The Class of 2023 should not be afraid to follow the path they’ve chosen for the future, despite its uncertainty, Carbon County Judge Joseph J. Matika told graduating seniors at Panther Valley High School 59th commencement exercises Monday night.

“Challenge fear head on. Don’t just see a vision for your future, create it. Don’t just chart a course for your future, establish it,” the 1980 PVHS graduate and guest speaker told graduates. “The mold for your future self begins its casting tonight.”

Valedictorian River Knoblauch congratulated classmates and wished them luck in the next chapter of their lives, as they move on with a new sense of freedom in their lives.

She encouraged them to seize every day as an opportunity for growth, and transform aspirations into reality.

“Remember, we have one life and one future, and it’s ours to create,” Knoblauch said.

Salutatorian David McAndrew III reflected on all the graduating class overcame and achieved together.

“Whether we move on to pursue further studies at college or dive into the workforce, we do so equipped with the skills, knowledge and experiences to thrive in any situation,” he said.

Class President Kyle Lin said they all are creating their own recipe for success in life, adapting from their own experiences and bringing in guidance from those around them.

“We may have all found a different recipe to getting here … but my fellow classmates all stand here tonight with a cap and gown,” he said. “Congratulations to the Class of 2023.”

Principal Patricia Ebbert likened the Class of 2023 to the character Crush, the wise, old sea turtle in the Disney film “Finding Nemo.”

“Like the sea turtle, you have demonstrated wisdom, strength and patience in uncertainty and have accepted the challenges,” she said. “You did the unthinkable, stayed the course, persevered and I could not be prouder of your triumphs. You faced them with dignity and resolve and overcame the rockiness of the sea.

“You walked into this gym tonight as seniors and now leave as new PV alumni,” Ebbert told them before awarding diplomas.

A 1982 PV graduate herself, she reminded them that Panther Valley will always be their family, and asked them to call, stop by or drop a note after they’ve accomplished their life goals.

“Let us know that you have ‘Crushed it,’” and that you never gave up and ‘kept on swimming.’”

Superintendent David McAndrew II reflected with pride on the 87 members of the graduating class, which are what he called the embodiment of “Panther Grit.”

“True grit is defined … as, ‘firmness of mind or spirit, unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger,’” he said. “Tell me that being a Grit is not everything you strive for every day.”

McAndrew pointed to the graduates’ academic resolve and achievements, as well as those who left an indelible mark on their lives, starting with family, friends, educators and coaches who helped instilled the spirit of grit into them.

He thanked the Class of 2023 and asked that they carry the values they learned at Panther Valley.

“I hope you have treasured the moments and lessons learned through your years here at this school, but most of all, never forget what it means to have Panther Grit.”