Graduates from the Carbon Career & Technical Institute were described in many ways during the annual graduation ceremony, but when asked if they are ready to find their place in the world, the graduates described themselves with the same word simultaneously: ready.

"Since day one we have told these students to set goals, both short and long term. They got the idea and they are ready to accomplish them," said Brent Borzak, principal of CCTI in his ninth year with the school. "We had a lot of students this year excelling at competitions, making historic scores on the Keystone and NOCTI exams." Borzak says he wants students to "go at life with confidence."The class of 2017 saw large milestone achievers in their ranks. Some students entered technical competitions sponsored by DECA, Skills USA and HOSA, and some made it to national-level competitions. Likewise 18 of 20 students who participated in a co-op, a half-schooling, half-work experience program, are leaving the institute having already been hired in their field."This is a class of achievers," said Stephanie Barto, marketing instructor and senior class adviser. "I expect them to accomplish great things."Eighty-six seniors graduated from CCTI at 7 p.m. Thursday at Jim Thorpe Area High School. Graduates from 16 different programs at the institute received their diplomas from their instructors to cheers and applause from the packed audience.Graduates also heard from both administrators and fellow students during the commencement, each one offering a unique message to the graduates about their futures.Valedictorian Brittney Marzen addressed the students and audience on how both the students and school have changed since the graduates began their careers at the institute."It was nothing like 'High School Musical,' in fact there was not even one musical number," joked Marzen before commending her fellow graduates for their accomplishments and contributions to the school. "History has its eyes on you, Class of 2017."Marzen, 18, of Jim Thorpe, studied drafting and design at the institute. She plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, as does salutatorian Jacob Snyder, 17, of Nesquehoning.Class President Andrew Frable spoke to each of the 16 groups of students, reminding them that though they will accomplish different goals in different fields, they were united as CCTI students."We have become a family," Frable said in his speech.Frable, 18, of Coaldale, graduated from the electronics engineering program offered at CCTI. He hopes his classmates "stay safe, and stay in touch."