Greenfield Graduates Told To Have Fun, Thank Those Who Supported Them

Daniel Schaff and his mother Peggy made a promise to his dying father when he was 10 years old. 

"I'm elated. He made a promise to father that education was going to be number one," said Peggy, who open-enrolled her son when he was in fourth grade.  

Daniel fulfilled his promise Wednesday night during . 

"It's good. It hasn't really set in yet," said Daniel, who plans to study business at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. "It was exciting." 

Daniel was one of about 290 students who received their diploma during the commencement ceremony held in the packed gymnasium. 

During the hour-long event, valedictorian Mathew Trapp told his classmates to go skydiving and travel the world, to go scuba diving and backpack throughout Europe.

"Do things that you can look back on and you can be proud of," Trapp said. "Most importantly, have fun doing things that you have always wanted to do and don't let anyone stop you." 

Trapp, who will study biology and psychology at the University of Wisconsin, hopes to become a neurosurgeon. 

"As it came closer to graduation, the feeling of accomplishment kept sinking in. During the past week, I couldn't contain it. I've been all excited, jumping around, screaming," he said after the ceremony.  "I have worked really hard for it."

Salutatorian Miguel Sotelo, who will be studying biomedical engineering at Marquette University, instructed his green gown- and cap-cladded classmates to thank those that supported them throughout their education. 

"The cap and gown is a symbol of our victory and our memories of our education, and it is a symbol of the promises that the class of 2011 will bring," he said during his speech.

After the ceremony, Miguel's father beamed in the cafeteria. 

"We motivate him. We have explained to him what he would have to do to get what he wants since he was a little kid," said the elder Miguel Sotelo. "I am very proud of him."