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 began coaching as an assistant at Penn State before becoming the coach at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for nine years. In 2012, she became coach of the University of Central Florida women’s golf team.

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.

“Set out to prove to yourself, you can be more than you thought you could be,” Marron said.

She also told the seniors not to back down from the many struggles they will face.

“Challenge yourself to find out what your strengths are ... Don’t be afraid. Take chances. Be brave,” Marron said. “I hope you see things that you have never seen before.”

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.

“The last four years of high school have been the most important,” Irwin said. “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.”

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.

“What I am most proud of is the talented, unique people we have become. No matter what you do, never forget where you came from,” Sherman said. “Remember the lessons you learned here to better yourself and those around you.”

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.