RUMFORD — Ryley Flynn, president of the Mountain Valley High School Class of 2016, told graduates and hundreds of family and friends Thursday night that the best way to get through life is to be very nice.

“In kindergarten, that’s the first thing you learn — to share a simple smile makes life better,” he told the 76 graduates.

Principal Matt Gilbert said this year’s class is one of the smallest.

“This class is a bunch of aces,” he said.

Following the ceremony, graduate David Targett of Rumford said the whole event was surreal.

“It hasn’t hit me yet,” he said.

He plans to attend the Art Institute of Philadelphia to become an art teacher.

Christie Johnson of Rumford was excited about receiving her diploma. With her was her 2-week-old daughter, Alona.

After a year off, Johnson plans to attend college to become a nurse.

Class President Ryley Flynn was also proud of his class.

“We’ve experienced a lot of changes. It’s been a long, long ride, but I could not ask for a better class,” he said. The teachers have been supportive both academically and personally, he said. “We appreciate everything you’ve done for us,” he said.

Students were dressed in blue gowns and some decorated their caps with messages. Flynn wrote “The Prez” on his.

After the ceremony, the class headed to Mt. Cranmore in North Conway, N.H., for an evening of fun and celebration.