Schools
Greenfield High School Class of 2012 Graduates
Valedictorian Ryan Manzuk tells class to, "Take a risk because it could lead to something amazing."
Valedictorian Ryan Manzuk instructed his fellow graduates to be individuals who lead rather than follow during Greenfield High School's graduation ceremony Saturday at the school.
"Follow your heart and intuition because somehow they already know who you want to become," said Manzuk, who will attend the University of Chicago and study molecular engineering.
"There's no time to be caught up in other's opinions … what matters most is what you believe in and everything else is secondary."
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During his brief remarks, Manzuk emboldened his fellow graduates to follow their own paths and their dreams.
"Take a risk because it could lead to something amazing," he said.
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Small pockets of the crowd erupted with cheers and claps with each name called. The reaction became more energized as each graduate crossed the stage and shook hands with district officials.
"I was nervous and happy and excited and it was crazy," said Jennifer Fetter, who is headed to University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to study education.
"It's very cool. I'm very proud of her, she's a good kid," her father Martin said after the ceremony in the cafeteria, where graduates received their diplomas and took pictures with friends and family.
Parents soaked in the moment as some dabbed the corner of their eyes when their son or daughter crossed the stage or when they hugged their graduate after the ceremony.
"He's my first child to graduate … so …," said Christel Hamilton as her voice diminished and her eyes filled with tears. "It's just means a whole lot. A lot of kids don't get to graduate, but he graduated and he's doing positive things."
"It means he stands a chance out here in the world to make something better for himself," added Hamilton, the mother of Tavarus Hart, who will attend MATC and study welding.
"It's the greatest day of my life," said Hart still wearing his forest green gown as he huddled with a mass of family and friends.
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