Graduates from Plymouth, Canton and Salem high schools walked the stage and flipped their tassles in becoming Plymouth-Canton Educational Park's 2012 graduating class.

Commencement ceremonies took place Sunday at Eastern Michigan University's Convocation Center, with each school having its own commencement.

The commencement marked at least one first between the three high schools.

Among those in attendance earning diplomas were Plymouth High School's first set of graduating triplets, Billy, Janie and Sophie Roberts. According to the Observer & Eccentric, the three siblings will be separated for the first time when Billy and Sophie head to Kalamazoo College, while Janie attends Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.

Outgoing PCEP Park Principal Bill Zolkowski, who is retiring after this year, assured Plymouth's graduates it's OK if they fall short, so long as they try.

"Do not be afraid of taking chances," Zolkowski urged the graduates. "Don't be afraid to fail."

Meagan Shokar, addressing Plymouth graduates, acknowledged the support of those in the students' community.

"How will we give back to the community that has given us so much?” Shokar asked.

Canton class speaker Moleca Ghannam offered some inspiration for her fellow graduates.

"We may not set the world on fire, but we can burn as bright as the sun," she said in her speech to graduates.

One of Ghannam's classmates, Canton grad Kevin Buford, already is stepping into a bright spotlight, as he will try to help the Iowa Hawkeyes compete for a Big Ten football title. Iowa awarded Buford, a fan favorite at the Chiefs' games, an athletic scholarship in 2011 and he will join the team this fall.

More on Class of 2012 graduations:

• Post an announcement for your favorite graduate.
• Plymouth graduate devotes time to making others' lives easier
• Letter to the Editor: Congrats, Class of 2012!
• Chime in: What advice do you have for graduates?
• List of 2012 Plymouth High School graduates
• List of 2012 Salem High School graduates
• List of 2012 Canton High School graduates

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Plymouth and Canton Patch editor John McKay contributed to this report.