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"Your new journey will begin," high school Principal Louis Riolo said.
Riolo added that the graduates should both learn to deal with disappointment and continue to following their desires.
The graduates, along with onlookers, packed an arena at Western Connecticut State University, which is in Danbury. Security was tightened for commencement due to "threatening messages" that were sent, Carmel Schools Superintendent Andy Irvin announcement earlier this week.
In his message, Irvin praised the acts of kindness and community service demonstrated by this year's graduates.
"Never lose your sense of community," the superintendent implored.
Carmel school board President Greg Riley said, "you always make us proud."
Tess Seip, the 2016 salutatorian, stressed that graduates will face change in their adulthoods, and urged them to, in turn, change the world.
"Change is the only constant in life."
Gianna D'Ambrozio, the 2016 valedictorian, stressed the commonality of her graduating class, likening it to both a family and a garden.
"We have each other's backs," she said.
Stephanie Morley, the senior class president, called the commencement, "our final pep rally here at Carmel High School."
Scores of newly minted graduates displayed artwork on their mortarboards, most of which noted the colleges that they will be attending. One graduate's mortarboard sported a turtle figure, while another's held a sculpture designed to look like an airplane.
Once the graduates received their diplomas and turned their tassels, several celebrated their switch to alumni by throwing their caps into the air.
A photo gallery of the commencement is attached to this article.
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