HANOVER - Twenty-three students, white carnations pinned to their blue gowns, graduated from Cardinal Cushing Centers yesterday.

The residential school in Hanover offers academic and vocational training to ‘‘students with mild to severe developmental disabilities, behavior, emotional and physical challenges,’’ according to its Web site. It is part of St. Coletta and Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts.

The students will ‘‘be going off to other things, in all different directions, after graduation, so it’s monumental for them,’’ Patty Allo, the school’s director of development operations, said after the ceremony.

‘‘The teachers and the staff have done such a great job of developing their individual characters and bringing out their full potential,’’ Allo said.

The commencement speaker was Michael Sheehan, president and chief executive of Hill Holliday, a Boston advertising agency whose clients include Dunkin’ Donuts and John Hancock.

Nicholas Roy was the class speaker.

During the ceremony, teachers and staff members presented awards to students, including the Young At Heart Award to the student with the most spirit; the Ronald Hort Memorial Award; the Hanover Chamber of Commerce Award; two vocational awards; and two graduate recognition awards.

Each graduate was presented with a class ring by John Boucher, president and chief executive officer of South Shore Savings Bank and one of the school’s directors.