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NORTHVILLE - The Northville Central School class of 2009's top students urged classmates never to forget the important influences in their lives as they graduated Friday night in the school's 114th annual commencement ceremony.

Due to rain and thunderstorms, the ceremony that is normally conducted on the school lawn was moved into the auditorium. But a power failure caused most of the ceremony to be staged in the dark.

The 41 NCS graduates wearing their blue caps and gowns were spurred to move forward in their young lives through speeches given by class Valedictorian Anne K. Ryan and Salutatorian Chelsea A. Paul.

"High school is a time of molding and changing and trying to figure out who we are and who we would like to become," Ryan said. "This individual growth is found in many different aspects of our lives here at Northville Central School and is rarely found on our own. We have grown on the athletic fields, in the art room, on the stage, in the band or chorus, and in so many ways socially. We are lucky to live in such a close-knit community and we have had an amazing amount of people to support us every step of the way."

The valedictorian went on to cite various positive influences in her life, such as her family.

"I enjoyed the time I spent in this town and in this school, and no matter where I go in life, I will always remember my small hometown of Northville, N.Y., and all of the people that I got a chance to know here," Ryan said. "I'll take with me many life lessons I have learned as I head to further discover who I am."

Salutatorian Paul also mentioned various influences such as great teachers at Northville.

"Tonight, sitting on this stage are future teachers, doctors, engineers, artists, mechanics and parents," she said. "We all know where we're going and now it's just a matter of starting to get there. Tonight is our starting point. Right now is a time to reflect on the past 13 years of our lives because tonight ends our time here at NCS."

Master of ceremonies was Student Council President Ashley Reidell.

District Superintendent Kathy Dougherty offered a welcome to a "celebration of a very special day in the lives of the 2009 graduates."

The guest speaker was science teacher Warren Hoffman.

Secondary Principal Michael Healey gave the presentation of awards.

The presentation of the class picture was given by Jordan E. Stofa and Evelyn I. Brenn.

Presentation of class gifts was by Ronald C. West and Karissa E. Henderson.

Dougherty and Northville Central School District President Lynne Paul presented diplomas.

The processional and recessional were by the Northville Junior & Senior High Bands led by Director Jennifer Henzler.

Michael Anich can be reached by e-mail at johnstown@leaderherald.com