Take risks, but don't go overboard.

Macy Hipp gave those instructions while telling her fellow York School of Technology graduates to use the lessons they've learned in high school to start their new lives.

Macy gave out several pearls of wisdom during the school's graduation ceremony at the Toyota Arena at the York Expo Center in West Manchester Township.

She also told the exiting students that taking risks means coming out of one's comfort zone in meeting and working with new people.

"God doesn't always give you the people you want," Macy said. "He gives you the people you need."

More than 1,000 people watched 297 York School of Technology students receive their high school diplomas. Though the audience was told to remain seated and quiet while diplomas were being given out, parents screamed, clapped, stood and took photos when their children's names were called.

One student even gave school administrative director David Thomas a bear hug and then did a little dance after getting his diploma.

Before receiving their diplomas, students also heard from Alisha Elliot who encouraged her fellow graduates not to forget about their high school friendships as they develop new relationships in the future.

Alisha also told them to remember the lessons on work ethics and professional attitudes they've learned at the York County School of Technology.

Thomas told the students that the time has come for them to move on to their new beginnings.

"You will face many challenges and many opportunities," he said. "Work hard to achieve (your) goals and hustle out there."

York County School of Technology Class of 2012 Number of graduates: 297

Graduation ceremony held: June 7 at the Toyota Arena at the York Expo Center

Valedictorian: Rachel Kohlway

Salutatorian: Marisa Madsen

Other speakers: Graduates Alisha Elliot, Macy Hipp, Emily Marquadt, administrative director David Thomas, and M. Ann Rinker, chairwoman of the school's joint operating committee.

-Reach Eyana Adah McMillan at emcmillan@yorkdispatch.com.