PELHAM — At first, the python seems a rather unconventional choice for a school mascot, Pelham High School senior Jonathan Cares noted in his valedictory speech.

Look closer, however, and you'll see that even the plainest of pythons is beautiful in its own way.

“You could say many of us have been judged in some aspects, just like pythons have,” said Cares. “But all of us have the ability to succeed in our own right: even if you're not the most colorful python out there.”

The slithery serpents, he added, can survive for days on end without eating or drinking. This year's graduates can learn much from their mascots.

“Be a python and sniff out your next meal,” Cares advised his classmates. “Even if you don't get the big rat you were hoping for, you just might catch a mouse that's equally delicious.”

Cares was just one of the 131 “Pythons” to earn their diplomas Friday night, during the school's commencement ceremony.

Principal Dorothy Mohr had one word to describe this year's group — “class.”

“You're in a class all your own,” she told the students.

This year's graduates have contributed a combined 7,000 hours towards volunteer work:. Some even gave up their April vacation to work with underprivileged children in the Dominican Republic.

Yet others, Mohr noted, distinguished themselves on the playing fields or in the classroom. Forty-eight students achieved state scholar status, while 57 graduated with honors. All in all, 88 percent of this year's graduates plan on continuing their education, either at two-year or four-year institutions.

“Your class acts have left images in our memories,” Mohr said. “Success is not a destination but a constant and continued journey.”

Class President and Salutatorian Katherine McArthur encouraged her peers to look to the future.

“The firm foothold we've always relied on is slowly fading away,” she said. “Until now our lockers were our houses…our teachers were our bosses. Ultimately, we don't really know just where our lives will lead, but our experiences will continue to guide us.”

“Take a look at the person next to you,” McArthur advised her classmates. “They are truly your family.”

Class essayist Stacy Foote shared similar sentiments, asking the audience to ponder the true meaning of success.

“Success is making the most of our past failures,” she concluded. “We must realize that every action we take affects the world around us.”