Spotlight Shines on 2011 Graduates

, which played host to its 51^st commencement ceremony, graduated 260 seniors on a sun-splashed Thursday evening.

The gorgeous evening on the high school turf was filled with graduation caps, diplomas and even a beach ball.

District Superintendent Brian White Jr. praised the 2011 graduates for their hard work during school and reminded them to never give up even when facing adversity in life. He told the graduates they have learned many lessons in school that cannot be tested on paper.

“As you chase your dreams, you may face challenges and you must be resilient,” White said. “I want you to remember that word; resilience.”

Three students also spoke to the thousands who packed into the high school stadium in Collier Township. A celebratory beach ball bounced around the students for a moment before being confiscated by a teacher.

Justin Kinslow said people define success in many different ways, including Charlie Sheen during his month-long “Winning!” spiel. But he encouraged the students to not lose sight of their personal goals and expect the most out of themselves.

“Create your own success and not what others deem successful,” he said. “As you leave, you determine how successful you are.”

Katie Ciccaglione said the graduates likely had mixed feelings about the day because excitement over the future is met with some sadness that their class is moving on. But she added that nothing that happens will ever be able to take away from their memories during high school.

“Keep in mind that no matter where the road takes you in the future, we’ll always be connected by this school,” she said.