'Affect those around you for the better'

Milton High's 2017 graduates enter the field. [AARON LITTLE | Press Gazette]

MILTON — Friends and family filled the Milton High School stadium, spilling into the away side, to support their 2017 graduating seniors.

The Milton High Class of 2017 had 374 graduating seniors and earned roughly $4 million in scholarships and financial aid to continue their education.

Here are more facts about the graduates:

  • The class motto is "Behind us are memories. Beside us are friends. Before us are dreams that will never end," by an unknown author.

  • The class colors are black and gold.

  • The class flower is the white rose.

  • The class song is Phil Collins' "I'm on my way." 

The valedictorian was Rachel Nation and salutatorian was Josiah Pool.

“I believe luck is a concept invented by the weak to explain their failures," Pool said, quoting Ron Swanson of TV's “Parks and Recreation,” and encouraged his fellow graduates to be willing to accept failure.

“Many of you will come in second, like me," he said. 

Nation recalled the class’ friend and family losses and successes, thanked teachers and other supporters, and encouraged her fellow graduates to make a positive world impact.

“Time is a precious gift that always seems to run out too quickly, so make sure you use yours wisely and affect those around you for the better," she said. 

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'Affect those around you for the better'