The young men and women who will keep our world running, who will be the planners, the builders, the caregivers, launched their adult lives Thursday as they graduated from the Carbon Career and Technical Institute, Jim Thorpe.

Valedictorian Nicole Henry called on her classmates to develop the strength of character needed to live a successful, satisfying life. The same strength of character demonstrated by those who recently took down the infamous terrorist leader, Osama bin Laden.

"Several weeks ago, after almost 10 years, America was successful in locating and bringing to justice, the terrorist that's been in the back of our minds since Sept. 11, 2001. On May 1, Navy Seal Team #6 displayed strength, determination, and perseverance in America's efforts to fight terrorism," she said. "These qualities that were displayed are needed not only by our military personnel, but also by the class sitting on this stage.

"I believe each of us possess these qualities, otherwise, we would not be graduating. After tonight's ceremony, some of us will continue our education at post-secondary schools, some will enter the workforce, and for others, the military. No matter what we choose, at times it may become really challenging or even difficult to continue moving forward, especially when it seems like everything that could go wrong, is going wrong. But it is important to hold your head up and show that you have strength, determination and perseverance. Have the strength to stand up for what you believe is right, even if others think differently; be determined to stay focused on your goals and keep moving forward; and persevere by continuing even after multiple failures. Our military never lost sight of their goal, and neither should we," she said.

Henry encouraged the Class of 2011 to build the foundations of their lives on those values. She urged them to "be strong, be determined, and persevere. Build your future one brick at a time. The first brick is in place. The rest is up to you."

Salutatorian Tiffany Ruch spoke of how her class grew up while growing close.

"There's a bond with this class that has been noticed by our teachers, administrators and classmates. We didn't necessarily have this immediately, but over time, it sure did develop. We're much like the Three Musketeers' motto, 'One for all and all for one.' Together, we have made memories that will be remembered and cherished for a lifetime. Many of the friendships we have built will continue, but because of time and space, some will not. Even though we will now be separated, going in many different directions, we will still be one," she said.

"When we started at CCTI, graduation seemed so far away. Who could have imagined it would be here so quickly? Some of us are definitely ready to move forward, some aren't quite sure what's next, and others aren't ready at all. There was a time during high school that all we thought about was getting a driver's license, getting our first part-time job, and how we were going to spend our summer vacation.

"Now, our thoughts seem so much more important. Will I be able to get a full-time job? How will I adjust to college life? When I get through basic training, where will I go next? Or, I really do need to make a decision about what I want to do next," Ruch said.

Tiffany's twin sister, Trisha Ruch, was president of the 74-member Class of 2011. She spoke of what her class learned through CCTI.

"We've learned from our years at CCTI that getting what you want isn't always easy. We've had accomplishments and disappointments. We've learned that some things don't last forever. Things are constantly changing. People change and so do situations. We've learned that it's all right to make mistakes. When we have, we've tried again to see if we could somehow get it right. These times will become our inspiration for the future and will turn into those precious memories that we will cherish. No matter where our journey may take us, we will take a part of these years at CCTI with us," she said.

"Someone once said, 'to travel is better than to arrive.' At first I didn't really understand what this meant, because I always believed that there was only one path to take to get to where you want to go in life. Then, I realized by choosing only one path, I would have to abandon or not try the others. What happens along the way is what actually counts. Having different experiences and trying new things can be so exciting. Just like when we were asked what we wanted to be so many years ago, the possibilities are still endless. It's the journey that counts, not the destination," she said.

The ceremony was held at the Jim Thorpe Area High School.

The evening opened with remarks by Principal Brent Borzak. The processional and recessional were played by Michelle Stoudt, who also sang the national anthem. Director David Reinbold spoke, and presented the diplomas.

Borzak and Class of 2011 officers – president Ruch, vice-president Crystal Sparrow, treasurer Raymond Zuber and secretary Tiffany Ruch – lead the tassel ceremony. The officers also presented their adviser, Stephanie Barto, with a bouquet.

Joint Operating Committee members Anthony DeMarco and Carl Bieling Jr. accompanied the Class of 2011, which included Life Skills class members Ryan Lee, Jana Zaengle and Joseph Zercie, onstage.