Nearly 300 Centre County students donned the cap and gown in recent weeks to celebrate the end of their high school days with commencement services. By June 10, that number will balloon to more than 1,000 as three more schools are set to hold services this week, including Bellefonte (June 7), Philipsburg-Osceola (June 9) and State College (June 10.)
On May 20, at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center, 19 seniors graduated from Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy. The guest speaker for the event was the Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., president, Saint Francis University. The first address was given by Audrey Thomas, followed by the second address, offered by Anna Henderson.
Penns Valley High School graduated 115 seniors at the school’s football stadium on June 2.
Class of 2017 President Colton Wenrick welcomed everyone to the ceremony, then Penns Valley District Superintendent Dr. Brian Griffith addressed the class members. Griffith expressed his confidence in the class’s ability to succeed in life, and wished them the best that life has to offer.
High school principal Dustin Dalton spoke to the class, urging them to not be afraid of failure. “Greatness comes by being willing to fail,” he said. “Failure is just an opportunity to begin again.” He cited failures endured by people such as Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Walt Disney and Thomas Edison before achieving their great successes.
The class of 2017’s six valedictorians — Alexis Fiedler, Martha Dunkleberger, Peyton Bell, Virginia Stattel, Aubrey Feinour and David Krum — each spoke in turn, sharing memorable experiences of their time at Penns Valley High School.
Following their remarks, diplomas were presented to the graduates by teacher Megan Hull.
Centre County Christian Academy also held commencement services on June 2.
The event was held at First Baptist Church in Bellefonte. There were eight graduating seniors at the commencement.
Michael Hoffman was the guest speaker at the event. Sarah Cahill was the class valedictorian and Shigi Deng was the salutatorian.
Bald Eagle Area’s commencement ceremony was held on the morning of June 3 at the school’s football stadium. A total of 140 students graduated in the Class of 2017.
Senior Class President Madelynn Holderman offered the welcome, which was followed by remarks from valedictorian Karissa Bittinger and salutatorian Phoebe McClincy. Superintendent Jeffrey D. Miles then offered comments.
The Bellefonte Class of 2017 was scheduled to graduate 197 seniors at commencement services at Rogers Stadium on June 7. Philipsburg-Osceola will graduate 100 students at services scheduled for Friday, June 9. There are 551 graduating seniors in the State College Area High School Class of 2017, which will hold ceremonies at the Bryce-Jordan Center on Saturday, June 10.
