SPRING MILLS — Penns Valley High School held its annual commencement on Friday, June 3, at the school stadium. A large crowd of families and friends watched and cheered as 84 members of the Class of 2016 received their diplomas in the district’s traditional graduation ceremony. The class is one of the smallest in the school’s history.
The ceremony began with the class members processing onto the athletic field to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the high school band. Each member carried a carnation and placed it in a vase in memory of class member Nick Castellano, who was tragically killed in a car crash last June.
Class of 2016 President Keith Griffith welcomed everyone to the ceremony, and honored Castellano. “He was a dear friend to all members of this class, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who would speak negatively about him or his actions,” he said.
Griffith urged his fellow class members to take time to remember the positive experiences they had at Penns Valley. “We should be grateful for all of the opportunities we were given while at Penns Valley,” he said.
Griffith’s father, District Superintendent Brian Griffith, addressed the class, praising them for their high level of extracurricular activities. “Seventy-one percent of them participated in some form of student activities in the school,” he said. “Participation in these activities has promoted their development, and hopefully, enriched their high school experience.” Griffith lauded and expressed his pride in the students’ academic performance
“The Penns Valley class of 2016 is ranked 34th out of 684 high schools from across Pennsylvania,” he said, bringing much applause from the packed stadium. He stressed the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in careers. “I’ve come to realize that those with a positive attitude are the most successful,” he said. “I encourage you to approach all aspects of life with an attitude of gratitude.”
Following a Penns Valley tradition, members of the Class of 1966 were present on the field. Griffith introduced a member of that class, Dennis Bressler, who then addressed the class of 2016.
“Cherish these years, and the years forward,” said Bressler. “Before you can blink your eyes, you’re going to be here doing this 50 years from now.” He urged the grads to keep in touch with their high school friends as they move forward through their lives. He told of being drafted into the Army in 1968, and serving a one-year tour in Vietnam.
“I can tell you, without friends back home, friends that I made in the service, my wife Vickie, and my family, I’m not sure if I would have made it through that time,” he said. He urged the grads to attend their class reunions, and to cherish their high school friendships and experiences. “Enjoy this special day, never forget this night or your school years. You will always be Penns Valley blue and white,” he said.
High School Principal Dustin Dalton spoke next, citing a quote that said, “Life is an open door, and all you have to do is walk through it.”
“I’m not sure I agree with that statement. Life might be a door, but it isn’t always open. Sometimes it’s locked, dead-bolted, and even chained, and sometimes it isn’t a door, it’s a wall,” said Dalton. “What you now have is the key to your first door. Never let the door to success stay locked,” he added.
The Class of 2016’s three valedictorians, Destiny Andrus, Keith Griffith, and Margaret Dunkleberger each spoke in turn, sharing humorous school experiences, and encouraging their fellow class members to face life with determination, and without fear.
Following the remarks, diplomas were presented to the graduates by teachers Christine Suhey and Jacqui Wagner. The new graduates recessed to the south side of the field and tossed their caps in the air in celebration, as families and friends poured onto the field for a time of congratulations, hugs, handshakes and photos.
