On what Superintendent Emilie Lonardi called "a perfect West York Evening," nearly 200 Bulldogs gathered one last time for their graduation ceremony.

Lonardi opened the commencement with a reminder of its importance

"This is a unique moment," she said. "It has never happened before and it will never happen again."

She urged the graduates to embrace life.

"Live each unique moment of your life grateful," she said.

Valedictorian Kevin Chambers told his classmates that they have been given the tools to be successful and now it is up to them to create their own masterpieces.

Salutatorian Bethany Richardson quoted Aristotle, saying "Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity."

She spoke of a beloved teacher and a classmate, both whom died too soon. She reminded her classmates that they had found refuge in each other during times of adversity.

"We overcame these things through the love of friendships," she said.

Principal Janet May spoke of Grammy-award winning singer Adele, saying it was her will that turned her heartbreak into a multi-award winning album.

She urged the graduates to never give up.

"'The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will,'" May said, quoting Vince Lombardi. "I know you leave here with the strength and knowledge you need to succeed. May you always display the will."

Class president Kerri Hartnett closed the ceremony.

"Remember, every day is one you cannot get back," she said. "Go out into the world and make your own music, but retain some of your innocence and remember to dance to it."

West York Area Senior High School Class of 2012

Number of graduates: 194

Graduation ceremony held: June 8 in the stadium

Valedictorian: Kevin Chambers

Salutatorian: Bethany Richardson

Other speakers: Superintendent Emilie Lonardi, Principal Janet May, class president Kerri Hartnett