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Elkhorn graduates celebrate the beginning of their journey

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Elkhorn Area High School graduation 2010

The Elkhorn Area High School class of 2010 graduated June 10, 2010.

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ELKHORN — Seeking inspiration to share wise thoughts with his classmates, graduate Eduardo Castro turned to the greats.

“I began my search for knowledge where any journey of discovery begins: Wikipedia,” Castro told a packed gymnasium at Elkhorn Area High School’s graduation Thursday.

“I immersed myself in Emerson, researched Faulkner and even looked up Miley Cyrus lyrics.”

But instead of looking to others, the class valedictorian realized he could find inspiration from the wisdom he gained at Elkhorn Area High School.

In athletics, Castro learned the importance of perseverance and hard work.

Clubs taught him how to work with others, realizing when it’s time to lead and when it’s time to let others take the wheel.

Through academics, he learned how to swallow his pride and not be afraid to seek help.

And from the school staff, Castro learned how being a great person and putting others before oneself can inspire people to do the same.

“There are no risks too big, no ambitions too lofty and no desires that are unattainable,” Castro said.

Looking at her classmates, salutatorian Danielle Beierle said she had complete confidence they were ready to face life’s many crossroads and pass through them with unique bravery, even if they got lost or stumbled along the way.

“We are standing at the threshold of childhood and adulthood, and even though it looks scary, we must pass through it,” she said.

A group of seniors walked up to the stage, and led by Samantha Ackerman, sang “Forever Young.”

At one point during the song, graduate Denay Kleyn smiled more widely than most. Later she revealed a fellow classmate had accidentally elbowed her and she almost fell. Kleyn recovered quickly.

“Live life to its fullest,” she said later when prompted to give a message to her fellow graduates. “You’ve only got a short time here, so just live it up.”

Sitting yards from the choir, family members bounced on the edge of their seats, trying to get a glimpse of graduate Michelle Gottschalk.

They had spent most of commencement talking about her, proud of her graduation accomplishment.

The graduate was equally excited to be finally done with high school.

“It’s been an exciting journey,” Gottschalk said. “We will remember this forever.”