After the wettest spring anyone can remember the staff, faculty and 424 graduating seniors were all pleasantly surprised by the pleasant weather that graced the graduation ceremony Friday evening.

"Just look at the beautiful sky and that incredible sunset," said retiring Principal John Gress."I always love to see the sunset on graduation."It was appropriate seeing as this year marks Gress' 41st year with the district and the beginning of a new chapter in his life.Rows and rows of graduates were decked out in their blue and their white caps and gowns and each wearing a white carnation with touches of blue on them. Many wore medals, sashes, cords and pins that they earned through their hard work and dedication throughout their high school years.Salutatorian Seth Slavin was the first speaker of the evening and a hard act to follow.His theme was two simple words: thank you.Slavin described the phrase as a "simple infinitive."But to Slavin the two words mean a lot.Slavin spoke of recently having met NFL All-Pro running back, Brian Westbrook of the Philadelphia Eagles and credits Westbrook with giving him advice that he has "burned" into his memory."He told me that if anyone ever wants to be someone who changes the world, then the first step is challenging oneself to become dedicated to helping others," Slavin said."His second, most stressed, piece of advice was that in life, you can never really say thank you enough."We have now the tools to move rocks, so together let's move mountains," he concluded.Valedictorian Joseph O'Connor took a personal look at the years leading up to this night and the memories of school days."Pleasant Valley is inseparable from our past, and thus it has become a part of who we are."Following O'Connor's speech Gress took a few moments to address those present and to present the class of 2017 to Superintendent Carole Geary.Gress joked about his pending graduation into retirement during his remarks. But what Gress didn't realize was that the students had a few surprises for him as well.Senior Class President Natalia Salmon presented Gress and retiring district superintendent Geary with their own diplomas and medals.Gress, who found out Thursday evening that the hall outside the new auditorium was being named in his honor. He was also taken by surprise when he was informed by officers of the National Honor Society that the Pleasant Valley Chapter was being renamed the John Gress Chapter of the National Honor Society.Gress shed a few tears and expressed his gratitude. He reminded graduates to make sure they take the time to thank those who are important in their lives.Geary, who is also overseeing her final graduating class at Pleasant Valley, quoted a Tim McGraw song: "The verse begins, 'Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie. I know you've got mountains to climb but always stay humble and kind."Geary added, "As you are starting out on this new journey you will have challenges ahead. Sometimes they will feel like mountains."Even through those struggles, treat people with respect, treat people as you want to be treated."The song goes on to tell the listener to be proud when their dreams come true, but to still stay humble and kind."If your time here at PV is any indication of what the future will hold," Geary concluded. "I can confidently say the future looks very bright."