NKHS Graduation 2011

They slaved over standardized tests, fueled their early mornings with ' coffee and survived the unbearable heat of the third floor. On Friday evening, it all came to an end as the Class of 2011 tossed their caps into the air.

345 students donned their cap and gowns and received their diplomas Friday at the Ryan Center.

This year's graduation speaker – , superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and uncle of NKHS graduate Kelsey O'Donnell – gave the mass of students some pearls of wisdom.

"My first message to you is never let someone tell you you cannot do something," said the former officer. O'Donnell proceeded to tell the crowd how he was told a wrist injury sustained during lacrosse would bar him from ever becoming a police officer.

Valedictorian Elena Suglia gave an upbeat and spirited speech, recounting how the Class of 2011 survived "Bieber Fever," learned a new definition of winning from Charlie Sheen and saw the pain and suffering from natural disasters across the world.

According to NKHS Principal Thomas Kenworthy, $75,000 in scholarships has been awarded to NKHS students in the past month alone.

Friday's graduation was also the first time that at NKHS graduation was streamed live on the school department's website.

Couldn't make it to the graduation? It will be replayed on Cox Channel 17 and Verizon Channel 37 on June 19 from 12 to 2 p.m. and June 20 and June 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.