Determination is the key to getting ahead and achieving in life. That is according to actress and TV star Marion Ross, who spoke at the Albert Lea High School class of 2008 graduation Friday night.

“That’s the thing you have to have, no matter what it is you want to do,” Ross said.

More than 250 students — the class of 2008 — sat with rapt attention in the hot ALHS gym Friday, eager to hear what advice Ross had for them and excited to receive their diplomas.

She told of her journey from a small city in Minnesota to becoming one of America’s most beloved television mothers — Mrs. C on “Happy Days.” She told the graduates when she was 13 years old she wrote in her diary that she would become a great actress and star, and she never forgot that goal.

Ross, who attended ALHS through 10th grade, said one of the secrets to her success was her Minnesota — and specifically Albert Lea — upbringing. In Hollywood, she said she saw a lot of “Britney Spears-types” getting ahead, and she questioned her mother’s advice — that it’s what is on the inside that counts. But soon, she said, she realized her mother was right.

“I’m glad I was brought up how I was,” she said. “I owe so much of my character and how I was raised to Albert Lea.”

It was the 124th annual commencement ceremony in Albert Lea Friday. Before the ceremony, students milled around the gym and surrounding hallways talking to friends and family and capturing the once-in-a-lifetime event with pictures. When asked, most students said they were excited to graduate and move on to the next step in their lives. A few said they were sad to leave friends and teachers.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” said graduate Priscilla Berg. “But after tonight it will be like, I might not ever see these guys again.”

Graduate Meaghan Christian said she was excited, nervous and sad because Friday was the last time the whole class was together. However, she said she is ready to move on.

“Graduates, this is a very special day for you,” said Superintendent David Prescott. “One you have been waiting for and working for.”

The students graduating, according to Prescott, started their educational careers the same year he started his job as superintendent. And through the years, he said, he learned lessons right along with the students.

But the greatest thing the graduates learned in their 13 years of schooling is the ability to learn, Prescott said. It’s this ability that will take them far in their lives, no matter what they decide to do.

“Your education will continue,” the superintendent said. “It will remain a key to your future.”

While it was a night to honor and appreciate the graduates for all their success and hard work, the icing on the cake was definitely Ross attending and speaking at the ceremony.

Before commencement began, students and parents lined up next to Ross’s chair to get autographs, pictures and hugs.

“It’s so thrilling,” she said. “I can feel all the love in this room.”

Even the student address brought a little bit of Ross into the bit. To begin, graduates Ross Pirsig and Molly Sutton thanked Ross for attending then proceeded to sing and dance to the “Happy Days” theme song.

Pirsig and Sutton went on to recount the fads, fashions and memories the class of 2008 experienced. However, they did that through their own recreation of the cheerleader skit from “Saturday Night Live” featuring Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri.

The two graduates cheered, acted and danced their way across the stage entertaining fellow graduates and family members alike. Bits within their speech included the U-G-L-Y cheer, comparing elementary fun nights to the senior prom and recounting embarrassing moments of their classmates throughout the years.

“As we go on, we’ll remember all the time we had together,” Sutton said.

“Class of 2008, your talents are many and different, and as you grow let them grow with you,” Pirsig said.

The student address ended with the traditional class cheer. All graduates stood up and shouted, “0-8, 0-8, 0-0-0-8!”

And then as all 250 graduates — including five valedictorians, 30 graduates making it into the top 10 percent and 38 National Honor Society members — crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, they shook the hands of school board members, the superintendent, Teacher of the Year Mary Hinnenkamp and TV star Marion Ross.

Ross credits her accomplishments greatly to her upbringing and hometown. She said she is happy to have led her life the way she did and became someone this community can be proud of.

“I’m so glad I didn’t screw my life up,” she said.

But through it all, determination is the key, according to Ross.

“Stick with your dream,” she said, ending her speech to a standing ovation from the graduates. “Whatever it is you want to do, you can do it. I love you.”

More photos!

To see more pictures from graduation, go to AlbertLeaTribune.com and click on the Extra Tribune logo listed under multimedia at the bottom of the page.