Aubrianna Wylie is introduced by Port Clinton High School Principal Gary Steyer to give the commencement address on Saturday. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

Port Clinton High School’s commencement address by Aubrianna Wylie began with a serious question.

“Today as we celebrate the commencement of our high school careers, a serious question is amidst. What kind of person do you want to become?” she asked.

“As children, our answers were things such as a princess, pirate, and president. But now they need a serious answer and not only about what career you want to pursue, but what kind of person you want to grow into.”

Wylie urged her classmates to “always strive for your goals and take risks, because we have a limited time on earth. Partake in the ambitious activities and make mistakes.

“Learn from every experience because this will help you identify who you are. As I look back from today, I would have never thought that I would have the courage to give a speech in front of an audience, but due to my abilities to step out of my comfort zone and gaining skills through DECA I am able to stand before you.

“The future has a multitude of opportunities for our thriving class and it’s a daunting task to determine our prospective lives. Take a moment and think about what you love and what goal you have in life. Who will remember you when you’re gone and what legacy will you leave behind?”

She quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, who once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

Now that we can confirm the tassel was worth the hassle, said Wylie, we continue to stay resilient to the challenges that lie ahead.