SAUGUS – Rain sprinkled during the beginning of Saugus High School?s graduation Friday at Stackpole Field, but Mother Nature held off for most of the outdoor ceremony, including the most important part – conferring of the Class of 2015 degrees.Speakers alluded to scholars attending prestigious colleges from the school?s Advanced Academy. In its first year, the academy has 10 students enrolled in humanities, STEM life science or STEM physical science programs. They also thanked the students who plan to enlist in the armed forces for their service.Nicholas Monaco, who is both valedictorian and class president, and salutatorian Zachary Collins are scholars in the program and plan to attend UConn and MIT this fall, respectively.?Today, we celebrate a class that has achieved amazing goals and accomplished outstanding things,” Monaco said from the podium, which was decked out with red and white balloons, the class colors. “We celebrate students furthering their educations at elite institutions, such as MIT and Harvard. We celebrate the bravery and courage of those entering the armed forces, serving our country and protecting each and every one of us.”Students, teachers, staff and family braved the initial sprinkles and chilly temperatures for two hours during the 144th commencement exercises. Placed on each side of the stage were the figures one and five, which the Class of 2015 signed, to represent their graduation year.Monaco, who gave the valedictory and class president address, went on to say he has faith that his fellow graduates will do amazing things with their lives, whether in college, the military, or the workforce. He said they will continue to make Saugus proud.?Throughout our time here, we have all learned what is worth fighting for,” Monaco said. “We learned how precious education can be, and how it shouldn?t be taken for granted, because the right to a quality education can be stripped from you at a moment?s notice.”Collins, who gave the salutatory address, also spoke of freedom, but not in the traditional sense. He was referring to graduates? freedom in choosing the next chapter in their life.?We?ve put in the work and accomplished all that we needed to in order to sit here tonight, but now, as graduates, we are truly able to decide what we want to do or where we want to go or what we want to be,” Collins said to applause. “The choice is up to us. Some of us are going to college, some into the workforce and even into the military.Collins said each path creates an opportunity for graduating seniors to explore themselves and freedom to do what they wish with their lives.He said high school wasn?t exactly a choice for soon-to-be-alums to reach their destination, but more of a stepping stone.?Saugus High has been a stepping stone – one that while capable of putting us all in the position to do great things, was necessary for all of us to take,” Collins said.Both academy students intend to study engineering.Keynote speaker Bonnie Meehan Scott, a former English teacher, who retired in 2012 after 40 years, gave outgoing seniors a word of advice pertaining to the next step.?When you go off to school, military or to work, learn from those people,” Scott said. “You don?t have to like them, but embrace their ideals.Back in class for a few moments, Scott rounded off her speech by asking graduates to shake each other?s hands and congratulate them.