President Franklin Roosevelt said it best when it comes to happiness and achievement, valedictorian Brendan Morgans said when he addressed his peers one final time at Panther Valley High School's 53rd commencement exercises.

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort," he read. "This statement, by President Franklin Roosevelt, defines our accomplished and creative class quite well. Although small in numbers, our class has mastered many achievements during our four years of high school."Seventy-three Panther Valley High School students walked across the high school stage Wednesday night to accept their diplomas and end this chapter of their lives.Morgans spoke about how the class exemplified Roosevelt's quote during their school careers - from their start at Winnie the Pooh Preschool through their final moments as a high school class.He highlighted his classmates' accomplishments, academically, on the sports field and in the JROTC program and showed that the graduates have proved themselves excellent candidates for the world beyond the halls of Panther Valley."Our many remarkable accomplishments and memories have made life in our years at PV happy and worthwhile," Morgans said. "… Class of 2017, continue to strive for more accomplishments and memories in life. … Everyday will provide something new, hopefully leading to a fulfilling life and a great future ahead. Push through adversity in life and make the life in your years count."Jenny Lin, the class salutatorian, also addressed her class and the families in attendance.She spoke about the importance of family support to get the graduates to this point in their life."Please remember everything they have done for you and thank them for everything, especially your parents."Lin shared her family's personal struggles that helped shape her future success."I want all the graduates to remember this quote," Lin said. "Treat your parents with loving care. You will only know their value when you see their empty chair."Superintendent Dennis Kergick echoed the speakers' thoughts as he addressed the graduates, telling them to savor the moment and to not be afraid of failure.Following speeches, Principal Joseph Gunnels announced additional awards that graduates will be receiving, and class President Chloe Markovich passed the school colors to 2018 class President Kaleyia Polanco.School Board President Wayne Gryzik presented the diplomas before the class officially moved their tassels, sang the school's alma mater and threw their mortar boards high in the air as the newest graduating class of Panther Valley.