Youth from around the Mountain State were honored for their achievements Tuesday...while being reminded that their lives are just beginning.

Secretary of State Natalie Tennant was the keynote speaker for the annual Celebration of Excellence award ceremony, sponsored in part by Workforce West Virginia.

She reminded the youngsters that success often is the result of a series of mistakes and failures.

"Sometimes you have to be reminded that you don't always start out on top, and you have to work your way up," Tennant said. 'Sometimes, you have to take some falls, and it's OK to have those. We all have those, and it's good to build on those and learn from them."

Michelle Ferrebee of Clay County was honored at the event as 2009's Youth of Excellence...by the Youth Advantage organization.