JEFFERSON TWP — The 240 members of the Knoch High School Class of 2013 were cheerful Friday as they mingled before commencement, even as they saw adulthood looming.

Perhaps that good humor was the source of the class motto. “2013: Because the World Didn't End in 2012.”

“I'm excited but I'm nervous because I'm going to be considered an adult now,” said Vanisha Purohit, 17, who plans to attend La Roche College in Pittsburgh.

Purohit's parents told her she'll be held to a higher standard of accountability now, she said.

Travis Fogel, 18, of Butler, had a similar discussion with his parents.

“I've been given more responsibilities now,” he said. “My parents have told me it's time to grow up.”

Fogel will spend the summer working before he enrolls at Penn State in University Park.

“Today's my birthday,” said Carlee Hickey, 18, of Saxonburg, who will attend Butler County Community College. “I feel like I need to be more responsible now. I want to be responsible for myself.”

Knoch's prom king, Stephen Eagal, 18, of Butler, said he's accepted a job as a welder and starts work in a week or so.

“I'll feel like an adult when I start working five days a week,” he said.

Other students, such as Jhoey DeWalt, 17, of Sarver, Sarah Roudybush, 18, of Saxonburg, and Skylar Roth, 18, of Butler, said feelings of adulthood hadn't really hit them yet.

“I don't feel like an adult yet,” said Roth, 18, who medaled at the WPIALs in swimming this year.

Roth heads to Penn State Erie, The Behrend College in August after working and “relaxing” over the summer.

DeWalt called graduation “bittersweet.” She and Roudybush both will attend BC3, as will Corey Beacom, 18, of Butler, and Eric Cook, 18, of Butler.

Ellen Balkey, 18, of Butler, will enroll at Penn State's University Park campus.

“I've matured, but I'm not ready to be on my own yet,” she said.

Taylor Baptiste, 18, of Butler, is straddling adulthood and youth. She's getting ready to attend BC3, but she still enjoys playing with her four younger siblings, she said.

Sporting green hair, Jacob Baney, 17, of Butler, said graduation has nothing to do with adulthood.

“No, I'm not an adult,” he said. “Graduation doesn't really mean adulthood. ... Adulthood depends on maturity.”

Baney will attend the Pittsburgh Technical Institute.

Class secretary Tena Pettit agreed.

“I feel like I'm closing a chapter of being an adolescent and moving into becoming a young adult,” she said.

Pettit will enroll at Penn State's University Park campus.

Some students, like Matt Miller, 18, of Saxonburg, may have to grow up more quickly than others.

Miller is enlisted in the Army National Guard and heads to basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., July 16.