Eighty eight members of Marian Catholic High School's class of 2010 received their diplomas on Saturday morning.

Following the invocation by the Rev. Kenneth Medve, salutatorian Julie Baran took the podium. Citing a story from The Alchemist, by Paulo Cohelo, she followed a young boy's journey through a beautiful palace. The wise man of the palace told the boy to wander around the castle, and, at the same time, carry a teaspoon containing two drops of oil, which he warned him not to spill. As the boy traveled, he kept his eyes fixed on the spoon, and returned with them intact. Then, the wise man asked him if he had noticed the beautiful items in the palace, to which the boy answered that he did not. Then, the wise man told him to repeat his journey and to take in the marvelous sights. When the boy returned, he had seen many items of wonder and beauty, but, he had dropped the oil."A simple story, that contains an important lesson," said Baran. "As we get set to leave behind the halls of Marian, and go out into the world, we will see many marvels. We will see beauty where we didn't expect it. We will find love when we weren't looking for it. And, we will find success in the strangest of places. Live for today.""As we move on in life, we will be shaped by different people and different experiences. We will change and grow. But we must never forget the oil," she continued. "We cannot forget the lessons learned from our teachers here at Marian, or the lessons learned at home from our parents and family." Baran challenged her classmates to go out into the world and experience everything, but to always remember the oil in their spoons, God, their family, loved ones, and their classmates at Marian.Marian's principal, Sister M. Bernard Agnes, along with vice principal Paul Coombe and Sister Eileen McGuigan, directress of studies then distributed the diplomas to the seniors.Theresa Patten, the valedictorian, closed the program with an address about the importance of making mistakes. "Mistakes are the inevitable consequences of going out on a limb and seeking out greatness." "Each mistake enriches you with experience that will enable you to make better judgments in the future," she said, "so don't fear mistakes, embrace them."Patten explained how two mistakes that she has made over the years have influenced her. "I attempt to control, plan and organize every minute of my life so that it will work out exactly as I think that it should," she said. "Don't bother, because it doesn't work out that way anyway." "Remember your goals and work for them, but at the same time live for the small things and you will be rewarded every day because of it."Patten admitted that her second mistake might sound odd. "For some time in my life, I thought I was smart," she said," but what I'm trying to say is that you will never be the best at anything." Patten related how after achieving first place at the state level of competition in scientific research, she qualified for the national convention in both her junior and senior year. "I will admit, I felt pretty confident," she said, "but at nationals, I met students so remarkable and intelligent, I was intimidated to say much more than hello. I allowed my confidence to disintegrate into nothing.""I still compare myself to others. It is great motivation," she said. "But, I try not to worry as much about what they are doing and instead I think confidently of what I am capable of achieving today."Sister Bernard Agnes added a few comments before the graduates were dismissed. She reminded them that they are going out into the world with God's blessing and protection. She encouraged them to remember not only the book lessons they had learned at Marian, but also the life lessons. "Enjoy life. Laugh daily, even if you have to laugh at yourself," she said. The Reverend Medve then closed with a prayer.The Marian Catholic High School members of the class of 2010 are: Carla A. Peralta, Bruce E. Balliet, Julie N. Baran, Matthew C. Baxter, Angela R. Bellezza, Taylor N. Boyce, Alexander G. Burger, Sarah B. Connely, Patrick E. Crowley, John M. Damiter, Cody M. Decker, Rebecca A. DeSantis, Dana E. Dever, Katherine C. Dodson, Ryan J. Engle, Eric J. Faust, Katherine M. Ferrello, Michele A. Fetco, Vincent A. Fital, Damian M. Gallagher, Alexander P. Garber, Christopher J. Gieniec, Thomas M. Gottstein, Kristen E. Halenar, Rebecca A. Hartz, Samantha A. Heine, Justin L. Huegel, Amberlynn A. Hunsinger, Justin J. Jacobs, Robert J. Karman, Emily K. Kennedy, Jung U. Kim, Megan R. Kistler, Joseph M. Kloap, Cassandra M. Klocek, Jacob F. Knipe, Chelsea R. Koerbler, Matthew J. Kufrovich, Michael H. Lack, Jessica M. Latham, Michael W. Legath, Patrick J. Leitzel, Christina J. Leone, Jennifer A. Linkchorst, Daniel C. Lisella, Jacob D. Lyons, Rose Marie Marchiano, Regina A. Marzen, Lauren A. McNulty, Michelle L. McNulty, Kalya A. Merchlinsky, Michael D. Mulligan, Scott M. Nietz, Jillian M. Nilsson, James M. O'Connor, Brian P. O'Donnell, Katie L. Owens, Abby E. Owsinkski, Devin L. Parambo, Theresa M. Patten, David J. Paul, Angela C. Pavalko, Jeremy J. Petrachonis, Chelsea R. Piskorick, Lauren R. Pupko, James P. Ramer, Erin C. Rehatchek, Dylan C. Rush, Corey J.C. Rutch, John T. Ryan, Emily S. Schilling, Chelsea C. Sheehan, Sarah L. Sheehan, Andrew J. Sherkness, Jr, Victoria R. Smith, Kayla M. Stanek, Michael J. Stauffer, James A. Stavinski, Megan A. Swetz, Kyle R. Thomas, Rebecca E. Thomas, Alyssa N. Tirpak, Nicholas J. Tristani, Jaclyn M. Waschko, Marina P. Webb, Matthew J. Yaich, Tyler D. Zimmerman, and Zachary J. Zubris.