Brain Trauma Survivor Among 261 Winnacunnet Graduates [VIDEO]

The joy in Myla Gott's eyes was palpable Friday night as she crossed the graduation stage to the tune of thousands of clapping hands and screaming classmates.

Gott, 20, of North Hampton, suffered a serious brain injury in January 2009 when the then-high school senior's car hit a patch of ice on Interstate 95 and collided with a tractor-trailer truck.

Her life since has run parallel to a long and trying recovery. Friday night, though, served as a thrilling and stirring end to one difficult road for Gott, as she was able to finally graduate from Winnacunnet High School after resuming -- and acing -- her classes this spring.

Myla's father Bill Gott said he felt "delighted" when he saw his daughter graduate and fulfill her longtime goal, especially since there has been such an overwhelming level of support from everyone around her -- something that was evident Friday.

"She has worked hard to get there and make that accomplishment," said Bill Gott, who said his daughter communicates by spelling and hasn't yet regained the ability to speak or walk. "It's been two years in recovery (and) to make that recovery possible, it was an exciting moment."

Myla Gott was one of 261 students who graduated from WHS on Friday during a ceremony that was held inside the school's gymnasium and broadcast in the auditorium because of a rainy forecast.

While Gott got the biggest ovation Friday, each of her fellow classmates were also recognized for the diverse and interesting things they have done and plan to do.

Student Council President Gretchen Gabrielson touched on that point during her graduation address, telling her classmates that "excellence is not an act, but a habit" that can lead them to completing their dreams.

"We are extremely lucky to have attended this school because it has given us the opportunity to find our passions and aspirations and act upon them," she said. "Now we just have to continue our journey to achieve those goals."

Gov. John Lynch, the commencement's featured speaker, also spoke about the graduates' ability to influence the world.

One piece of advice Lynch tried to impart was how each member of the Class of 2011 has to learn how to use their "powers" to positively impact the world, a point he illustrated several times using comic book icon Spider Man's similar journey.

"Even if you don't have the ability to shoot webs from your wrists -- and you probably never will -- you all have the power and ability to change the world by sharing yourself and your talents and making a commitment to others," said Lynch.

Class Valedictorian Patrick Kamieneski cautioned his fellow students that how they hope to impact the world could change. He said new obstacles could and will arise even though they've "been preparing for this moment for 13 years," and told his classmates to face those obstacles "courageously." 

"Our training wheels are now off," said Kamieneski. "Now we must learn to face life's obstacles without falling. This kind of change is not easy, but it is what we all must be prepared for."

Bill Gott said Myla is focused on attending the University of New Hampshire in the fall, where she'll study to become a lawyer. He said she'll also be focused on continuing her road to recovery, something which Bill Gott said family members know is coming.

"She has made strides, and she will continue to make strides," he said. "Graduation is part of going down the road to recovery, and she's on that path."