On a picture perfect early June evening, 488 young men and women entered the Pleasant Valley High School stadium in their blue and white caps and gowns to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance," played by the PVHS band, signifying the end of their high school careers and the beginning of the next phase of their lives.

John Gress, PVHS principal, greeted everyone and thanked Mother Nature for taking care of them for the night.Marissa Gray, salutatorian, recalled some of the highlights of her senior year, from homecoming to prom.She also spoke about people who have made an impact on her, thanking all her teachers, the administrators and board members, the track and basketball coaches and teams "for welcoming me into their families, and my friends who've shown me the meaning of true friendship and love, my extended family for believing in me, my parents for their unwavering support and giving me every opportunity in the world, my brother for being a meddling kid, our close family friends, and my grandparents for giving me the brain that got me here because genius seems to skip a generation.""'The aftermath is secondary' is a quote by my favorite band, basically meaning it doesn't matter what the outcome is, so long as you try. A lot of people are scared of failing, including myself, but you'll never know what you could've accomplished if you don't take the plunge in whatever endeavor you may be embarking on," she said. "I think a lot of people here need someone to tell them this, and it might as well be me. Life is full of unexpected events, trials and tribulations, but just because something is difficult doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. The most worthwhile things in life are often the most challenging.She spoke about several huge challenges she faced this year."I was told I could have leukemia, I lost a great friend, and I'm in a long distance relationship that spans three thousand miles across an ocean, but none of these things have stopped me. I've never been happier."Gray talked about the longest journey of any person is the journey inward."Where are you going?" she asked. "Search your soul, travel the world, learn something new, continue improving upon yourself and your goals, and most of all, no matter how cliché it sounds, follow your heart. I've learned a lot in these halls, not only academic things but life lessons as well. I'm excited to start a new part of my journey into a slightly bigger, brighter, and strange new world, and I hope you're just as thrilled."She wished the Class of 2012 congratulations and to never stop getting caught in the moment.Gray will be attending Drexel University as one of the 28 students accepted into their Architecture program. She is a member of Drexel's Pennoni Honors College as well, and plans on minoring in Construction Management.The PVHS chorus sang "Thank You" by Jim Brickman and Victoria Shaw.Brittany Tucciarone, class president, presented the Class Gift. The class gave the district $10,000 to be used for a mural to be painted somewhere in the school. They are also making a donation to the yearbook and media to "continue creating memories for the kids," and a donation to The Lucy Fund, founded by Mrs. Lucy Stanovick, who has metastatic breast cancer and the mother of Nicholas Stanovick, one of the graduates.Lauren Heckelman addressed her classmates and audience as the valedictorian."Yes, I can say I graduated first in this spectacular class, however, over the years we have all shared a lot of firsts that should not go unrecognized," she said.She talked about the first two days of senior year being delayed because of Hurricane Irene, unexpected snow in October, Homecoming Dance canceled but when it was held it was "even more incredible. Over one thousand students came out on a Thursday night to show their school pride."She told her classmates to look around them."You may remain best friends with the person sitting beside you, or you may never see that person again. This may be a small town, but many of us will go on to achieve great things in faraway places," she said. "There will be a number of things which will never flee from our minds - our firsts and our lasts, our teachers and our friends. Please take the time to enjoy this night, because it will be one we will never forget."Heckelman thanked the special people who contributed to their success."This night is a culmination of many great things, and the start of many new adventures in life. Make the most of what life throws your way you will not regret it ... And for the Class of 2012, do not remember Pleasant Valley as the Home of the Bears, remember it as your home. No matter where life takes you, you will always be a Pleasant Valley Bear."Gress addressed the 2012 Class saying, "Everything seems to be going so fast. This is your night. Everyone is here to celebrate with you. There will be challenges ... We desperately need responsible citizens and leaders and leadership in this country and the world. You will provide that leadership ... You have received a quality education here at Pleasant Valley ... I'm proud to announce that 84 percent of you are going on to further your education, 34 percent is going on the military and eight percent are entering the workforce."Make sure you thank your mom and dad. To sum it up, you made a difference, you impacted more people than you think. When you leave her tonight, continue to make a difference. Never lose that optimistic look at life. We will always remember the Class of 2012."Ms. Carol Geary, assistant superintendent/curriculum, and Gress, announced the winner of the Joseph M. Bilicic $10,000 scholarship, a beloved PVHS teacher who died of cancer. The scholarship was established to recognize and celebrate his life by his family. This is the fourth year the scholarship has been given. This year it was awarded to Anthony Reyes.Dr. Douglas Arnold, school superintendent, said it was an honor and his pleasure to recognize an outstanding class of students."Graduates should never enter into the world over sedated from graduation speeches so I'll keep this short," he said.After the diplomas were handed out by Thomas Murphy, president and Susan Kresge, vice president of the board of education, the chorus sang the Alma Mater, followed by the ringing of the bell by the class officers, Brittany Tucciarone, president, Katie Forte, vice president, Miranda Houchins, secretary and Anthony Ruiz, treasurer.Hats were tossed, tassels were turned and the Class of 2012 formed the Long Blue Line where they received the congratulations and well wishes of family and friends. All that remains is the rest of their lives to pursue their dreams.