Jamestown High School seniors were urged to be the best version of themselves at Friday evening's graduation ceremony.
Valerianna Gentzsch called to mind the class' symbol of the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) during her valedictorian speech. "Be the best you you can be," she said. "We will bring, doctors, nurses, teachers, politicians, engineers and armed forces personnel into the world."
Superintendent Gretchen Guitard recognized present and former board of education members, teachers, senior sponsors and armed service members for helping to prepare the seniors for the next phase of life and make the ceremony possible.
The 20 Jamestown graduates amassed more than $165,000 in scholarships. Twelve graduates plan to attend college, two will join the armed forces and five intend to enter the workforce.
Ten seniors are members of the National Honor Society. Principal Matt McDannold said these students demonstrated citizenship, service, character and leadership.
Salutatorian Cara Scheperle sang "Thank God for Hometowns," by Carrie Underwood, before going down memory lane with each of her classmates.
"Everyone has their own unique memories, and I can only speak on behalf of my own, but these precious memories will always be with us," she said.