After 13 years of intense training, Jim Thorpe's 2017 Olympians are ready to go for the gold in higher education, military service, and the workforce, no matter what the challenges they may face.

Friday night's graduation ceremony at the Jim Thorpe Area High School auditorium celebrated the culmination of four years of academics, athletics, and extracurriculars for the incredibly motivated and talented group of seniors."I think this is an exceptional class, with academics, sports, and social activities," principal Thomas Lesisko said. "They've really been tremendous contributors to the Jim Thorpe Olympian experience, and the community. We're looking forward to great things from this class, exceptional things."Guest speaker and Jim Thorpe Area School District Board President Michael Principe, whose daughter Camille was part of the graduating group, commended the class on their numerous accolades, and emphasized the importance of the community of learning that teachers, students, board members, and staff encourage in the district.Class President Cameron Condly, who openly acknowledged that he waited until the deadline to craft his speech, said that he felt a bolt of inspiration from a classic Smashing Pumpkins tune that he heard on the radio after coming home from a friend's house."The line that stood out to me was, "Today is the greatest day I've ever known," and standing here before you, I can truly say that today is the greatest day I have ever known. This is the start of a new chapter in all of our lives, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for us," he said.Salutatorian Margaret Holloway focused on clarifying an oft-misunderstood poem, "The Road Less Traveled," in order to explain the decisions the students have made and will make, and what effect they will have on their lives."There are all different interpretations of life that will work for different people. Choose the path that is best for you, and go where it takes you. Create your own meaning of life out of what is most important to you. Take the road less traveled by, or take the road most traveled by, just take the road that will give you purpose," she said.Valedictorian Drea Buczeskie told her fellow classmates to find their strength in life, both internally and externally, in order to be a survivor and succeed."That little voice inside that tells you to keep going is important. You have to be there for yourself. You have survived this far, and why? Because you are strong. ... However, know that there will be someone in your corner when you start to lose your strength. It's impossible to stay strong forever, so sometimes you just need that break to lean on someone and to recover."Superintendent Brian Gasper rounded out the festivities with a speech chock full of musical references, inspiring chuckles from the crowd as he went from Survivor to Iron Maiden and beyond.Buczeskie's conclusion to her speech, channeling another legendary, albeit fictional, champion - Rocky Balboa - truly encapsulated the feel of the night, and the future of Jim Thorpe's class of 2017."Now, if you know what you're worth, go out there and get what you're worth," she said.