Whistles, cheers and applause thundered through the Pleasant Valley High School Gymnasium as the class of 2015 walked through the processional.

There were 494 graduates this year, with over $4 million in scholarships and prizes awarded to the graduating students.Principal John Gress beamed with pride while he addressed the students and staff."I've never met such a class. The class of 2015 has made a difference," he said.He commented on the dedication to community service and volunteer work by the students."Over 88 percent of our students are going on to post-secondary school and 13 to 15 students are going into the military to serve our country," Gress boasted.His last piece of advice to the graduates was, "Live every moment like it's the last moment."Gratitude and appreciation laced the speeches of both Salutatorian Elizabeth Gillen and Valedictorian Jennifer Braddock. Gillen, who will be attending Arcadia University in the fall in an honors program, thanked both parents and faculty alike.She said that she had "always been told not to rush through this chapter in our lives, but our stories are far from over. It's up to us to write our own fortunes and our own futures."She commended the class for their accomplishments. "We got here because we did something right."Gillen urged the students to take control of their futures.Braddock, will be attending New York University in the fall, echoed the sentiment of taking control of one's own life.She told her fellow classmates, "It is our response to good and bad that determine who we are. We are all very alive and have potential to make something of our lives."Class President Elizabeth Heron advised the graduates to "strive for adventure, success, love, laughter and happiness. Go and grab life and put it into the direction you want."Heron and fellow class officers presented the class gift by donating the remaining $1,500 to next year's chemical free organization.Before handing out diplomas Superintendent Carole Geary stood before the class with confidence that their futures will be bright."As I look into your faces I see our future, you'll be our protectors and our healers. You are our hope for a better tomorrow."Geary certified that the students had meet all the requirements and pronounced the class of 2015 graduates of Pleasant Valley.The class officers closed the night with the traditional ringing of the bell to symbolizing the end of the ceremony and the entrance of the class of 2015 into the real world.