The class of 2009 shared the Oak Bluffs Tabernacle with another special group of graduates at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High school graduation ceremony Sunday. In honor of the 50th graduating class, the high school invited members of the first representatives from the class of 1960—to join in the ceremony. The former students led the class procession through the crowd of spectators that filled the Tabernacle and spilled out onto the surrounding lawn on a sunny afternoon.

The day of celebration carried a somber undertone following the fatal car accident that had occurred three days earlier. Graduating senior Kelly McCarron remained in critical but stable condition at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after the Thursday night accident that claimed the life of a former student, 18-year-old Jena Pothier of Oak Bluffs. On Sunday when Ms. McCarron was called to accept her diploma, her mother Sue Habekost and sister Erica took her place on stage, carrying framed photographs of the missing student. The crowd rose in standing applause as the family members crossed the graduation stage.

Beyond that, the accident saw no mention during the ceremonies, though principal Steve Nixon did make a short speech at class night on Friday evening. “We as a school and a community suffered a tragic event last night,” he said, asking for a moment before proceeding with the scholarship presentation. Students who attended class night were invited to sign a group card wishing Ms. McCarron a safe and swift recovery.

In his graduation speech on Sunday, Mr. Nixon alluded to the solidarity of the Island community in the face of such tragedy. He quoted poet John Donne in saying, “No man is an island.

“His meaning was that everything happening has, or should have, an effect on everyone else, not just the individual. I feel there is no better place to see the realization of that thought than here on the Vineyard. When someone faces hardship, losing a home or a job, the Island rallies,” said Mr. Nixon. “No person is an island, but we, we are an Island, and we will always be here for you,” he said in conclusion.

Following graduation, Mr. Nixon acknowledged the effect of the accident on the ceremony.

“It was an emotional time for everyone . . . That’s always difficult. That’s always something on everyone’s minds. It’s something that, sort of like I said in my speech, it’s all about everyone pulling together to support each other,” he said.

Lighter moments in the ceremony came during intermittent addresses by master of ceremony Kia Minor, who began by listing the top 10 things she learned as a student at the regional high school. The students erupted in laughter as she read the first, and most important lesson: Befriend Inez Montanile, the school attendance secretary.

The ease with which this class has shared moments of humor was evident in student council president Maxwell Nunes’s speech. “I really wanted to remind you all (and share with our parents), some of the events, people, and moments that made us laugh the hardest. But I quickly realized that they all fell into two categories: not funny after the fact; you know, those had-to-be-there ones, or not appropriate to share at functions as public as graduation. I guess for now they will have to remain our inside jokes,” he said, as the class laughed in agreement.

He continued: “Danish humorist Victor Borges once said, ‘Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.’ Well, I will amend that today to say: Laughter has created the shortest distance between 203 people.”

Salutatorian Haley Koorse also injected humor into her speech, listing five Island souvenirs she hoped her classmates would carry with them through the next chapter of their lives. Souvenir number three was a well-rounded diet. “In order to avoid falling victim to the freshman 15 we should all try to continue eating a well-rounded diet as we do here on the Island. The best example I can think of is the Back Door Doughnuts apple fritter. It’s so big that it fulfills at least two of your daily fruit requirements and contains a full dose of Vitamin C,” she joked.

Vineyard schools superintendent Dr. James H. Weiss drew inspiration for his remarks from the popular film remake of Star Trek. “I know you will boldly go where you have never gone before,” he said to students, “You have learned to question, to seek solutions . . . in whatever universe you find yourselves.” He also injected a message of acceptance, a quality which he feels is characteristic of the Island community, and the hope that students will carry it with them throughout life. “Learn that lesson, the lesson of tolerance, and avoiding prejudice. Live long and prosper,” he said.

Mr. Weiss predicted a bright future for one student in particular, valedictorian Bethany Pennington, whom he presented with the class outstanding student award. In her speech, Ms. Pennington advised her fellow students to reach high for their dreams and to reach out to others in the process.

“As you graduate today and move out into the world, fix what angers you, address what makes you cry, find a cure for what keeps you awake at night — see how many people you can impact for the better,” she said. She continued with a musical reference: “Today, you begin composing a new song for the record titled My Life. Decide in advance how it is going to sound. The drum line for my personal song is my relationship with Jesus Christ. Faith isn’t a song everyone sings, but Jesus has given me the strength to keep singing.

“Whatever it is that you turn to for strength and support, hold high standards — it doesn’t matter if it will make you megabucks, or look good on a resume. Sing with all you’ve got — it will be hard work, but worth it. Travel far and enrich your play list. Make your life an act of service, a concert of hope and perseverance,” she concluded.

The ceremony included choral performances of the John Rutter song For the Beauty of the Earth, and the Ashford and Simpson song Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. Purple and white caps flew through the air.

After the ceremony, Susan Mercier, chairman of the regional school committee, spoke of her delight in being able to present both her daughter Emily Mercier and her niece Nicole Mercier with their high school diplomas. “[It was] the best seat in the house,” she said of being on stage. “It was a beautiful ceremony. I love this day. It makes the 20 million meetings I go to in a year totally worth it,” she joked.

Mr. Nixon agreed. “It went very well. We have an exceptional group of kids,” he said of the first class he has graduated as school principal. “I’m very proud of them.”