Lakewood Ranch High School grads urged to embrace risk
Sierra Camuto said never be afraid to fail.
Halen Rath called mistakes a beautiful thing.
And Jessica Zelitt reminded students they are the only ones who call the shots in their life.
The three student speakers at the Lakewood Ranch High School Class of 2016 delivered a consistent message to the assembled graduates Wednesday at the Bradenton Area Convention Center: Learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to make them.
“Be true to yourself and never, ever, ever be afraid to fail,” Camuto said.
Rath said mistakes take students forward more than successes. Anyone can smile at an easy success. Overcoming a mistake leads to a greater lesson.
“Use your mistakes to create your successes,” Rath said.
She added: “The only thing you can control is whether you’re going to let it build you up or break you down.”
Zelitt, a leukemia survivor, said she learned early on she’s the only one who calls the shots in her life. She said, it’s a message fellow graduates needed to hear, too.
“I can’t wait to see what you come up with,” she said.
Lakewood Ranch High School
Graduates: 498
Graduating class: 16th
Speakers: Seniors Sierra Camuto, Halen Rath, Jessica Zelitt.
Shining moment: The Lakewood Ranch choir performed “I Lived” by One Republic, which was the Class of 2016’s chosen song.
Interesting fact: Chloe Gingerich, Carly Patterson and Kailyn Scully were named “Lakewood Legends,” a special award honoring graduating seniors who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, citizenship and community service.
Best quote: “We owe it to ourselves to take the time to rebuild,” said Zelitt.
This story was originally published June 1, 2016 at 8:19 PM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch High School grads urged to embrace risk."