The graduating class of 2013 just got bigger.

Combined graduation ceremonies for six Pilgrim, three Toll Gate and three Vets seniors were held yesterday morning at Pilgrim High School.

And while the number of grads was small compared to ceremonies held in June, there was no lack of enthusiasm from an audience that numbered about 100. They cheered. They snapped photos. And, when it was all done in about 20 minutes, they were treated to cake and punch.

Many of the newest grads, explained Dennis Mullen, director of secondary schools, failed to complete requirements such as their graduation by proficiency project in time to walk across the stage with their peers.

The newest grads did not sit through speeches by their classmates or the words of wisdom from city officials. On stage were the principals of the three schools, Superintendent Richard D’Agostino and Mullen. In fact, the grads, their family and friends didn’t even get to listen to Sir Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” – the standby for virtually every graduation.

Each principal read off the names of their school’s graduates and presented them with diplomas.

“You worked, you persevered,” said Pilgrim Principal Marie Cote.

She went on to say the diplomas she would hand out, “have your name on it … this is your first step.”

Some of the recent grads plan to return to the classroom relatively soon as they start their next educational chapter at the Community College of Rhode Island.

That may be in the future for Pilgrim grad Joseph Carpenter, although his immediate thought is to go into the workforce. He would like to find a job that would satisfy his creative bent, possibly welding.

Also receiving Pilgrim diplomas were Johnathan Auger, Christopher Sicard, Jonathan McKenna and Alan Travassos. Sean Breslin will also be graduating, Cote said, although he wasn’t in attendance. Toll Gate seniors graduating were Kevin Barry, Taylor Noble and James Norman. Vets students receiving diplomas were Aaron Caracciolo, Tristan Carani and Ryan Morin.