Allegheny-Clarion Valley students line up during Friday's commencement ceremony at the high school.

FOXBURG, Clarion County — Emily Marron, coach of the University of Central Florida women's golf team, told graduating seniors at Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School to bravely face the challenges the future will hold.

The 56 members of the Class of 2018 received their diplomas during Friday's commencement exercises on the school's campus.

A 1994 A-C Valley graduate and golf team member who went on to play and graduate from Penn State University.

Marron said going from a small high school to a big university was a challenge for her as a student.

“I quickly went from a big fish in a small pond at A-C Valley to a small fish in a big pond,” she said. “Don't ever let them see you sweat. Stay calm. Stay cool.”

She challenged the graduates to exceed their own expectations.

Salutatorian Brooke Elizabeth Irwin told her classmates that completing 12 years of school from elementary school to graduation was like a long race with stress and confusion as hurdles.

“Find a support system. Surround yourself with people that support you. ... Racing is a part of life's great game. Be careful friends, to pick your race,” Irwin said.

Valedictorian Allison Elizabeth Sherman said she is proud of her classmates and told them not to forget the lessons they learned at A-C Valley.

Superintendent David McDeavitt said the school district educated and instilled pride in the graduating seniors, and prepared them to enter postsecondary education, the work force or the military.

“This class is one of the most sincere and genuine I've every worked with,” McDeavitt said.

Read more about A-C Valley's graduation in the Butler Eagle.