“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood, and looked down one as far as I could …”

Wednesday night proved to be the end of one path and the beginning of many new, yet untraveled ones as 76 Panther Valley High School students walked across the high school stage one last time to accept their diplomas and end a chapter of their lives during the 52nd commencement ceremony of the school.Nathan Miller, valedictorian of the Panther Valley High School Class of 2016, urged his friends and fellow graduates to take “The Road Not Taken” as they begin the next chapter in their journey.“You are now free from this place and free to begin your life,” he said. “Free to choose which path you will take in life. Some of you may go to college, some of you will enlist and some have other plans. No matter which way you decide to go, make the most of it. Be the best version of you that you could be. … Give your best effort and do something with your lives. Do not waste it, because you only have one life and you never know when it could end.”Miller congratulated his class and recognized the families, especially his mom and dad, who helped the students make it to this point.Kelsey Van Horn, who was both class president and salutatorian, also addressed her class and the families in attendance.“Yes, high school is a very precious time in our lives where we learned many life lessons; however, there is so much more ahead of us,” she said. “Each choice we make from this evening will affect our lives greatly. It is our time now to show the world what we have to offer.”Van Horn spoke about the struggles the class endured, the mistakes some made and the crazy journey that brought them to this point.She then asked that her classmates do three things as they leave the halls of Panther Valley for the last time: Surround yourself with supportive people, take every opportunity that is offered and dare to be great.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 Van Horn passed the school colors to 2017 class President Chloe Markovich.School Board President Anthony DeMarco 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.“… Two roads diverged in a wood and I, I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.” — Robert Frost