After telling students to remember that the people who make the greatest difference in their lives are the ones who them the most, Washington Park High School Principal Dan Thielen also told them to not be afraid of failure.

“You have the courage to persevere to get through roadblocks,” he said. “Learn from your setbacks so you succeed.”

Salutatorian Tricia Gustin said now that one of the biggest journeys of their lives has come to an end, she wanted her classmates to remember how they got there.

“Thank you to all of you who supported me always,” she said. “I encourage my fellow

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