The white mortar boards at Moniteau High School's graduation on Wednesday night provided a glimpse of the individuality and creativity within the Class of 2017. Words, flowers, sequins and glitter on the caps caught the light in the school auditorium as 117 students received their diplomas.

Graduate Nicholas Abbott went a step further. When he accepted his diploma from Sean Arney, district superintendent, he was wearing his prom king crown one more time.

“I glued my cap to it,” Nicholas said. “I'm a jokester. I like to have fun.”

His next assignment will have different headgear. He's off to the U.S. Marine Corps for basic training at Parris Island, S.C.

“I leave Sunday,” Nicholas said. “My brother is in the National Guard and I had to one up him.”

He was impressed by military benefits and hopes his experience in the Marines will lead to a career in law enforcement.

Rachel Fullerton was inspired by her dentist to sign up for six years in the U.S. Air Force. She also has friends and family members in the military. She'll head to San Antonio in July.

Rachel plans to complete a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry while in the service and then go to dental school.

MaKayla King also plans to be a health professional. She will study nursing at Edinboro University.

“My mom is a nurse. I've always liked helping,” she said.

MaKayla is active in 4-H and shows livestock and gives her vocational agriculture teacher credit for helping her prepare for the transition to college.

“Being in agriculture, Mr. (Bryan) Dean has prepared us a lot for life,” she said.

At their 10th class reunion, MaKayla and fellow graduate Michael Williams want to be able to say they are successful.

Both have taken advantage of FFA training for leadership, personal growth and career success. They had the opportunity to give demonstration speeches with FFA while at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

“My family owns a business,” Michael said. “I'm already working there.”

He plans to study business management at Butler County Community College.

About Michael, Moniteau guidance counselor Wade Vogan said, “You need something done in school, he's the guy.”

Brisco O'Donnell also will study business management.

“The whole world is a business,” he said. “You can specialize in anything.”

Brisco will study at Grove City College and was attracted to its small size and Christian atmosphere.

In 10 years, he wants to be able to say, “I've accomplished my goals and I never gave up and I'm still the same person.”

Lance Fox, high school principal, said, “This is a very strong academic class.”

Sixty percent of this year's graduates will continue their education.

“This is a very diverse group of students, in terms of their educational interests,” said Aubrie Schnelle, assistant principal. “There are 15 students going into the military from this class.

“A lot of students are planning to become engineers. This is the highest number of students we have ever had attending college their senior year of high school. We also have our highest AP enrollments this year.”

Levi Fleeger, valedictorian and class president, will study for a medical degree in biochemical psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. He encouraged fellow class members to expand and improve on the lives they have now and to expand their perspectives.

“We must discover our true selves,” Levi said. “We must believe in ourselves wholeheartedly.”

Alexandra McMurray, salutatorian, will study psychology at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. She hopes to study for a master's degree to become a licensed Christian youth and family counselor.

“Don't wish your lives away,” Alexandra said to her classmates. “Take the time to enjoy where you are.”

Alexandra and Levi shared advice from past graduates who responded to a Facebook post. For example, they said to explore, experience and chase after dreams.

Gabriella Stewart will do just that. Her participation in BotsIQ, a gladiator-style robot competition for schools in Southwestern Pennsylvania, influenced her decision to study mechanical engineering. Uber Advanced Technologies Group has already accepted her for an internship that will begin after her sophomore year of college.

Gabriella will study at Marshall University in West Virginia and play varsity softball during her freshman year. She found out about the school while at a tournament and later received a softball scholarship.

Imagining the 10th class reunion, Gabriella wants to say she's a head engineer.

Talking with her classmates then could be a surprise. She said, “It's going to be a shock to see where some people go.”

Sean Morrow, 11th grade history teacher and commencement speaker, said, “Participation awards have an expiration date. Now you're expected to perform.”

He reminded them that plans don't always work out.

“When that door closes in front of you, climb through the window,” Morrow said.

Arney urged the graduates to define themselves by character and integrity rather than by possessions, degrees and awards. He encouraged them to set goals, make memories, have fun and make positive choices.

Arney's parting words were from a song by country singer Garth Brooks.

“Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tide,” he said.