“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!”

—From “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” by Dr. Seuss

The Seneca Valley Class of 2012 said goodbye to their high school years Friday with a ceremony at NexTier Stadium.

This year’s valedictorian was Matthew Smith. Cara Lucas was salutatorian and Brandon Nicklas was the no. 3-ranked student in the class. 

"It's been the day I've been waiting for the last four years," said Smith, who will head to Georgetown University in the fall. 

All three seniors spoke to the crowd during the commencement program. They were joined by Bria Davis, who auditioned against 11 other graduating seniors to earn to right to speak at commencement.

With a play on Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go, Davis spoke in rhyme as she addressed her classmates.

“We’ve all been through a lot and we’ll go through much more, for in life you don’t know just what is in store, or the places you’ll go, or the people you’ll meet, or the directions you’ll take when you’re moving you’re feet,” she said.

Dr. Tracy Vitale, who is finishing up her first year as superintendent, also offered words of wisdom from lessons she said she learned in her first year on the job. Among them were to be kind, to think big picture and to accept the fact you will make mistakes.

“No one person is ever perfect,” she said. “Striving for perfection is what it’s about. Being open and honest—and humble—about your mistakes is what not only builds your character, but also garners respect from those around you.”

Now, Cranberry Patch has uploaded video and photos of the commencement ceremony, but we also want you to upload your own graduation photos. Click on the “Upload Photo” tabs at the top and the bottom of the story to share your memories.

Congratulations, Class of 2012!