Students received their diplomas at the school's commencement ceremony on Wednesday.
CARTERET -- Carteret High School seniors heard inspiring yet sobering messages from their own at their 2016 graduation ceremony Wednesday night held at the high school's football stadium.
"The world is cruel and unforgiving, but that does not mean you shouldn't strive to make it a better place," said senior Sophia Frank, the Class of 2016 valedictorian. "All of you before me, this very class, are capable of excellence. But success isn't going to be thrust upon you. You are going to need to work hard, and work hard every day."
Frank also told her class not to be afraid to make mistakes.
"Own your mistakes," she said, "and learn from them. Failure is not the end -- it is learning that enhances our futures."
Similar truths were spoken by the Class salutatorian, Usman Toor, who said life was "not a joyride."
"Life can be harsh, and it will continue to be harsh at times," he said. "Sometimes anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Life can be seen as a bully, but anyone can rise above that. I know all of us have that power to do so."
But David Salvatore, principal of Carteret High School, emphasized to his seniors to soak life in, and appreciate the people in their lives.
"Sometimes life does seem to go by in a flash," Salvatore said. "Take time to slow it down, take time to thank people in your lives that you need to thank."
Loud cheers were heard from friends and family in the stands as the reading of the names began, and students lined up to receive their diplomas.
Flip through our photos of Wednesday's commencement ceremony above, and be sure to check out our complete graduation coverage at nj.com/graduation.
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