MARK WAITE / PVT The Class of 2007 enters the Pahrump Valley High School football stadium for graduation exercises Thursday. The class had 183 graduates. In the Friday Times, a picture page of ceremonies both at PVHS and Beatty High will be published. Advertisement

Members of the Pahrump Valley High School class of 2007 were told graduation was just the beginning, not the end, during commencement exercises Thursday night.

The 183 graduates is down slightly from the 192 who received diplomas at Pahrump Valley High last year.

Nye County School Superintendent Rob Roberts, in his brief remarks, had only three simple words they needed to remember: "Get a job!"

His recommendation to the class: "Actions, not words. When you leave here it's what you do, not what you say."

While students reached graduation with the help of people like relatives, teachers, school bus drivers, administrators, assistant superintendents and others, now it's time for students to carry on themselves, Roberts said.

"Be kind to one another, be good citizens and we'll have done our job," Roberts said.

Salutatorian Kristin Cathcart said graduation is the day when their life really begins. Instead of worrying about movies to attend, they will be worrying about more serious things, like paying the bills each month. She expressed confidence knowing the graduates, they will go on to be the best they can.

Valedictorian Reynaldo Veloz said the class of 2007 has had many unforgettable experiences together, dating back to the eighth grade championship football team.

"Don't lose sight of your goals. Always go after what you truly want. I hope everyone tonight will remember to enjoy life," Veloz said. He added, "The greater things in life don't have monetary value."

The keynote speaker, wrestling coach Craig Rieger, who was chosen by the students to speak, quoted from Rocky Balboa, the famous boxer played by actor Sylvester Stallone.

"It doesn't matter how hard you can hit, but how hard you can hit it and keep going. That means persevere, work hard, get up and get after life. No one's going to hand you anything, you're going to have to earn it," Rieger said.

Rieger grabbed another quote: "Live life like there is no tomorrow.

"Now it's time to go out in the world and compete. Run over the competition. Work hard and be successful," he said.