his classmates in a round of applause for all the parents, teachers and staff members who have supported them over the years.

Madyson Borek shared her essay with the large crowd and spoke about the friendships students have made with teachers. She also thanked the local educators.

"You've done so much more for us than you will ever know," she said. "You guys are the reason we're walking across this stage today. The reason we're walking across it and not running across it to get away."

Following a performance by the high school choral ensemble, George Connelly shared his essay.

George said there has been one constant for the Class of 2018 — "community." Referencing a quote, he said "Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community." He then added: "I've seen it first hand, and my classmates have seen it first hand: this class cares."