Edison graduates 97

MILAN TWP. — To her fellow seniors, while in front of their friends and family members, Julianna Burnham offered them a piece of advice. "Never give up," said Burnham, one of 97 graduating seniors making up Edison High School's class of 2023 "No matter what kind of change or adversity you encounter, always be working toward your own goals. We are in control of our own destinies." Burnham believes each person in her class can succeed, as she's seen firsthand how everyone has evolved so much from just four years ago. "We are completely different people than we were when we stepped through those glass doors during freshman orientation," Burnham said. "We made it through, and we are all sitting in this gymnasium on a day that we will remember and cherish for the rest of our lives. All of our hard work has paid off." Burnham represented one of several student speakers during Edison's commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon at the high school in Milan Township. Senior Alexandria Focht followed Burnham, offering two tips to her classmates as well: "to not regret anything you do in life" and "look at every moment as an opportunity." "A mistake does not define you. It can teach you some of the best lessons," Focht said. "If you see everything as a risk, you will never see the true meaning." Senior Morgan Moon thanked everyone in attendance, including Edison's faculty and staff, for their unwavering support. "This has been a journey of firsts and lasts, beginnings and ends, and we couldn't have made it this far without your love and support," Moon said. "Each and every one of us has written an incredible life story filled with firsts and lasts and hasn't let the setbacks of our unique high school experience stop us from achieving our goals," Moon said. "We have many more firsts ahead of us, so I encourage you all to take advantage of these opportunities. I hope you share in my excitement to see what the future holds for each and every one of us. Take the lessons you've learned both in the classroom and out and make your mark on the world." Senior Alli Vogus took one more trip down memory lane before wishing her classmates the best of luck. "Although I will miss the amazing staff, football Fridays, school dances, all of the endless group projects and the valuable education here at Edison High School, we are about to embark on new and exciting adventures," Vogus said. "I want to wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors and always remember: It's great to be an Edison Charger." Edison High School Class of 2023 • 97 graduates — 63% going to college — 31% entering the workforce — 6% undecided • $123,000 accepted in scholarship money