DAPHNE — Ready to conquer the world.

That feeling was in the air Monday night at Daphne High’s graduation ceremony, where a standing-room only crowd watched 353 seniors claim their diplomas.

The crowd was so large that some folks had to sit in bleachers across the field, behind the stage graduates walked across when their names were called.

Since the DHS stadium is still being renovated, the commencement was held at the Fairhope Municipal Stadium. But that didn’t seem to bother graduates, their families or friends.

Adam Barks, senior class president, who spoke during the ceremony, even found a way to make that into a positive.

“What other class could pull off graduating at their arch-rival’s stadium?” Barks said, pausing momentarily for the laughter and applause to die down.

“I guess it’s true what we have always said about our class — we are kind of a big deal,” he said with a smile.

Other student speakers echoed his enthusiasm, urging their fellow graduates to take what they have learned at Daphne High with them into the world.

Valedictorian Cecilia Boccardo explained that it hadn’t been easy moving to the United States just 10 years ago.

But she also spoke of the strength — and good friends — she’d acquired along the way, experiences that will accompany her into the future.

Daphne High “helped us build a foundation on which we’ll build our futures,” Boccardo said.

Salutatorian Connor Ojard agreed that the graduates’ lives will now change greatly.

But that is also an opportunity for personal and professional growth, Ojard said.

“Go where there is no path and leave a trail,” he said, quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The future belongs to those who claim it, he said.

“What’s next is up to us,” Ojard said. “Lead on. Lay down your own path.”

DHS faculty agreed that the class of 2007 won’t soon be forgotten.

Teacher Cindy Wilson, who helped before the ceremony, said she was touched by the students’ appreciation for the two World War II veterans “graduating” along with them.

“I was so touched that they recognize the value of these men coming out here,” Wilson said. “We’re just really proud of our graduating class.”

Graduate Kristin Hamric, great-granddaughter of veteran Oliver Bertagnolli, agreed that it was an honor to be in the same ceremony.

“I just can’t tell you how proud I am of him,” said Hamric, who plans to begin her nursing education in just a few days.

Principal Don Blanchard, who spoke during the ceremony, thanked Fairhope officials for hosting the event.

“You rolled out the red carpet, made us feel welcome. And for that I am truly appreciative,” Blanchard said.

John VandeWaa didn’t mind standing amid the crowd just to get a few good shots of the graduates — particularly his son, Arie.

Knowing that his son will soon be off to the University of South Alabama is both exciting and sad, he said.

“It’s true what they say, kids do grow up so fast,” he said. “But still, when you close your eyes, you see them as kind of young. And that’s a good thing.”