Sue Buttram, guest speaker for McDonald County High School's graduation of the class of 2017 from, told the 254 graduates there are three keys for happiness in life -- find love, work hard and have faith.

Graduation and baccalaureate ceremonies were held May 13 at the MCHS football stadium.

"You are going to be making some big decisions in the next few months and years that are going to affect your life," Buttram told the graduates. "As a mom, I just want my kids to be happy. It doesn't matter if you have the biggest house or the biggest bank account if you are not happy. I just want you to strive for happiness."

Buttram said she was very happy in her life and that she feels blessed. She said there are three keys for her happiness.

"First of all, it might sound a little crazy at a commencement speech, but find love," Buttram said. "Find that person you will have lifelong happiness with. That may sound kind of silly to you, but you are going to change jobs, houses and communities probably several times during your life. The biggest decision is choosing that mate that will be there every day for the remainder of your life.

"Number two -- work," Buttram said. "Be a productive member of society - be a giver not a taker. This is going to help you in many ways. You will gain independence, have some self-pride and a sense of accomplishment.

"Lastly is to have faith," Buttram said. "For me that is my faith in God. For others it is faith in humanity or seeing the good in others. It is seeing life as a cup half full instead of half empty. You know what, life is just not about us. We have become pretty selfish. It's about having faith and helping others. If you keep these daily priorities of having faith and working hard, you will find happiness."

Buttram is a 1983 graduate from McDonald County. She served as a teacher, coach and administrator for 29 years after attending NEO and Florida Atlantic where she played basketball.

Prior to Buttram's address, Greg Leach introduced the top 10 students of the class of 2017, including valedictorian Kylee Shields and salutatorian Cameryn Taylor. Others in the top 10 are Truman Craig, Hanna Schmit, Mary Smith, Bailey Rickett, Abby Bishop, Lauren Goff, Carlie Dill and Caitlynn Sedillos.

Taylor said public speaking wasn't her speciality, but that she excelled in math. So she used the Pythagorean theorem to outline her address.

"I am not much for giving speeches, Taylor said. "Math is my forte. What I have discovered in my 13 years of school is that everyone has problems. If you truly want to solve them plug them into an equation. Today we will view our time in high school through one of my favorite equations -- the Pythagorean theorem which states A2+B2=C2.

"So let's start plugging some variables in. 'A' will represent the people who stood behind you through this journey whether this is friends, family, teachers or administrators. 'B' symbolizes the will power and personal determination in order to succeed. Finally, we have solved our equation. Our goal, 'C', is to gain success."

Shields also spoke on what it takes to be successful.

"Our teachers have done their very best preparing us for what comes next in each of our lives," Shields said. "But it is up to us to take what they have taught us and to use it to help find success. However, to be successful takes more than what we have been taught by our teachers.

"One major factor of success cannot be learned from textbooks or Wikipedia and that is having good character. To have good character is more than being nice to those around you or having the knowledge between right and wrong. It is making sure you show up to work on time and work hard to deserve your pay. It is calling your parents occasionally and asking them how they are doing because you know they miss you.

"Another factor of success stems from having good character and that is dedication. Dedication is something everyone has when they initially start something new in their lives, but it is extremely hard to keep. Any goal in your life you will face challenges causing you to slack off and lose some of your dedication to your goal. The best way to keep this from happening is focus on your goal and anytime you feel like it may not be attainable, create a mindset that gives you success."

Prior to commencement ceremonies, baccalaureate services were held.

Jason Dill served as guest speaker.

"I really feel like God gave me a message for you all," Dill said. "You have some big decisions to make. I am convinced in my life the best decisions I made had three things in common about them. I knew God loved me. I knew He was faithful and I knew He would reward me for being faithful."

Dr. Mark Stanton, superintendent, addressed the graduates prior to commencement.

"At times life will be tough and when it is, work hard, persevere and I promise you will be rewarded" Stanton said. "My hope for each of you is that you follow your heart and your dreams. Be your best, smile and laugh along the way and remember, you will always be a Mustang. Congratulations and we are all proud of you."

Leach told the class that they would always be special to him because they came in as freshmen which was his first year of being principal.

"It has been fun," Leach said. "During the first three years you were in high school on our annual performance report looks like this: in 2014 you guys scored 97 percent. In 2015 you guys scored 94 percent and in 2016, 95 percent. The 2017 results aren't in yet, but that is pretty much straight A's, so good job."